Formal vs. Informal Language

1. Formal vs. Informal Language When to use which?

2. Formal Language • Is used when you want to make a good impression on people in respected positions. You speak in a more traditional way and use longer forms of words when you want to be formal

3. Formal Language with • Teachers • Principals • Counselors • Neighbors • Firemen, Policemen • Who else?

4. Informal Language • Is 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.

5. Informal Language with • Your best friend • Your sister • Your babysitter • Your cousin • Who else?

6. Change to Formal • Hi • Sure! • Will ya? • Ya gotta do it! • What do you want?

7. Change to Informal • 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?

8. 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 assistant principal to change the date of the detention you were given.

9. Formal Language • Looks like • Standing or sitting straighter than usual • Sounds like • “Hello, Mrs. Cadle” • “Please, may I…” • “Nice to meet you.”

10. Informal • Looks like • Standing or sitting in a relaxed position • Sounds like • Using slang • “Hi” • “What are ya doin’?” • “What’s new?”

11. Formal vs. InformalWhen to use which? Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. David Starr Jordan