Formal and informal language

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Notes de leçon

What is Formal and Informal Language?

Formal language is careful, polite language used in serious situations, like in a letter to a headteacher or a school report.
Informal language is relaxed, friendly language used with people you know well, like friends and family.
The way you speak or write can change depending on who you are talking to and the situation.
Choosing the right style is called using the right register (say: REH-jis-ter).
Think of it like clothes: you wear different clothes for a party than for a sports day. Language works the same way.

Features of Informal Language

Uses contractions – short forms like can't, won't, and I'm.
May include slang – very casual words like cool or awesome.
Often uses phrasal verbs – verbs with a small word like put off or give up.
Can have question tags – short questions at the end like 'You're coming, aren't you?'
Uses short sentences and simple words.
Sounds friendly and chatty, like talking to a friend.

Features of Formal Language

Uses full forms – no contractions, so write cannot instead of can't.
Uses precise vocabulary – exact words like assist instead of help.
Often uses the passive voice – for example, 'The cake was baked by Tom' instead of 'Tom baked the cake'.
Uses impersonal constructions – sentences that don't say 'I' or 'you', like 'It is believed that...'
Uses longer, complex sentences with connecting words like however and therefore.
Sounds polite, serious, and respectful.

When to Use Formal or Informal Language

Use informal language with friends, in texts, or in a diary.
Use formal language in school reports, letters to adults, or job applications.
An email to a friend can be informal, but an email to a teacher should be formal.
A speech to the class is usually formal, but a story for fun can be informal.
Always think: Who is reading or listening? That helps you choose the right style.

Rewriting: Changing the Register

You can change a sentence from informal to formal without changing its meaning.
Example: 'I'm sorry I'm late' (informal) becomes 'I apologise for my lateness' (formal).
To make it formal: remove contractions, use bigger words, and make sentences longer.
To make it informal: add contractions, use simple words, and shorten sentences.
Always keep the same meaning – only change the style.

Remember!

Register is the style of language you choose for a situation.
There is a spectrum – not just two boxes. Some language is in between formal and informal.
Using the right register shows you are a good communicator.
Practice by taking a formal sentence and making it informal, or the other way around.

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1.What is a 'register' in language?
Easy
- AA variety of language used for a particular purpose or situation
- BA type of handwriting
- CA list of names
- DA kind of musical instrument
2.Which of these is an example of informal language?
Easy
- AContractions like 'don't'
- BFull forms like 'do not'
- CPassive voice
- DImpersonal constructions
3.You are writing a formal letter to your headteacher. Which sentence is most appropriate?
Medium
- AI wanna ask for a day off.
- BI would like to request a day of leave.
- CCan I have a day off?
- DGimme a day off, please.
4.Which sentence is in the passive voice, a feature often used in formal writing?
Medium
- AThe dog chased the ball.
- BThe ball was chased by the dog.
- CThe dog is chasing the ball.
- DChase the ball, dog!
5.Which word is more formal: 'dad' or 'father'?
Medium
- Adad
- Bfather
- CThey are equally formal.
- DNeither is formal.
6.Select all the features of informal language. (select all that apply)
Medium
- AContractions
- BSlang
- CPassive voice
- DShort sentences
- EImpersonal constructions
7.A formal letter should use contractions like 'I'm'.
Easy
True or false?
8.Match each term with its definition.
Medium
- Formal register
- Informal register
- Register
- Uses full forms and precise vocabulary
- Uses contractions and slang
- A variety of language for a particular situation

