1. Formal vs. Informal Language What is the difference?

2. Characteristics of formal language:
Serious
Objective
Specific vocabulary
No contractions
More complex sentences
Controlled
Impersonal
When do we use formal language?
Job interview
Principal's office
Class essay
Business letter

3. Characteristics of informal language:
Slang vocabulary
Funny
Casual
Simple
Plain spoken
Punctuation (exclamation points)
When do we use informal language?
Text message
Journal writing
Friendly letter
Jotting a note

4. When we are speaking to a principal we might say: “Good morning
When we are speaking to a principal we might say: “Good morning.” When we are speaking to our best friend we might say: “Howdy!” When we are speaking to an adult we might say: “I am confused.” When we are speaking to a friend we might say: “I don’t get it.”

5. When we are speaking to a teacher we might say: “Please show me where the cafeteria is.” When we are speaking to a classmate we might say: “Dude, where do we eat?” When we are speaking to an adult we might say: “What are you doing right now?” When we are speaking to a friend we might say: “Watcha doin’, huh?”

6. How do we know when to use formal or informal language
How do we know when to use formal or informal language? We need to think about…..
What is the event?
What is the size of the audience?
Who is the audience?
What is the relationship of the speaker to the audience?
What is the task you have been assigned?

7. Let’s compare words we might use in formal language and informal language.
Verbs
Formal Language
Informal Language
must depart
gotta go
retain
hold onto
please cease
stop it
demonstrate
show me
assist
help
to create
to make

8. Formal Language Informal Language Hello. Hey. Goodbye. See ya later.
How are you?
Sup?
Sincerely,
From,
Dear ________,
To _______,
Good morning.
Mornin’!

9. Let’s practice… Read each sentence and tell whether it is a formal sentence or an informal sentence.

10. The project will be completed next year.
Formal

11. Get ya hand outa my face.
Informal

12. Allow me to demonstrate the correct form of contact.
Formal

13. We’ll get it done.
Informal

14. Your decision will be expected by 9:00 AM.
Formal

15. You gotta learn to lighten up a bit!
Informal

16. You wanna come over for a sleepover?
Informal

17. Your attendance would be appreciated tomorrow.
Formal

18. All decisions are final, no exceptions.
Formal

19. I’ll drop by for a bit.
Informal