Discussant: Odeña, Thamiah Izabell B. and Pareja, Angie Rose E. Prof.
Karl
Sison
Course & Section: BSE-English 1A
FORMAL VS INFORMAL
Writing
When writing a letter, the writing style plays a very important role, especially when the letter
is addressed to some respected or high-value person. There are two writing styles, Formal
Writing and Informal Writing.
FORMAL WRITING
A formal piece of writing is used when we do not have any idea of the person, or when
we know the person but haven’t exchanged words, or we are not having familiar terms with the
person who receives the letter. Here, we use formal language which indicates dignified and
deferential regard for the reader. It is used when writing for academic, professional and legal
purposes. Formal writing is done in accordance with rules; suitable for an official or important
situation or occasion.
INFORMAL WRITING
is often understood as casual writing, which uses colloquial language. An informal
writing style is used when we are writing for some personal or casual reason. It is best suited
when you are communicating with your family, friends and acquaintances. Further, if the matter
of discussion is not very serious, then also informal writing can be used, subject to, you are
comfortable with the reader, in talking informally.
Knowing your audience, purpose and style
When we communicate with others, we need to consider with whom we are
communicating. That person or persons are called audience. Generally, communication with
friends and relatives should be informal. Communication with strangers, people in authority, or
co-workers is most often formal. However, communication with a purpose to entertain is usually
informal regardless of the audience. There are also a few times when it may be better to use an
informal style of communication to persuade or inform strangers, people in authority, or co-
workers. These times would be when you are informing or persuading them about something that
is not a serious issue or topic.
Here are some general examples. Remember, there are exceptions to the general rules.
Audience Purpose Best Style to Use
Friends Entertain Informal
Teacher Inform Formal
Parents Inform Informal
Stranger(s) Inform Formal
Principal Persuade Formal
Friends Inform Informal
Strangers(s) Persuade Formal
Rules in Formal and Informal Writing
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
The tone is polite, and impersonal The tone is more personal
Avoid using contractions or abbreviations Freely uses contractions or abbreviations
Avoid using slang or swear words Freely uses slang or swear words
Maintains a serious tone May use humor or more casual tone
Avoid using first and second pronouns Freely uses first and second pronouns
Sentence structure tends to be varied and Sentence structure tends to be shorter; writing
includes lengthy and complex sentences approximated the structure and rhythm of
spoken English
Word choice tends to be precise or technical Word choice may be more vague; colloquial
phrases may be used
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
The tone is polite, and impersonal The tone is more personal
Formal
To Whom it May Concern,
Many people enjoy the concert.
Studies show many people spend too much time on the computer.
Informal
Dear Grandma,
You like concerts, right?
Do you spend too much time on the computer like many people do?
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
Avoid using contractions or abbreviations Freely uses contractions or abbreviations
Formal
It is important to study do homework.
The outcomes of the study have not been documented yet.
It does not take a genius to figure this out.
Informal
It's important to do homework.
The outcomes of the study haven’t been documented yet.
Going to an amusement park was cool!
It doesn't take a genius to get this.
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
Avoid using slang or swear words Freely uses slang or swear words
Formal
I cannot believe!
Going to a concert was a thrilling experience.
Informal
Oh my goodness!
Going to an amusement park was cool!
Holy ----!
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
Maintains a serious tone May use humor or more casual tone
Formal
Thank you for sending the package. It was a thoughtful thing to do.
A person should want others to take time to read what they write.
Informal
Thanks for the package. It was thoughtful of you.
Who would be crazy enough to write something that nobody reads?
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
Avoid using first and second pronouns Freely uses first and second pronouns
Formal
Instead of writing I, me, we, us, our, my, mine, you, and yours use “one” or “the reader”
When one is preparing to cook, washing one’s hand should be step one.
The author advises the reader not to judge a book by its cover.
Informal
When you are preparing to cook, wash your hands first.
I think that you should not judge a book by its cover.
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
Sentence structure tends to be varied and Sentence structure tends to be shorter; writing
includes lengthy and complex sentences approximated the structure and rhythm of
spoken English
Formal
The lunch served in the cafeteria today was not appetizing. The food was over cooked,
smelled terrible, and tasted awful. Instead of serving students substandard food, the school
should look into bringing in food from a caterer or local restaurant if it is possible.
Informal
Lunch in the cafeteria today was nasty. It looked, smelled, and tasted bad. The school
shouldn't serve nasty food like that. They should bring in food from a restaurant or
something.
FORMAL WRITING INFORMAL WRITING
Word choice tends to be precise or technical Word choice may be more vague; colloquial
phrases may be used
Formal
The lunch served in the cafeteria today was not appetizing. The food was over cooked,
smelled terrible, and tasted awful. Instead of serving students substandard food, the
school should look into bringing in food from a caterer or local restaurant if it is
possible.
Informal
Lunch in the cafeteria today was nasty. It looked, smelled, and tasted bad. The school
shouldn't serve nasty food like that. They should bring in food from a restaurant or
something.
https://passnownow.com/is-it-right-to-use-abbreviations-in-formal-writing-if-yes-what-type/
https://dsdeaf.org/ourpages/auto/2017/9/14/47352817/Formal%20vs_%20Informal%20Writing.pdf
https://www.skillsyouneed.com/write/formal-or-informal.html
https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-formal-and-informal-writing.html
http://www.word-mart.com/html/formal_and_informal_writing.html
