Difference Between Formal & Informal English
Introduction
Have you ever sent a message to your senior that somehow sounded too casual?
Or maybe you wrote an email that sounded too formal for your friends? Many learners struggle to understand the difference between formal & informal English — when to use which, and how to switch between them easily.
You don’t need to worry — I’ve got you.
By the end of this post, you’ll clearly understand the difference between formal & informal English, see lots of examples, and get simple tips to speak more confidently.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters?
You use different clothes for different occasions, right?
You won’t wear a suit to the beach or shorts to a wedding.
The same goes for English!
You need formal English for professional situations — like a job interview, an email to your teacher, or a presentation.
And informal English for relaxed, friendly situations — like chatting with friends, texting, or social media.
When you know both, you can sound natural and smart anywhere.
What Is Formal English?
Formal English is used when you need to sound respectful, polite, and professional.
You’ll often use it in:
- Job interviews
- Business meetings
- Presentations
- Official letters or emails
- Academic writing
Formal English usually:
Uses complete sentences
Avoids contractions (say do not instead of don’t)
Avoids slang or casual phrases
Uses polite, precise words
Examples:
- “I would like to inform you that the meeting has been rescheduled.”
- “Could you please send me the report by tomorrow?”
- “It was a pleasure speaking with you.”
Notice how polite, and professional it sounds.
What Is Informal English?
Informal English is how you talk with friends, family, or people you’re comfortable with.
It’s relaxed, simple, and full of contractions, slangs and everyday expressions.
You’ll use it in:
- Text messages
- Social media
- Conversations with friends
- Friendly emails
Informal English usually:
Uses contractions (don’t, can’t, I’m)
Uses slang or idioms (gonna, chill, kinda)
Has shorter sentences
Is more emotional and personal
Examples:
- “Hey! What’s up?”
- “Can’t talk now, call you later!”
- “That movie was awesome!”
Notice how friendly and casual it sounds — just like daily talk.
Main Difference Between Formal & Informal English
Let’s look at this clear comparison table:
| Feature | Formal English | Informal English |
| Tone | Polite, respectful | Friendly, relaxed |
| Contractions | Not used (cannot, do not) | Common (can’t, don’t) |
| Vocabulary | Professional words (assist, purchase) | Simple words (help, buy) |
| Grammar | Complete sentences | Short, flexible sentences |
| Slang/Idioms | Avoided | Common |
| Greetings | “Good morning, Mr. Sharma.” | “Hey, Sharma!” |
| Closings (emails) | “Sincerely, Regards” | “Cheers, Take care!” |
| Example sentence | “I would like to meet you tomorrow.” | “Let’s meet tomorrow!” |
Examples in Real-Life Situations
Let’s see how formal vs informal English changes depending on the situation.
1. Writing an Email
Formal English:
Dear Mr. Singh,
I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to request an update on the project status.
Could you please share the latest report by Friday?
Best regards,
Meera Sharma
Informal English:
Hey Raj!
How’s it going?
Can you send me the project update by Friday?
Thanks 🙂
2. Talking to Your Boss vs Talking to a Friend
Formal:
Good morning, sir. I wanted to inform you that I’ll be working from home today due to a health issue.
Informal:
Hey, I’m not feeling great. Gonna work from home today.
3. During an Interview vs a Casual Chat
Formal:
I am passionate about learning new skills and growing in my career. I always try to stay updated with industry trends.
Informal:
I love learning new stuff! I’m always checking what’s trending.
4. Social Media Post
Formal:
I am delighted to announce that I have joined ABC Company as a marketing associate.
Informal:
Super excited to start my new job at ABC! Wish me luck!
5. Making a Request
Formal:
Would you mind sending me the document by tomorrow afternoon?
Informal:
Can you send it by tomorrow?
Vocabulary: Formal vs Informal Words
Here’s a quick list of words that often change between styles:
| Formal English | Informal English |
| Request | Ask |
| Purchase | Buy |
| Apologize | Sorry |
| Assist | Help |
| Reside | Live |
| Inform | Tell |
| Require | Need |
| Commence | Start |
| Utilize | Use |
| Encounter | Meet |
Example:
- Formal: We would like to request your assistance.
- Informal: Can you help us out?
Common Mistakes Learners Make
When learning the difference between formal & informal English, many learners make small but important mistakes. Let’s fix them-
1. Mixing both styles in one sentence
- “Hey sir, I wanna inform you that I can’t come today.”
“Good morning, sir. I would like to inform you that I will not be able to come today.”
2. Using slang in professional emails
“Hey! Thanks a lot, that was awesome work.”
“Thank you very much. I appreciate your efforts.”
3. Overusing difficult words
- “I would like to express my utmost gratitude for your benevolent guidance.”
“Thank you so much for your kind help.”
Remember — simple and correct English is better than complicated and confusing English.
Tips to Switch Between Formal and Informal English
Now, let’s learn how to easily switch your tone depending on the situation.
1. Think About Who You’re Talking To
- If it’s your boss, teacher, or client, use formal English.
- If it’s your friend or sibling, use informal English.
2. Watch Your Greetings and Closings
Formal:
“Dear Mr. Verma,”
“Best regards,”
Informal:
“Hey Rahul,”
“See you!”
