Formal vs. Informal Writing

Short Story Unit

Riverside

Example 1:This is to inform you that your book has been rejected by our publishing company as it was not up to the required standard. In case you would like us to reconsider it, we would suggest that you go over it and make some necessary changes.

Example 2: You know that book I wrote? Well, the publishing company rejected it. They thought it was awful. But hey, I did the best I could, and I think it was great. I'm not gonna redo it the way they said I should.

The difference between the two should be evident. The first one is formal, and the second is informal. But what is it that makes them formal and informal?

Example 1:This is to inform you that your book has been rejected by our publishing company as it was not up to the required standard. In case you would like us to reconsider it, we would suggest that you go over it and make some necessary changes.

Example 2: You know that book I wrote? Well, the publishing company rejected it. They thought it was awful. But hey, I did the best I could, and I think it was great. I'm not gonna redo it the way they said I should.

Informal: May use colloquial words/expressions (kids, guy, awesome, a lot, etc.)

Formal: Avoid using colloquial words/expressions (substitute with children, man/boy, wonderful, many, etc.)

Informal: May use contractions (can't, won't, shouldn't, etc.).

Formal: Avoid contractions (write out full words - cannot, will not, should not, etc.).

Informal: May use first, second or third person

Formal: Write in third person (except in business letters where first person can be used)

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

Formal: Avoid addressing readers using second person pronouns (use one, one's, the reader, the reader's, etc.)

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

Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions - like photograph, television, etc.)

Informal: May use imperative voice (e.g. Remember....)

Formal: Avoid imperative voice (use Please refer to.....)

• When it comes to thirty-year-old Brian Barazzuol, one would notice he lives life to fullest with a variety of interests and activities that focuses primarily on travelling, sports and food. One of his noted interests includes exploring locales he has never seen before. For example, when given the opportunity one of his hobbies includes exploring new countries and learning facts about the nation he visits. If he was given the option to travel to any country in the world, he would select Scotland because of its world renowned golf courses. Golf, being a sport that Barazzuol enjoys is something that he would love to do professionally but because of his lack of ability he is restricted to recreational play with his grandfather during summer months. Sports such as golf and football, have played a pivotal role in his life as he still coaches basketball well beyond his playing days. Coming from an athletic Italian family, his parents often fueled him with a pregame meal of pasta before most sporting events. Although he enjoys Italian cuisine, he has mentioned that the most unusual thing he ever ate was a tuna head on Vancouver Island. As one would notice, travelling, sports and food play crucial roles in the life of Brian Barazzuol, contributing to the individual he has become.

Mr. Barazzuol

1) Hey! Its MrB. Just bout 2 head 2 gym. Then din @ fam house in BBY. 2morrow I teach. Sorry, cant make movie, 2much 2do, next week.

2) It’s Mr. B! Just writing you this email to let you know I am headed to the gym for a workout. Like most Sundays, I’m then heading over to my parents house for dinner. Tomorrow I have to teach and with an abundance to prepare for class, I will not be able to make the movie.

3) Mr. Barazzuol usually partakes in recreational activities on Sunday afternoons. His usual Sunday dining plans entail visiting his parent’s house where he indulges in dinner which consists of multiple courses. Monday mornings, he is up early due to his responsibility to instruct students in learning. This process requires preparation and therefore, he will not be in attendance for tonight’s movie night.

1) Hey! Its MrB. Just bout 2 head 2 gym. Then din @ fam house in BBY. 2morrow I teach. Sorry, cant make movie, 2much 2do, next week.

2) It’s Mr. B! Just writing you this email to let you know I am headed to the gym for a workout. Like most Sundays, I’m then heading over to my parents house for dinner. Tomorrow I have to teach and with an abundance to prepare for class, I will not be able to make the movie.

3) Mr. Barazzuol usually partakes in recreational activities on Sunday afternoons. His usual Sunday dining plans entail visiting his parent’s house where he indulges in dinner which consists of multiple courses. Monday mornings, he is up early due to his responsibility to instruct students in learning. This process requires preparation and therefore, he will not be in attendance for tonight’s premiere of the highly anticipated new musical.

Mr. Barazzuol

1) Hey! Its MrB. Just bout 2 head 2 gym. Then din @ fam house in BBY. 2morrow I teach. Sorry, cant make movie, 2much 2do, next week.

2) It’s Mr. B! Just writing you this email to let you know I am headed to the gym for a workout. Like most Sundays, I’m then heading over to my parents house for dinner. Tomorrow I have to teach and with an abundance to prepare for class, I will not be able to make the movie.

3) Mr. Barazzuol usually partakes in recreational activities on Sunday afternoons. His usual Sunday dining plans entail visiting his parent’s house where he indulges in dinner which consists of multiple courses. Monday mornings, he is up early due to his responsibility to instruct students in learning. This process requires preparation and therefore, he will not be in attendance for tonight’s movie night.