Style 2: Informal v. Formal style

Informal vs. Formal Tone Informal- uses words and sentence constructions close to ordinary speech and may include slang, colloquialisms, and regionalisms. Characteristics: Wordy and general word choice Contractions (don’t, can’t) 1st and 2nd person pronouns (I, you) Simple verbs: (get, is, got, have, really, a lot, like, cool, bad)

Informal vs. Formal Tone Formal- scholarly and contains sophisticated, multisyllabic words in complex sentence structures not likely to be used when speaking. Characteristics: 3rd person pronouns (he, she, one) Complex sentence structures Jargon or language appropriate to the intended audience, which is usually members of the same field of study Typically used in professional and legal documents

Examples: We will focus on semiformal Examples: We will focus on semiformal. Formal would be more appropriate in a dissertation, higher level college courses, or masters courses. Informal I thought Slumdog Millionaire was a cool movie. You should’ve checked it out. Semiformal Slumdog Millionaire uses a series of narrative flashbacks to spotlight the differences between the poverty of Mumbai and the hope provided by a Western- influenced television show. Formal Slumdog Millionaire provides a skillful dissertation on globalization, using a postmodern narrative style that effectively juxtaposes starkly impoverished Mumbai neighborhoods against impossible hope fueled by Western influence and greed.

Practice Directions: Change the informal sentence into a semiformal sentence. Informal: Someone who wants to have a bill passed in this state should start the process by getting it presented in the General Assembly or the Senate.

Practice Possible Answer: For a bill to become a law in this state, the first step is to have it introduced in the General Assembly or the Senate.

Final Note on Informal and Formal Tone: DO NOT mix tones in a paper. Once you establish the tone in your introduction and thesis that is the tone that should be maintained throughout the paper!