Informal Language

Informal language characteristics

There are several identifying characteristics of informal language. The most recognisable involve using contractions, slang words, a casual tone, and a certain degree of familiarity with the recipient of the communication you are sending.

An example of a message that usses informal language might look like this:

There are several indications that the message uses informal language:

• Addressing the person by their first name ('Tom').
• The use of contractions - 'I'm' instead of 'I am', 'I'll' instead of 'I will'.
• The use of shortened phrases - 'wanna' instead of 'want to'.
• The overall casual tone of the message.

Informal language examples

What are some examples of when you should use informal language? Informal language serves the purpose of day-to-day communication, such as text messages and casual conversations.

• Informal language is used on occasions that require spontaneity, such as talking to family, friends, classmates and acquaintances. Informal language is also useful when it comes to socializing and engaging in small talk.
• Additionally, informal language is the preferred language style for any kind of communication that is personal rather than official. Informal language is used to bring people closer and to give a sense of familiarity.

Let's take this situation as an example of informal language. You are talking to a friend who has just told you that their dog is ill. Here is how your response would sound if you were to use either informal or formal language:

The informal tone does two things that the formal tone fails to do - it shortens the message and conveys closeness between the people who are communicating.

Consider another situation; someone is sending a text message to a friend:

Again, in this situation, the use of informal over formal language is necessary. An informal message is shorter and goes straight to the point. In communication between friends, spontaneity and closeness can only be conveyed through the use of informal language.

Fig. 1 - Informal language is used in casual settings, e.g. hanging out with friends.

What are the differences between formal and informal language?

Formal and informal language are two contrasting styles of language that are used in different contexts. There are some clear differences between formal and informal language. We will explore some examples of formal and informal language to show how the difference in styles can sometimes alter the meaning of communication.

Grammar

The grammar that is used in formal language is more complex than in informal language. Additionally, formal language sentences are usually longer than sentences that use informal language.

Let's take a look at this example:

Note: both sentences state the same thing in different styles:

• The formal language sentence is more complex and longer.
• The informal language sentence goes straight to the point.

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are commonly used in formal language.

For instance, consider this formal language sentence that uses the modal verb 'would':

Contrarily, modal verbs can be used in informal language, but in a more casual way. The same request would sound different in an informal language sentence:

The sentence is still polite but it is not formal.

Phrasal verbs

Informal language uses phrasal verbs, whilst they are used less often in formal language.

Spot the difference:

The phrasal verb 'back (someone) up' appears in the informal sentence. In the formal language sentence, phrasal verbs are less appropriate, so the word that is used instead is 'support'.

Pronouns

Formal language is more official and less personal than informal language. That is why, in many cases, formal language uses the pronoun 'we' instead of the pronoun 'I'.

Consider this:

In informal language, the same message might be expressed like this:

Vocabulary

The vocabulary used in formal language can differ from the vocabulary used in informal language. Longer, more complex phrases, and specific words, are common in formal language and less common in informal language.

Let's have a look at some synonyms of words that convert examples of formal and informal language:

Contractions

Contractions are only used in informal language to simplify communication. Contractions are not normally acceptable in formal written English.

Take a look at this example of the use of contractions in informal language:

In formal language, the same sentence would not use contractions:

Abbreviations, acronyms and initialisms

Abbreviations, acronyms and initialisms are yet another set of tools used to simplify language. The use of abbreviations, acronyms and initialisms is common in both formal and informal language:

Colloquial language and slang

Colloquial language and slang are also typically used in informal language.

Let's take a look at some examples of colloquialisms in formal and informal language.

Consider these two sentences - the informal language sentence includes a slang word whereas the formal one doesn't. The changes not only alter the tone of the conversation, but also offers a new meaning behind the speaker's intention behind the communication.

On the one hand, the first informal language example may seem flippant and say 'thank you' out of obligation, while the use of formal language in 'I would like to' may seem more sincere. On the other hand, the second informal language example may seem to be genuinely excited about the new dress.

Of course, this relies on how the recipient of the communication perceives the style of language chosen by the speaker.