Plus de questions

9.Put these types of language in order from most formal to least formal.
Medium
- Intimate
- Formal
- Casual
10.Which word is more formal: 'child' or 'kid'?
Easy
- Achild
- Bkid
- Cboth are equally formal
- Dneither is formal
11.Which of these are features of formal language? (select all that apply)
Medium
- Afull forms (do not, cannot)
- Bcontractions (don't, can't)
- Cpassive voice (The cake was eaten.)
- Dslang words
- Elonger, complex sentences
12.In informal language, we often use contractions like 'I'm' and 'don't'.
Easy
True or false?
13.Match each type of language to its example.
Medium
- formal
- informal
- frozen
- Please accept my apologies.
- Sorry about that.
- We the people of the United States...
14.Put these sentences in order from most formal to least formal.
Medium
- Could you please pass the salt?
- Pass the salt.
- Hey, gimme the salt!
15.Which sentence is in the passive voice?
Easy
- AThe dog chased the ball.
- BThe ball was chased by the dog.
- CThe dog is chasing the ball.
- DThe dog will chase the ball.
16.Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal letter to your headteacher?
Medium
- AI'm sorry I missed school yesterday.
- BI would like to apologise for my absence yesterday.
- CSorry about missing school yesterday.
- DI was sick, so I didn't come.
17.Select all the sentences that use informal language. (select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe experiment was conducted by the students.
- BThe kids were really hyped about the trip.
- CWe gotta finish this quickly.
- DThe results were analysed carefully.
- EI'm gonna go now.
18.In the 'frozen' register, the wording stays exactly the same every time it is spoken.
Medium
True or false?
19.Which sentence is the most formal?
Easy
- AThe teacher gave us a ton of homework.
- BThe teacher assigned a significant amount of homework.
- CThe teacher gave us loads of homework.
- DThe teacher gave us a lot of homework.
20.Which sentence is the most informal?
Medium
- AI would like to request your assistance.
- BI need your help, please.
- CCould you possibly help me?
- DI require your help.
21.Which sentence uses a contraction, making it informal?
Medium
- AI cannot attend the meeting.
- BI can't attend the meeting.
- CI am unable to attend the meeting.
- DI will not attend the meeting.
22.Which sentence is more formal?
Medium
- AThe kids are playing outside.
- BThe children are playing outside.
- CThe little ones are playing outside.
- DThe youngsters are playing outside.
23.Which sentence uses the passive voice, a feature often found in formal writing?
Medium
- AThe committee made a decision.
- BA decision was made by the committee.
- CThe committee decided.
- DThe committee has decided.
24.Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal email to a teacher?
Medium
- AHey, can you check my work?
- BI would be grateful if you could review my work.
- CPlease look at my work.
- DCan you have a look at my work?
25.Which sentence is more informal?
Medium
- AI apologize for the delay.
- BSorry for being late.
- CI am sorry for the delay.
- DI would like to apologize for the delay.
26.Which sentence uses a phrasal verb, making it informal?
Medium
- AThe meeting was postponed.
- BThe meeting was put off.
- CThe meeting was delayed.
- DThe meeting was rescheduled.
27.Which word is more formal?
Medium
- Adad
- Bfather
- Cpop
- Dpapa
28.Informal language often uses contractions like 'I'm'.
Easy
True or false?
29.Formal language usually uses slang words.
Easy
True or false?
30.The passive voice is more common in informal language.
Medium
True or false?
31.'Gonna' is an example of informal language.
Easy
True or false?
32.Select all the features of formal language. (select all that apply)
Medium
- Acontractions
- Bprecise vocabulary
- Cpassive voice
- Dslang
- Elonger sentences
33.Select all the sentences that are appropriate for a formal letter. (select all that apply)
Medium
- AI would be grateful if you could consider my application.
- BI wanna ask for a favor.
- CPlease find attached my resume.
- DI'm writing to apply for the job.
- EI hope to hear from you soon.
34.Select all the words that are formal. (select all that apply)
Medium
- Achild
- Bkid
- Cfather
- Ddad
- Eassist
35.Match each informal word to its formal equivalent.
Medium
- kid
- dad
- gonna
- child
- father
- going to
36.Put these words in order from most formal to least formal.
Medium
- child
- kid
- youngster
37.Read this sentence from a letter: 'We are writing to inform you that your application has been successful.' Which word makes this sentence formal?
Easy
- Awriting
- Binform
- Capplication
- Dsuccessful
38.Read this note from a friend: 'Hey, can u come over 2day? We gonna watch a movie.' Which feature makes this note informal?
Medium
- AIt uses full forms like 'can'.
- BIt uses contractions like 'gonna'.
- CIt uses formal vocabulary like 'movie'.
- DIt uses the passive voice.
39.Read this extract from a news report: 'The new library was opened by the mayor yesterday. It will provide free books to all children in the area.' Which features make this formal? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AIt uses the passive voice.
- BIt uses contractions.
- CIt uses precise vocabulary like 'provide'.
- DIt uses slang words.
- EIt is written in full sentences.
40.Match each informal word to its more formal equivalent.
Medium
- kids
- dad
- gonna
- children
- father
- going to
41.Fill in the blank with the correct word.
Easy
In formal writing, we use ____ forms instead of contractions.
42.What is the term for a variety of language used for a particular purpose or situation?
Medium
43.Write one word that is the informal version of 'father'.
Easy
44.Write the contraction for 'do not'.
Medium
45.Write one formal word that means the same as 'kid'.
Medium
46.Write the passive voice of 'The dog ate the bone.' (Use the same tense.)
Medium
47.Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb. Use the passive voice.
Easy
The cake ____ by the chef.
48.Write the contraction for 'we will'.
Easy
49.Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Medium
In a formal letter to your headteacher, you should use ____ language.
50.Rewrite the following sentence to make it more formal: 'The kids are gonna love the party.'
Medium
51.Write the formal word that means the same as 'dad'.
Easy
52.Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
Easy
The homework ____ by the students every day.
53.Explain why a writer might choose to use formal language in a letter to a company.
Hard
54.Rewrite this sentence to make it more formal: 'The kids are gonna love the party.'
Medium

