Formal, Informal, and Nonstandard

One difference between these two is the audience.

Informal language is often used with people you know. For example, you would likely be informal with your family, friends, classmates, coworkers, and even acquaintances.

Formal language is used with people you do not know or with people in authority over you. For instance, you would likely use formal language with your boss, strangers, people who hold prestigious titles (ex: the President, the school principal).

If you are ever unsure about which style you should follow, just ask your teacher!

Nonstandard English is language we use that not everyone would know. While sometimes this is incorrect grammar, it is not always wrong - just different! Many nonstandard words and phrases are also informal English.

Example:

In Southern English, some regions use the word "ain't" instead of "isn't". In formal writing, it would not be acceptable to use "ain't" because not everyone will understand the word and it is informal language.

Slang changes regularly in our culture. People used to use words like "rad" or "stellar" to say that something was good or cool! While these words are proper English words, not everyone may understand what they mean! Therefore, in your essays it is better to use common language that all your readers can understand.

There are several items to watch out for when trying to identify formal and informal English.

1. Personal Pronouns

It is tempting to write an essay using personal pronouns such as I, you, we, us, our, etc. However, using them causes writing to sound subjective (based on opinion) rather than objective (based on evidence and facts).

Avoiding personal pronouns can be tricky. If you are finding it difficult, try writing a paragraph informally, then edit it to be formal:

Example:

Informal: I think it is important to have a pet. Pets not only provide a friend and furry companion, but they also can help your immune system become stronger.

Formal: It is important to have a pet, as they are not only a furry friend, but can also help strengthen the immune system.

There are some essays that you are encourage, or expected to use personal pronouns. A research essay should be written formally, but an autobiography is informal because it is a story about your own life. A work of fiction could be either formal or informal, depending on the character's point of view.

2. Contractions

Formal writing rarely uses contractions like its, can't, I've, etc. Instead, both formal speech and writing usually spell everything out. Informal writing and speech can include all kinds of contractions. Look at the following example.

Formal: I regret to announce that I cannot attend the party this evening.

Informal: I can't come to the party.

3. Slang

Formal writing never uses slang. Instead, it often includes acronyms for organizations or jargon from a particular field. Informal writing, however, can use slang, as long as your audience knows what you mean. Check these out!

Formal: I am feeling rather exhausted today.

Informal: I'm kinda wiped today.

Did you know? Slang is slang for short language.

4. Details

The more formal the writing the more detailed it generally is. Often times, informal writing leaves out quite a bit of information because it occurs with a familiar audience who does not need the additional knowledge.

Formal: Martha asked if she could borrow the keys to her father's brand new BMW X2.

Informal: She whined, "Can I have the car keys?"

5. Vividness

Lastly, more formal writing tries to utilize vivid words. While informal speech can be vivid as well, it may be more ambiguous.

Formal: The wispy tails of aching willow tree blew in the wind as if it were a little girl's hair.

Informal: The leaves on the tree blew in the wind.

Although formal writing can be both fiction and nonfiction, informational and descriptive, as well as many other things, it can be helpful to know what if a part of each. For more information about different text structures, watch this video!