Formal Writing vs Informal Writing

 1. Formal Writing

Formal writing is any type of writing that's written formally. Being formal means following social rules, conventions and etiquette; and in writing it means to write in a short, concise manner to convey information. A formal tone helps establish the writer's respect for the audience and suggests that the writer is serious about his or her topic. It is the kind of tone that educated people use when communicating with other educated people. Most academic writing uses a formal tone.

 

2. Informal Writing

Informal writing is similar to a spoken conversation. It may therefore include slang, figures of speech, broken syntax, or asides. A personal tone as if you were speaking directly to your audience (readers). Informal writing is often very conversational in style. These are important forms of writing to learn, moments when students are called to give their thoughts definition by articulating them, even though they won't likely call for a response from you or turn up in your grade book.

 

3. Characteristics of Formal and Informal Writing

When you look at a piece of writing, it is possible to distinguish whether it is written in a formal or informal style from several different aspects.

A. The main characteristics of an informal writing style are:

a) Colloquial language and terms. Informal writing is similar to a spoken conversation.

b) A personal tone as if you were speaking directly to your audience (readers). Informal writing is often very conversational in style.

c) A simple structure and approach. As in conversation, both sentences and paragraphs tend to be shorter in informal writing.

d) Contractions and abbreviations within the text. Just as in speech, words may be shortened or abbreviated in informal writing.


B. The main characteristics of a formal writing style are:

a) A more complex structure. Formal writing often uses longer sentences.

b) An objective approach. In formal writing, the writer uses a more objective approach.

c) Use of full words rather than contractions. As a general rule, no contractions should be used to simplify words in formal writing.

d) Writing in the third person. Formal writing is not a personal writing style. The writer often aims to sound dispassionate about the topic.

 

C. Conclusion

In our daily lives, we employ both formal and informal writing, but in different settings. Before deciding on a writing style, we must consider the reader and the topic of your talk. The formal writing style is appropriate when the issue is serious and objective. It's also utilized when the letter is sent to a respected individual or organization.

Sources:

www.twinkl.co.uk, faculty.ivcc.edu, www.skillsyouneed.com, www.oswego.com, https://keydifferences.com

 

 

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