FORMAL AND INFORMAL LANGUAGE

Most assessments require you to write essays using formal language. In English writing,

there are two main styles of writing – formal and informal. The primary purpose of formal

language is to achieve sophistication and clarity. Although the difference between the two

styles is relatively straightforward, we'll point out some common examples to just to make

sure that you don't slip and make an unnecessary mistake. Consider these two examples:

Example 1 : We cordially invite you to the Year 12 formal.

Example 2 : Hey buddy! Wanna go to the dance?

It is clear that example 1 is formal while example 2 is informal. The vocabulary, tone, and

syntax are all things that change depending on the style you wish to adopt. Informal

language isn't always a 'taboo' though. Creative pieces and persuasive pieces can be written

informally, for example, if it is a personal diary or an advertisement respectively. If you're

unsure, the easiest way to separate the two is to question whether or not you would say the

phrase in real-life conversations. If it's a yes, then it's most likely informal language. Below

are some more specific examples of the differences between formal and informal writing:

Formal: Avoids using colloquial words/phrases

Informal: May use colloquial words/phrases

Formal: Avoids contractions (write out full words – was not, did not, had not etc.)

Informal: May use contractions (wasn't, didn't, hadn't etc.)

Formal: Usually written in third person (Sharon, Ben, they, them etc.)

Informal: May use first (I, me etc.), second (he, she etc.) or third person (as above).

Formal: Specific words (such as, large, items, etc.)

Informal: Imprecise words (like, big, things, etc.)

Formal: Avoids cliches (many, etc.)

Informal: May use cliches (loads of, etc.)

Formal: Avoids addressing readers using second person pronouns (the readers, an individual, one's etc.)

Informal: May address readers using second person pronouns (you, your, etc.)

Formal: Avoids using abbreviated words (write in full – photograph, television, etc.)

Informal: May use abbreviated words (photo, TV, etc.)

Formal: Avoids imperative voice (please refer to…etc.)

Informal: May use imperative voice (remember to…etc.)

Formal: May use passive voice (it has been noted that…etc.)

Informal: May use active voice (we note that…etc.)

Formal: May use longer and more complex sentences.

Informal: May use short and simple sentences.

When writing essays ensure that you stick to one or the other. Mixing the two ways of writing will negatively impact the readability of your essay, and also the assessor's reflection of the writer.

Source: Formal and Informal Language. 2013. VCE Study Guides.

Available: http://www.vcestudyguides.com/formal-and-informal-language (accessed 2 July 2013)

Common problem words and phrases – RMIT GUIDE

Affect / Effect

‘Affect’ means to influence or to produce an effect, e.g. The screen resolution affects the appearance of graphics. ‘Effect’ means a result or a consequence, e.g. One effect of the transport strike was a disruption in classes.

Among / Between

‘Between’ indicates a choice between two options. Use ‘among’ when there are more than two options.

Compare to / with

Use ‘compare to’ when stressing similarity and ‘compare with’ when stressing difference.

Different from / to A thing is ‘different from’ another—not ‘different to’ it.

Enquire / Inquire

Use ‘enquire’ when asking for information and ‘inquire’ when conducting an investigation:

She made an enquiry about her final results.

The Royal Commission will inquire into police corruption.

Its / It’s The apostrophe in ‘it’s’ is a contraction meaning ‘it is’, e.g. It’s easy to find the library. Do not use an apostrophe to form the possessive ‘its’ (meaning belonging to), e.g. The School revised all of its courses.

Stationary or Stationery

‘Stationary’ means fixed, immobile, still. ‘Stationery’ includes paper and writing materials etc.

TAFE / VET TAFE (Technical and Further Education) programs are offered as a type of training within the VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector. Use ‘TAFE’ rather than T.A.F.E. and VET rather than V.E.T.

That or Which

Use ‘that’ if what comes after it defines the noun. Use ‘which’ when what comes after it is only incidental:

Elective courses that introduce project management can be studied over the summer.

Elective courses, which are offered over summer, include project management and project analysis.

Some things to avoid

Archaisms Try instead

albeit though

amongst among

heretofore before now

hereunder below

shall will

whilst while

Too wordy Try instead

a majority of most

a number of examples examples

at regular intervals regularly

at the end of the day realistically

at the present moment in time now / at present

despite the fact that although

during the course of during

for the purpose of for

give due consideration to consider

in many cases often

is in the process of is

join together join

make every effort to try

prior to before

to the effect that that

was of the opinion that thought

Source: RMIT University Writing Style Guide. RMIT University. 2013 Available:http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=dnu8lagloegkz;STATUS=A;SECTION=8;PAGE_AUTHOR=RMIT%20Chancellery (accessed 7 of April 2013).