In simple terms, the Formal English is when we use it in writing essays for school, cover letters to apply for jobs, or emails and letters at work.
Whereas Informal English is when we use language with friends, children, and relatives or at an informal place, where the environment is very casual, free and does not follow any particular rules or regulations, regardless of style, or dress code for your any event party.
Formal and informal language meets variety of needs. The tone, word choice, and style of writing change between the two styles. Formal language is no closer to home than informal language. It is used for writing professional or scholarly purposes such as college activities. Formal language does not use idioms, omissions, or personal pronouns, for example, ‘I’ or ‘We’.
Informal language is simple and uncomplicated. Used when talking to friends or family either recorded as a copy in a paper or conversation. Used for compiling individual messages, instant messaging, and other business letters. The voice of the informal language is much closer to home than the official language.
Now let’s see below how it works. We have divided the list below into categories: verbs, transitions, emphasis words, abbreviations, and slang.
Formal And Informal Vocabulary Words in English
| Informal | Formal |
| say sorry | apologize, apologetic |
| go up | Increase, rise |
| go down | Decrease, down |
| set up | Establish |
| look at | Examine |
| blow up | Explode |
| find out | Discover |
| bring about | Cause |
| put off | postpone, delay |
| rack up | Accumulate |
| make up | Fabricate |
| stand for | Represent |
| find out | discover, ascertain |
| leave out | Omit |
| point out | Indicate |
| go against | Oppose |
| get in touch with | Contact |
| It’s about | It concerns, It’s in regards to |
| need to | Required |
| think about | Consider |
| get | Obtain |
| put up | Tolerate |
Following is a list of some formal and informal transition words:
| Informal | Formal |
| Anyways | Nevertheless |
| Plus/Also | Moreover/ Furthermore |
| But | However |
| So | Therefore/Thus |
| Also | In addition, Additionally |
| ASAP | as soon as possible/at your earliest convenience |
| Okay, OK | Acceptable |
| In the meantime | In the interim |
| I think | In my opinion, |
| In the end, | Finally |
| To sum up | In conclusion, |
| In a nutshell/Basically | To summarize, |
| Anyway, | Notwithstandin |
Following is a list of some formal and informal emphasis words:
| Informal | Formal |
| lots of/ a lot of | much, many |
| tons of, heaps of | large quantities of, a number of |
| totally | completely, strongly |
| really, very | Definitely |
Following is a list of some formal and informal letter expressions:
| Informal | Formal |
| Hi Robert, | Dear Sir or Madam |
| Just wanted to let you know… | I am writing to inform you… |
| Love, | Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, |
| Cheers, | |
| Yours Truly, Best regards, kind regards | |
| Hope to hear from you soon | I look forward to hearing from you |
| You can call me if you need anything | Please do not hesitate to contact me |
Following is a list of some formal and informal abbreviations:
| Informal | Formal |
| ASAP | as soon as possible |
| T.V. | Television |
| photo | Photograph |
| cell | cell phone |
| Net | Internet |
Following is a list of some formal and informal slang words:
| Informal | Formal |
| kids | children |
| Bad | negative |
| good | positive |
| really big | considerable |
| right | correct |
| wrong | incorrect |
| smart | intelligent |
| cheap | inexpensive |
Quick Links