Informal vs. Formal Uses of English Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.2.3.A

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Language is seen as coming in two basic forms. Formal English is used in situations that are serious, such as in academic reports, business correspondents, and new reporting. The purpose of formal language is to convey a message as clearly and directly as possible. In every day personal situations and correspondents we use informal English. When using informal English we are usually presenting improvised speech and slang. The worksheets below will help students identify the different uses of language.

Informal vs. Formal Worksheets To Print:

Whose Talking That Way? – Which sentence makes the most sense for the image that is shown?

Informal Language Spell – The wizard has set you up to identify sentence and statement types.

Who Are You Talking To? – When would you say the following words or phrases?

Identifying Formal Language – Who said it? Was it Robbie or his baby sister?

Formal and Informal Sentences – A rewriting activity to make the sentences less formal (informal).

Proper English – Let's help out the rabbit, he is just learning how to use proper grammar.

Gary's Formal Function – Gary has to attend a formal function with his parents, but first he needs to brush up on his formal language.

To Whom It May Concern... – Jill is writing a formal letter to complain about an experience she had recently at a store, and she needs to use formal language.

When to use Formal Language – How we talk depends a lot on where we are. Certain situations require formal language, while in other situations informal language is fine.

Examine the Language – Decide if the sentence uses formal or informal language, and write either formal or informal on the line above the sentence.

Formal vs. Informal Language – Break out the crayons for this sentence ID activity.

Rewrite in Formal Language – Rewrite the sentences below to make them more formal.

Help Jillian Write a Thank You Note – Jillian has written a thank you note to Great Aunt Carol for a gift she sent.

Formal, Informal, or Both? – Determine whether the characteristics and descriptions below belong to formal language, informal language, or both.

Rewrite in Informal Language – The sentences below use formal language. Rewrite them using informal language.

Which Is It? – Read each sentence below. Does it use formal or informal language?

Informal vs. Formal Uses of English


Here are some major differences between informal writing and formal writing.


Informal Writing


Informal writing is not used for professional or academic purposes. Instead, it is more often used for communication amongst friends and family. Informal writing has the following characteristics. Informal writing can be used in marketing, emails, and letters to friends and family, and on social media.


Colloquial


Informal writing has a personal tone to it. It has a personal style of writing that depicts the personality of the writer. Informal writing does not have any limitations. That is the reason why it contains slang and other similar figures of speech. Informal writing has a conversational tone that allows carefree communication between people.


Simple


Informal writing is simpler than formal writing. It contains sentences that are shorter. Sometimes the sentences are also incomplete.


Contractions and Abbreviations


Informal writing contains many contractions and abbreviations as there are no limitations. Simplified forms of words are also used without any hesitations.


Emotions


In the informal style of writing, you are allowed to freely express any sort of emotions. Without any restrictions, you can display empathy through words.


Formal Writing


Formal writing follows strict rules of language. Formal writing is used in all sorts of professional and academic paper. Formal writing is used for business proposals, thesis, formal applications, etc. Here are some characteristics of formal writing.


Complex


The sentences of formal writing are complex. They use proper words that look professional. Formal writing also consists of a proper starting and ending.


Objective


Formal writing states the objective and purpose of the writing very clearly. It mentions all the reasons, facts, and figures necessary to support the context. Formal writing avoids any display of emotions, exclamation marks, or other such things that give a casual feel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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