The difference between informal and

formal language.

Julie and her friend Nat were sitting together under a tree after having a very yummy and filling lunch.

As Julie stretched, she accidently let out a very loud burp, “Burrrrp”! Nat looked at her, surprised, and giggled. Embarrassed, Julie giggled back at him. Then Nat said, “That one was pretty good, but I can burp even louder!” Nat proceeded to let out a very long and loud burp and they both laughed very, hard for a long time.

Informal languageexample

The next day Julie was sitting alone under the same tree. She had eaten a lot for lunch and was very full. Julie reached over to grab a book to read, and again accidently let out a burp. She looked up, and realized that a teacher was walking by at that same moment. The teacher looked shocked. Julie looked and felt very embarrassed.

She said to the teacher, “Excuse me!” “I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize anyone was around, I had a very big lunch.” The teacher looked at Julie, and then smiled. The teacher said “You’re excused.” and then she walked on satisfied that Julie showed proper respect for her.

Formal language

Examples Informal Formal

Example 1.After Julie burped:

Nat looked at her, surprised, and giggled.

The teacher looked shocked.

Example 2.Julies

reaction:

Embarrassed, Julie giggled back at Nat.

Julie looked and felt very embarrassed.

Example 3.Other

person's response:

“That one was pretty good, but I can burp even

louder!”

She said to the teacher, “Excuse me!” I didn’t realize anyone was

around,…”Example 4.

Other persons actions:

Nat proceeded to let out a very long and loud burp

…

teacher said “You’re excused.” and then she

walked on

Differences -

More examples

• “ Hello.”

• “Excuse me…’

• “May I (activity) …”

• “Thank you, It was a pleasure.”

• “Hi.”

• “Hey…”

• “I’m going to (activity)…”

• “See you around.”

Informal conversation Formal conversation