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Formal vs. InformalLanguage

Choosing the right kind of language for your purpose

• We choose different kinds of speech and writing for different situations.

Formal vs. Informal

Formal language is…• Proper• Academic• Official, legal• Grammatically correct

(apply correct language grammar rules)• “Hello, Mrs. Cadle”• “Please, may I…”• “Nice to meet you.”

Informal language is…• Every day• Casual• Relaxed• No strict rules (doesn’t

matter as much about applying grammar rules)

• Uses slang, contractions, idioms, and abbreviations• “Hi”• “What are ya doin’?”• “What’s new?”

Formal Language

• Used when you want to make a good impression on people or when you are speaking or writing to someone in respected positions.

• You speak in a more traditional way and use longer forms of words when you want to be formal.

When to Use Formal Language

• Where do you use this type of language in both spoken and written form?

• Make a list of places / situations with your elbow partner.

When to Use Formal Language

Use formal language when speaking or writing to/with:

• Teachers

• Principals

• Counselors

• Neighbors

• Police and firefighters

Who else?

Informal Language

• Used when you talk to peers or adults whom you feel close to.

• You might speak in a more relaxed way, by using slang and shorter forms of words, when you want to be informal.

• You should continue to be respectful when being informal.

When to Use Informal Language

• Where do you use this type of language in both spoken and written form?

• Make a list of places / situations with your elbow partner.

When to Use Informal Language

Use informal language when speaking or writing to/with:

• Your best friend

• Your sister

• Your babysitter

• Your cousin

Who else?

What is a more formal way to say the words below?

• Hi

• Sure!

• Will ya?

• Ya gotta do it!

• What do you want?

What is a more informal way to say the words below?

• I would be delighted!

• I certainly appreciate this.

• It has been a pleasure meeting you.

• Could you possibly give me a hand with this project?

Formal or Informal?

• You call your dad at work and his boss answers the phone.

• You are asking someone out on a date

• You are talking to your parents at the dinner table

• You are trying to convince the vice principal to change the date of the detention you were given

“Fast Car” Activity

• Look at the lyrics for “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. Are they formal or informal?

• Let’s look at the first verse together.

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

Formal

You possess a rapid vehicle

I desire a ticket to travel to any destination

Perhaps an agreement can be reached

Perhaps traveling together is an option

Many locations are preferable

Insignificant beginnings risk minor losses

Perhaps we will create a profit

However I have naught to establish

Informal

You got a fast car

And I want a ticket to go anywhere

Maybe we make a deal

Maybe together we can get somewhere

Anyplace is better

Starting from zero got nothing to lose

Maybe we’ll make something

But my myself I got nothing to prove

“Fast Car” Activity

• With your elbow partner, rewrite the lyrics to one verse so they are formal like the example we just looked at.

Homework:

• Complete the Formal and Informal language page for tomorrow.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.

- David Starr Jordan