Download - Formal vs. informal
Formal and Informal Style in English Writing
© Daria Storozhilovawww.stordar.com
Formal
◉ complex sentences;
◉ text organisers (e.g. 'moreover');
◉ use of passive structures;
◉ vocabulary of Latin or Greek origin;
◉ no ending the sentence with prepositions;
◉ use of 'whom';
◉ indirect questions;
◉ being non-direct (e.g. seems to be, appears to be etc.)
How the style is organised
Informal
◉ short sentences;
◉ phrasal verbs (e.g. 'to make out');
◉ use of personal pronouns;
◉ contractions (e.g. 'can't', 'ain't');
◉ pronunciational forms (e.g. 'gonna', 'wanna')
◉ direct questions;
◉ direct phrases with 'to be'
© Daria Storozhilova
Vocabulary EquivalentsFormal Informal
to consider to think about
to obtain / to receive to get
to reside to live
to implement to do
to demonstrate to show
to function to work
to enquire to ask
concerned worried
sufficient enough
a big number of many
a large amount of much
Incorrect / inaccurate wrong
There is / There seems to be... We have...
It was not successful. It didn't work out.
We can assist you in the resolution of this matter.
I can help you solve this problem
Do you mind… / Could you…? (for requests)
Can you…?
To start with, Firstly,
Thus / Consequently, / Therefore, So,
I am writing concerning This is to ...
I regret to inform you I am sorry to tell you
During my adsence While I was away
At the earliest convenience As soon as possible
Should you require our assistance... If you need my help,
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