What is the difference between formal and informal speech?
Formal writing is used for essays, reports and business letters. It has a more serious tone and is clear and direct.
Formal writing uses correct grammar and punctuation, a more complex sentence structure and specific vocabulary relating to the topic.
Gorillas, despite their large stature and remarkably sharp canine teeth, are strictly vegetarian.
Informal writing: diary, text message, writing to friends.
Informal writing is more casual as if we were speaking to a friend.
It uses more contractions and abbreviations (it’s instead of it is, I’d instead of I would). Slang, abbreviated language like LOL or ASAP, and clichés (e.g. raining cats and dogs) are also common.
Man, did you see those teeth on that gorilla? I bet he could shred ya to pieces.
When writing letters and emails we can use either a formal or informal style depending on who the letter is being addressed to.
For the next set of questions, you will be asked to state whether a sentence is formal or informal.
Example:
True or False. The sentence below is formal.
What is everyone looking at? I can't see nothing!
The answer is false. The sentence is informal and is grammatically incorrect.