Notes de révision

## Formal and Informal Language Language can be **formal** (proper and serious) or **informal** (casual and relaxed). The way we speak or write changes depending on who we are talking to and the situation. This is called **register**. ### Informal Language Use informal language with friends and family, or in texts and casual emails. It feels friendly and relaxed. - **Contractions**: short forms like *can't* (cannot) or *I'm* (I am). - **Slang**: casual words like *cool* or *awesome*. - **Phrasal verbs**: verbs with a small word, like *give up* (stop trying). - **Question tags**: short questions at the end, like *You're coming, right?* - **Short sentences**: quick and simple. ### Formal Language Use formal language in school reports, letters to important people, or speeches. It sounds respectful and serious. - **Full forms**: no contractions, so write *cannot* not *can't*. - **Precise vocabulary**: choose exact words, like *father* instead of *dad*. - **Passive voice**: say *The cake was eaten* instead of *I ate the cake*. - **Impersonal constructions**: avoid saying *I* or *you*; say *It is believed that...*. - **Longer complex sentences**: more detailed and connected. ### Choosing the Right Register Think about your reader and the situation. For a letter to a friend, use informal. For a report to your teacher, use formal. You can rewrite a passage to change its register without changing the meaning. ### Example - **Informal**: *I can't come to your party. I'm too busy.* - **Formal**: *I regret to inform you that I am unable to attend your party due to prior commitments.* Remember: there is a spectrum from very formal to very informal. Choose the right style for the right moment!

Register: The way language changes to fit the situation and the person you are talking to. It can be formal or informal.
Formal language: Proper and serious language used in reports, letters to important people, or speeches. It uses full words, precise vocabulary, and longer sentences.
Informal language: Casual and relaxed language used with friends and family. It uses contractions, slang, and short sentences.
Contraction: A short form of two words, like 'can't' for 'cannot' or 'I'm' for 'I am'.
Slang: Very casual words that are not formal, like 'cool' or 'awesome'.
Phrasal verb: A verb made of two or more words, like 'give up' or 'look after'. Often used in informal language.
Question tag: A short question added to the end of a sentence, like 'You're coming, right?'
Passive voice: A way of writing where the action happens to the subject, like 'The cake was eaten' instead of 'I ate the cake'. Often used in formal language.
Impersonal construction: A sentence that does not mention a specific person, like 'It is believed that...' instead of 'I think...'. Used in formal language.

