The main difference between formal and informal writing is that formal writing adheres strictly to grammatical rules and conventions, using sophisticated language and an objective tone. In contrast, informal writing uses casual language, contractions, idioms, and a conversational style. Formal writing is used for academic, technical, or professional contexts, while informal writing appears more in social media, personal correspondence, and creative works. Skilled writers can strategically employ both styles by following best practices like eliminating slang for formal writing or allowing fragmentation in informal writing.
Key Difference Between Formal and Informal Writing
Formal writing adheres to accepted conventions that establish an objective, professional tone. It focuses on content and omits unnecessary details. Informal writing, on the other hand, takes on a more relaxed, conversational style, using contractions and colloquial language.
What is Formal Writing?
Formal writing is a style of writing that is typically used in professional, academic, or business settings. A profound and objective tone characterizes it and often conveys information or ideas clearly and concisely. Formal writing is usually more structured and organized and free of contractions, slang, and colloquialisms.
What is Informal Writing?
Informal writing, on the other hand, is a style of writing that is often used in personal or social settings. A casual and friendly tone characterizes it and is often used to express opinions, thoughts, and feelings. Informal writing is often more relaxed and spontaneous and can include contractions, slang, and colloquialisms.
Characteristics of Formal Writing
- Formal writing conforms to traditional standards and strict stylistic conventions. Key features include:
- Precise, elevated vocabulary that avoids colloquialisms, slang, or idioms. Academic or sophisticated language is valued.
- Strict adherence to prescriptive grammar rules like subject-verb agreement and no sentence fragments.
- An objective tone is maintained through a third-person perspective and avoids personal references or opinions.
- Logical organization and structure with a clear introduction, orderly content flow, and conclusion.
- Attention to visual presentation with conservative fonts, unified formatting, and minimal graphics.
- Avoidance of contractions, abbreviated words, and other casual grammatical constructions.
- Formal writing prizes clarity, precision, accuracy, and an impersonal style. It follows traditional rules of composition closely and is devoid of conversational expressions.
Characteristics of Informal Writing
In contrast, informal writing adopts a more casual, conversational style. Typical features include:
- Relaxed vocabulary, including common expressions, slang, idioms, and colloquialisms. Jargon is typically avoided.
- Casual grammatical constructions like fragments, contractions, and abbreviated words. Rules aren’t strictly followed.
- A subjective and personal tone is generated through the use of first-person pronouns (“I,” “we”) and personal opinions.
- A loose organization that flows naturally but may lack structure. Transitions are conversational.
- Little focus on visual presentation. Varied fonts, formats, and graphics may be used.
- An overall chatty style closer to spoken language versus formal written English.
- Informal writing aims for an intimate, conversational tone. It sets a mood rather than rigidly adhering to prescriptive standards.
Formal vs Informal Writing – Comparison
| Basis of Comparison | Formal Writing | Informal Writing |
| Vocabulary | Precise, elevated, and sophisticated. | Conversational, colloquial, and relatable. |
| Grammar | Strict adherence to standard grammar rules. | Flexible, allowing for contractions & fragments. |
| Tone | Objective and impersonal. | Subjective, friendly, and approachable. |
| Structure | Well-organized with clear introductions, orderly flow, and conclusions. | Loosely structured, often resembling natural conversation. |
| Visual Presentation | Conservative fonts and unified formatting. | Varied fonts and layouts, less focus on aesthetics. |
| Use of Slang/Idioms | Avoids slang and idioms. | Embraces slang and idioms for a casual feel. |
| Audience Connection | Less personal, maintains distance. | Seeks a personal connection with the reader. |
| Suitability | Academic, business, technical documents, official correspondence. | Social media, personal blogs, creative writing. |
| Jargon | Minimizes or defines technical jargon. | May use familiar jargon without explanation. |
| Voice | Impersonal and authoritative. | Personal and authentic, reflecting the writer’s voice. |
| Examples | “The study indicates that…” | “I feel like…” “You gotta try this…” |
| Contractions | Avoids contractions. | Uses contractions for a conversational tone. |
| Addressing the Reader | Rarely addresses the reader directly. | Often addresses the reader directly. |
Situations for Formal Writing
When is formal writing most appropriate? Contexts, where the following conventions are key, include:
- Academic writing, like research papers, theses, and dissertations, requires a rigorous style per disciplinary norms.
