Formal language
The type of language style used depends on who you are talking or writing to.
We use formal language in professional situations or important situations, for example, when giving a presentation at work, talking to your colleagues, or writing a letter to your boss.
Here is a summary of the features of formal language:
➜ Full sentences
➜ Correct grammar and vocabulary
➜ No contractions, e.g. I would.
➜ No idioms.
➜ Passive voice, e.g. The application form has been completed.
➜ No phrasal verbs e.g. To investigate.
➜ No abbreviations, e.g. As soon as possible.
➜ No exclamation marks.
➜ No imperatives, e.g. you may complete the form.
Now let’s look at an example of a formal letter:
Formal language
The type of language style used depends on who you are talking or writing to.
We use formal language in professional situations or important situations, for example, when giving a presentation at work, talking to your colleagues, or writing a letter to your boss.
Here is a summary of the features of formal language:
➜ Full sentences
➜ Correct grammar and vocabulary
➜ No contractions, e.g. I would.
➜ No idioms.
➜ Passive voice, e.g. The application form has been completed.
➜ No phrasal verbs e.g. To investigate.
➜ No abbreviations, e.g. As soon as possible.
➜ No exclamation marks.
➜ No imperatives, e.g. you may complete the form.
Now let’s look at an example of a formal letter:
Dear sir/madam,
I am writing to complain about an incident that occurred in your restaurant on 26/09/20. While my family and I were enjoying our meal, we overheard staff members arguing in the restaurant. This type of behaviour is extremely unprofessional and particularly distressing for my kids to have to hear.
My family and I have been regular customers at your restaurant for years, and we hope that we can continue to enjoy your service. I trust that you will investigate this matter and take the necessary actions required to ensure customer satisfaction.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Informal language
We use informal language in unprofessional situations, for example, when talking to your family or friends that you know very well – this includes face-to-face conversations, texting, or even letters and emails.
Here is a summary of the features of informal language:
➜ Short sentences.
➜ Lack of formal grammar and vocabulary,
âžœ Contractions, e.g. I’d.
➜ Idioms, e.g. On point.
➜ Active voice, e.g. I completed the application form.
➜ Phrasal verbs, e.g. Look into.
➜ Abbreviations, e.g. ASAP.
➜ Exclamation marks.
➜ Imperatives, e.g. Complete the form.
Now let’s look at an example of an informal letter:
Informal language
We use informal language in unprofessional situations, for example, when talking to your family or friends that you know very well – this includes face-to-face conversations, texting, or even letters and emails.
Here is a summary of the features of informal language:
➜ Short sentences.
➜ Lack of formal grammar and vocabulary,
âžœ Contractions, e.g. I’d.
➜ Idioms, e.g. On point.
➜ Active voice, e.g. I completed the application form.
➜ Phrasal verbs, e.g. Look into.
➜ Abbreviations, e.g. ASAP.
➜ Exclamation marks.
➜ Imperatives, e.g. Complete the form.
Now let’s look at an example of an informal letter:
Hello!
Let me tell you what happened when I visited your restaurant last week. I’m a regular there. I came to the restaurant with my family. The food was on point but then we heard your staff shouting really loudly! This put me off my food! I mean c’mon is that professional?? My child got upset. I was very angry. You need to look into this matter please.
Do what is needed to make sure your customers are happy!
Please reply ASAP.
