Informal Language and when to use it?

Every writing style, regardless of what you are writing, can be classified as formal or casual. Depending on your business, industry, and the subject you wish to discuss, you should be able to determine when to use formal or casual English at work. Discover what informal language is and when you should use it by joining in any one of the Spoken English Classes in Kochi like the one provided by Reliant English Academy.

What is formally speaking?

When two individuals are speaking in a way that is normally more formal and guarded, this is known as formal language. In formal language, words, phrases, and grammatical constructs that are less common in regular speech are commonly utilised. This conveys the idea in a more courteous, respectful, formal, and polished manner.

In more serious occasions, like a job interview, formal language is employed or when speaking to your lecturer at the university. When speaking to someone you don’t know well, make sure you sound polite.

Informal Language: What Is It?

Language with an informal background is more relaxed and unplanned. The tone is less professional and more informal. When corresponding with friends or family, whether orally or in writing, it is employed.

The general populace uses this type of language the most frequently. It can be used for text messaging, personal emails, and even professional correspondence.

The casual style makes heavy use of slang, colloquialisms, idioms, and humour. The use of them is purposefully avoided in formal language, which is the exact reverse of this.

Important Characteristics of Informal Language

You can determine whether what you are reading is formal or informal in a number of ways.

Abbreviations & Contractions

Although they are frequently used in informal language, contractions and abbreviations have no place in formal discourse. Let’s look at a few instances:

• I can’t climb a tree.
• I cannot climb a tree. 
• Please have your certificates at hand!
• Please have your certificates visible!

Keep in mind that your approach is not informal if you use acronyms for well-known organisations like WHO, UNESCO, etc.

Slang and regional dialect

Slang is never appropriate in a professional setting.

The driver was drunken and was as wasted as a skunk.

Similarly, formal words are chosen over informal ones.

• Will you be meeting her tomorrow?

Use of First or Third Person

Informal writing frequently has a very conversational tone. The first person (I, us, and our) and second person (you, your), which corresponds with the reader, are frequently used by writers.

On the other hand, informal writing commonly uses the third person and passive voice.

When Should You Use Casual Language?

Both informal and formal styles have their place and their time. The significance of each style are entirely different. When speaking with your friends and relatives, there is no need to act formally. Additionally, formality is not required in social media.

You should know your audience and your targeted aim before selecting a language. For instance, whenever writing an academic paper or speaking to your superiors, always assume a formal tone. Pursuing OET/IELTS coaching classes in Kochi like the one provided by Reliant English Academy can help you to understand informal languages better.