This entry is about differences in vocabulary of formal and informal styles. For general differences, see this article.
Both formal and informal vocabulary can be found in all spheres of the language. As the language becomes more liberal, combining these two groups of words gets more common. Below is an example list of words and expressions in formal and informal registers.
What does ‘formal’ mean? Simply put, it means something or someone following established norms, traditions and habits. A formal letter should have certain structure and vocabulary, usually more official and strict. Think of formal as a rough synonym for ‘official’.
Vocabulary for letters
| Informal | Formal |
| To ask for help | To request assistance |
| To tell, to let know | To inform, to notify |
| Problem | Issue |
| Speak to | Address smb. |
| Talk about | Discuss, consider |
| Fix, take care of, put right | Rectify, amend |
| I think that … | I believe/hold it that … |
| I want to … | I wish to … |
| I’m ready to … | I am willing to … |
| I’m angry about … | I am dissatisfied with … |
| Deal with, take care of | Manage, resolve, settle |
| Put up with | Tolerate, bear, endure |
| Bring up | Mention |
| Take away | Remove |
| Thanks | I am grateful/thankful for … |
| I’m sorry about … | I regret about … |
| I’m writing about | I am writing regarding |
| I’ll get in touch … | I will contact … |
| If you have any questions | Should you have any questions |
General formal and informal vocabulary
| Informal | Formal |
| And | As well as … |
| But | Whereas/While |
| So, in this manner | Thus |
| If … | Should … /Whether … |
| If … or not | Whether … or not |
| For sure/Certainly | Definitely/Assuredly |
| Many | Numerous/Several |
| Get | Receive |
| Keep | Retain |
It is recommended to stick to either formal or informal words whenever possible. In other words, don’t mix two registers. It is as important as consistency in using English and American spelling. However, using two registers in your speech is not a serious error. At least as far as your speech is concerned. You should nevertheless pay attention to your writing — if you can use a less colloquial expression in your formal letter then you should do so. Sometimes mixing can’t be helped — for example, using phrasal verbs in a text. Phrasal verbs give life to your writing, so you shouldn’t abstain from using them. But such things as contracted forms or slang words — they do not belong in a formal text. Some dictionaries have detailed entries on formal and informal register.
Which register should I use?
The degree of formality is usually decided by the following factors:
[su_list icon=”icon: minus”]
- How well you know the person you’re writing to — the better you know the person, the less formal your writing will be (within reasonable limits)
- The purpose of your letter — business correspondence tends to be more formal
- The relative position of the person you’re writing to — a letter to your boss will be strictly formal. A letter to your subordinate is more likely to be semi-formal or fairly informal.
[/su_list]