Cartes mémo

What is 'register' in language?

Register is the way we change our language to fit the situation and the person we are talking to. For example, we talk differently to a friend than to a teacher.

Name two features of informal language.

Informal language uses contractions (like 'can't') and slang (like 'cool'). It also uses short sentences and question tags (like 'isn't it?').

Name two features of formal language.

Formal language uses full forms (like 'cannot' instead of 'can't') and precise vocabulary. It also uses the passive voice and longer, complex sentences.

What is a contraction? Give an example.

A contraction is a short form of two words joined together, with an apostrophe. For example, 'don't' is a contraction of 'do not'.

What is slang? Give an example.

Slang is very informal language that is often used by friends. For example, 'cool' means 'good' or 'nice'.

What is a phrasal verb? Give an example.

A phrasal verb is a verb made of two or more words, like 'give up' (to stop trying). It is common in informal language.

What is a question tag? Give an example.

A question tag is a short question added to the end of a sentence, like 'You're coming, aren't you?' It is common in informal speech.

What is the passive voice? Give an example.

The passive voice is when the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence. For example, 'The cake was eaten by Tom.' It is often used in formal writing.

What does 'full forms' mean? Give an example.

Full forms are the complete words, not shortened. For example, 'I am' is the full form of 'I'm'.

Why do we use formal language?

We use formal language for important situations like writing a report, a letter to a boss, or a speech. It shows respect and is clear and precise.

Why do we use informal language?

We use informal language with friends and family. It is friendly and relaxed, and we can use slang and contractions.

What is the 'frozen' register? Give an example.

The frozen register is language that is always the same, like a pledge or a prayer. An example is the Pledge of Allegiance.

What is the 'formal' register? Give an example.

The formal register is used for speeches or presentations. It is one-way, with no interruptions, and uses exact words. An example is a teacher's lecture.

What is the 'consultative' register? Give an example.

The consultative register is used when talking with a teacher or doctor. It is two-way, with background information given. An example is a doctor's appointment.

What is the 'casual' register? Give an example.

The casual register is used with friends. It uses slang and short sentences. An example is talking to a friend at lunch.

What is the 'intimate' register? Give an example.

The intimate register is used with close family. It uses private words and non-verbal messages. An example is talking to your mom.

How do you make a sentence more formal?

To make a sentence more formal, use full forms instead of contractions, choose precise words, and use the passive voice. For example, change 'I can't come' to 'I am unable to attend.'

How do you make a sentence more informal?

To make a sentence more informal, use contractions, slang, and shorter sentences. For example, change 'I am unable to attend' to 'I can't come.'

What is the difference between formal and informal letters?

A formal letter uses formal language, like 'Dear Sir' and 'Yours faithfully'. An informal letter uses informal language, like 'Hi' and 'Love'.

What is a 'report'?

A report is a formal piece of writing that gives information about something. It uses formal language and is often written for school or work.

What is a 'speech'?

A speech is a talk given to an audience. It is usually formal and uses clear, precise language.

What is a 'story'?

A story is a piece of writing that tells a tale. It can be formal or informal, but often uses informal language to sound natural.

What is an 'email'?

An email is a message sent electronically. It can be formal or informal, depending on who you are writing to.

What is the 'audience'?

The audience is the person or people who will read or hear your writing. You change your language to suit your audience.

What is 'precise vocabulary'?

Precise vocabulary means using exact and specific words. For example, saying 'automobile' instead of 'car' in formal writing.

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