- Business reports, project proposals, and official correspondence in professional settings.
- Technical documents like instruction manuals, legal contracts, and medical reports prioritize clarity.
- Hard news journalism, where objective and detached reporting is standard.
- Government documents and policies where formality promotes proper compliance.
- Anything involving regulations, rules, procedures, or by-laws.
- Formal writing is the norm when the author cannot assume familiarity with the reader or subject intimacy. It maintains distance.
Situations for Informal Writing
Informal writing is suitable when trying to forge a personal connection with readers. It’s commonly found in:
- Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, messaging apps.
- Personal journals, diaries, or reflection logs are only for the author’s eyes.
- Notes, memos, and emails to close colleagues about unofficial matters.
- Creative writing like poetry, fiction, and memoirs.
- Personal blogs and opinion pieces with a distinctly individual voice.
- Texts, chat rooms, forums, and other online exchanges among acquaintances.
- In short, informal writing strives to cultivate a casual, intimate tone, typically among known readers. The goal is a relationship, not just an efficient transfer of information.
Impact on Reader
- Formal and informal writing shapes reader reactions in different ways:
- Formal writing promotes respect for the author’s expertise but may seem dry.
- Informal writing fosters connection but can undermine perceived competence if overdone.
- Formal writing ensures clarity on complex topics. Jargon should be avoided or explained.
- Informal writing makes simple subjects more accessible. Avoid being too academic on basic topics.
- Formal writing shows greater care. Take this approach for sensitive issues.
- Informal writing displays authenticity. Use this when sharing experiences.
- Neither style is inherently better. Skillful writers strategically employ each based on the rhetorical situation.
Examples and Analysis
Consider these formal and informal writing samples on daily exercise:
Formal
Regular physical activity has been clinically demonstrated to reduce chronic disease risk and increase life expectancy. Adults should aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking.
Analysis
This formal sample uses precise language (“clinically demonstrated, “life expectancy,” “moderate intensity”) without slang. It maintains an objective tone and clear organization. However, it lacks personality.
Informal
Working out sucks sometimes, but you must stay motivated to pump those endorphins! I cram in my 30 mins of cardio whenever I can, even if it’s just doing jumping jacks during commercials. Just find what works for you!
Analysis
The informal example contains colloquialisms (“sucks,” “ya gotta”), subjective opinions, fragmented sentences, and a conversational style. But excessive informality could undermine expertise.
Best Practices
For formal writing:
- Eliminate contractions, abbreviations, slang, idioms, and colloquialisms.
- Adhere to proper grammar conventions. Avoid fragments and run-ons.
- Maintain an objective tone through the third-person point of view.
- Organize content methodically with smooth transitions.
- Clarify any necessary jargon by defining terms.
For informal writing:
- Strategically use idioms, contractions, and fun figures of speech.
- Allow flexibility in grammar, like fragments, if it boosts voice.
- Share personal stories, opinions, and observations when appropriate.
- Order content loosely to mimic natural conversation.
- Assume the reader is familiar with slang, regional terms, and pop culture references.
Teaching Formal vs. Informal Writing
When instructing students:
- Provide strong models of both formal and informal samples.
- Explicitly explain the context where each style works best.
- Teach code-switching between styles depending on audience and purpose.
- Share revision checklists tailored to formal versus informal writing.
- Don’t penalize informal writing if it’s done skillfully and suits the assignment goals.
- Allow some informal expressions even in formal writing contexts if it aids clarity or connection.
Conclusion
Formal and informal writing represent two ends of the stylistic spectrum. While formal prioritizes traditional rules and an objective tone, informal adopts a casual, conversational approach. There are situational guidelines for using each effectively, but in the hands of a skilled writer, elements of both can strategically enhance connection with readers even within a single piece. Mastering writing style requires understanding conventions, variations, and audience perspectives.