Formal and informal

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! We don't talk to a head teacher the same way we talk to a friend. Informal language is chatty and relaxed. Formal language is careful and polite.

Informal writing uses contractions, like can't and it's. It uses chatty words, like kids, loads and grab. Formal writing uses full forms, like cannot and it is. And it uses careful words, like children, many and collect.

Formal writing sometimes uses the subjunctive. After if, for something that isn't true, we say were, even after I or he. If I were you, I would apologise. Informally, people often say if I was you.

Let's try one together. Formal or informal? Hey, can't wait to see you! Say it out loud!

Informal! Hey and can't are chatty, like talking to a friend. Well done if you said informal!

Here's a common mistake. Lots of people think long words make writing formal. But a formal letter can still be clear and simple. The key is no slang, and no contractions. We would like to invite you to our school play.

Your turn! Which sentence is the most formal? Pick the right card. You've got eight seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! Children must not run in the corridor. It has no contractions and no chatty words.

Quick review. Informal language is chatty, with contractions and slang. Formal language uses full forms and careful words. In formal writing, use were for things that aren't true: if I were you. See you next time!