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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