Informal vs. Formal Language: Understanding the Key Differences

Informal vs. Formal Language: Understanding the Key Differences

As a writer or professional communicator, it is crucial to comprehend the differences between informal and formal language usage. Knowing these differences will aid you in delivering the appropriate message for your intended audience, as one incorrect tone can ruin the whole message. The goal of this blog article is to explain the differences between informal and formal communication and provide sample situations where it is ideal to use either of them.

Introduction

The language you use has the power to dictate how your message is received by your audience. Knowing the correct tone (informal or formal) to use in a given situation can be the distinguishing factor between a successful or unsuccessful communication campaign. In this article, you will learn the critical contrasts between formal language and informal language, and how to best apply them to your communication strategy.

Differences Between Informal and Formal Language

Informal language is typically used among friends and family, and often disregards strict rules of grammar and syntax. On the other side, formal language is that standardized language recognized by professionals such as doctors, academicians, and bureaucrats. The language is typically comprised of complex sentence structures, advanced vocabulary, and grammatical correctness.

Situations Where Informal Language Is Appropriate

In some settings, where there is an existing relationship between people or to create a friendly environment, it may be smart to use informal language. For example, creating a casual and laid-back tone helps people connect more easily with colleagues, friends, or even associates. Informal language is also perfect for social media, instant messaging, and text messaging. It gives room for creativity and allows you to communicate in a more relaxed, open, and informal tone.

Situations Where Formal Language Is Appropriate

Formal language is suitable for in-person meetings, formal presentations, and academic research writing. In these scenarios, the goal is to convey a professional and polished tone to gain credibility and attention from the audience. The syntax and grammar expected in formal writing provide clarity to the message, and the appropriate tones help to maintain the seriousness of the message. Formal language employs specific vocabulary and sentence structure, adhering to industry requirements and compliances.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the difference between the two major types of language is critical for communication professionals. It is recommended to align language use appropriately considering the context of the message and your intended audience. While informal language may be more acceptable in a relaxed environment, it can be disastrous in a formal setting. Formal language, on the other hand, allows you to convey information in terms of industry standards while remaining professional. With this clear understanding of the contrast between both language types, you can accurately create and deliver your message to your intended audience.