3. Use Polite Words in Formal English
Add phrases like:
- “Would you mind…”
- “I would appreciate if…”
- “Could you please…”
Example:
“Could you please send me the file?” sounds better than “Send me the file.”
4. Avoid Contractions in Formal English
Formal: “I am not available today.”
Informal: “I’m not free today.”
5. Match the Situation
You can sound friendly but still polite.
Example:
“It was great talking to you, sir.” — respectful and warm.
Fluency Tips (Even If You’re a Beginner)
Understanding the difference between formal & informal English helps you sound smart and flexible.
In order to use it fluently, follow these easy tricks.
1. Listen and Copy
Watch English movies, podcasts, or YouTube videos.
Notice how people talk in business settings vs casual ones.
Example:
- In interviews → “I’m currently working on…”
- With friends → “I’m working on this cool project…”
Copy their tone, not just words.
2. Practice in Front of a Mirror
Say a line formally, then informally.
Example:
Formal: “Could you please help me with this?”
Informal: “Can you help me out?”
This builds awareness of tone and vocabulary applicable in different situations.
3. Record Yourself
Record your voice giving the same message in both styles.
Listen carefully: Do you sound too casual in formal settings? Or too serious with friends?
4. Think in English
Instead of translating, think directly in English sentences.
Start small — describe what you’re doing.
Example: “I’m writing an email” instead of thinking in your native language first.
5. Build a “Word Bank”
Keep two columns in your notebook — Formal and Informal.
Every time you learn a new word, write both versions.
Example:
- Begin → Start
- Assist → Help
- Apologize → Sorry
Soon, switching styles will become natural!
Practice Exercises (Try It Yourself!)
Convert these sentences from informal to formal English:
- “Hey! Can you send me that file soon?”
- “I’m gonna be late.”
- “Thanks a lot for your help!”
- “Sorry, I can’t come today.”
- “Let’s meet and talk about it.”
Possible Answers:
- “Dear Sir/Madam, Could you please send me the file at your earliest convenience?”
- “I will be late.”
- “Thank you very much for your assistance.”
- “I regret to inform you that I am unable to attend today.”
- “Let us schedule a meeting to discuss this matter.”
Try doing the reverse too — make formal sentences sound informal.
Bonus Tip: Mix Smartly
Sometimes, especially in spoken English, it’s okay to mix both — a semi-formal tone.
Example:
“Hi Riya, hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check if you could send the report today.”
It’s friendly yet respectful — perfect for most workplace conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the basic difference between formal & informal English?
Formal English is used in professional, academic, or serious situations, while informal English is used with friends, family, or casual conversations. Understanding this difference between formal and informal English communication in English helps you choose the right tone based on the situation.
2. Why should I learn the difference between formal and informal spoken English?
It is because both styles are important in daily life. Knowing the difference between formal and informal spoken English helps you switch naturally between office communication and relaxed conversations. This also supports stronger communication skills in real life.
3. Can you give examples of formal and informal English?
Yes!
- Formal: “Could you please assist me?”
- Informal: “Can you help me out?”
Such examples of formal and informal English make it easier to understand how tone changes based on context.
4. How can I improve my ability to use formal and informal English sentences?
Practice is key. Read emails, listen to conversations, and try writing both styles. Engaging in English grammar practice and observing formal and informal English sentences in real contexts will help you master them.
5. What is the difference between formal and informal in English grammar?
Formal grammar avoids contractions (“do not”), slang, and emojis, while informal grammar feels relaxed and flexible (“don’t”). This difference between formal and informal in English grammar is essential for writing professionally.
6. How do I choose between formal English words vs informal words?
Think about your audience. For teachers, bosses, or clients, choose polite, structured vocabulary. With friends, use relaxed expressions. Awareness of formal English words vs informal words helps you sound appropriate in every situation.
7. What are some common formal and informal English greetings?
- Formal: “Good morning,” “How do you do?”
- Informal: “Hey!” “What’s up?”
Learning formal and informal English greetings helps you start conversations correctly in every context.
8. Are there clear rules for using formal and informal English examples in speaking?
Not strict rules, but guidelines. Observe social setting, relationship, and purpose. When you study formal and informal English language, you develop an instinct for choosing the right tone.
9. How can English beginners learn to speak English naturally using both styles?
Start with simple conversations, listen to native speakers, and use easy phrases. Blending English for beginners with daily practice teaches you how to speak English naturally in both formal and casual contexts.
10. How do I improve spoken English using this knowledge?
Real-life practice is the best method. Try switching tones, join speaking groups, and record yourself. These English fluency tips combined with consistent spoken English improvement will make you sound confident in any situation.
11. What is the difference between formal and informal letter in English?
A formal letter follows strict structure, polite tone, and professional vocabulary, while an informal letter feels personal and friendly. Understanding the difference between formal and informal letter in English is essential for school, office, and exam writing.
Conclusion
English isn’t about sounding fancy — it’s about sounding right for the situation.
Now that you understand the difference between formal & informal English, you can choose the right tone whenever you speak or write.
Start small:
Write one formal email today.
Chat informally with your friend tomorrow.
Practice both every week.
Remember — fluency doesn’t come from memorizing words; it comes from using them daily.
You’ve got this! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be switching between formal and informal English like a pro.
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