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Extended Essay: Formal vs. Informal Writing

  • Extended Essay- The Basics
  • Step 1. Choose a Subject
  • Step 2. Educate yourself!
  • Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
  • Identify Keywords
  • Do Background Reading
  • Define Your Topic
  • Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
  • Step 5. Draft a Research Question
  • Step 6. Create a Timeline
  • Find Articles
  • Find Primary Sources
  • Get Help from Experts
  • Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
  • Databases and Websites by Subject Area
  • Create an Annotated Bibliography
  • Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
  • Chicago Citation Syle
  • MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
  • Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
  • Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
  • Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
  • Conducting Secondary Research
  • Conducting Primary Research
  • Formal vs. Informal Writing
  • Presentation Requirements
  • Evaluating Your Work

Differences Between Informal and Formal Essays

When writing your extended essay you should use language that is formal and academic in tone.  The chart below gives you some idea of the differences between informal and formal essays. See the box below for examples of the differences in tone in informal and formal essays written on identical topics. A PDF of this chart, and the examples below, is in the box to the right , along with a list of tips for avoiding colloquial writing.

Informal essay (sometimes also called personal or familiar essay)
Author’s viewpoint Usually uses first-person pronoun; directly addresses the reader. Usually uses third-person pronoun.
Subject/content: Sources of evidence Frequently drawn from life of the student and everyday events. More commonly drawn from shared historical events or literature or other forms of knowledge.    
Tone Frequently more personal and subjective; may be ironic, amusing, thoughtful, angry or serious; conversational and casual. Tends to be removed from the subject and appears to be objective; tends to hold emotions in check and express concerns through strong arguments and powerful rhetorical devices.
Structure Appears to be more loosely structured. Follows a structure that focuses on the development of one clear argument at a time to support a clearly stated thesis.
Location of the research purpose/question

 

May appear anywhere in the essay; may not be explicitly stated. Stated explicitly, generally located in the first or second paragraph of the essay.
Vocabulary Everyday words; slang and colloquialisms; contractions; uses “you” and “I”. Technical words according to subject; no slang or contractions; avoids “you” and “I” (the use of “I” in the introduction and conclusion of an essay is permitted but in the body of the essay is best avoided in order to maintain an academic tone).
Purpose Entertainment; gentle reflection. Presentation of facts and ideas with critical evaluation, arguing a point and analyzing in detail.

Examples of Informal and Formal Tone in Essay Writing

The following examples highlight the differences between formal and informal tone.

Language B - English

Informal: 

I decided to write an extended essay on how hip-hop works as protest of the lower classes because I think the music is cool and really gets people dancing, inspiring those people who wouldn’t normally think there’s any point in being against anything to listen to the message. Being an enthusiastic hip-hop dancer myself, I really wanted to find out some more about this.

Formal: 

This extended essay on how the lyrics of hip-hop developed as a form of protest against a society segregating the working classes is based on the premise of the music having a distinct and energizing rhythm that really inspires people thereby reaching out to audiences who wouldn’t normally believe in protest, let alone speak out in public. Thus, the music becomes a vehicle for words of protest that can and indeed have changed the world. My own experience with dancing hip-hop at a relatively advanced and skilled level fuelled my desire to research this topic in more depth.

Informal:

Biology has always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was searching for frogspawn in my grandparent’s pond as a four-year-old and annoying my mum with a battery of jam jars on the window sill in which I was trying to raise tadpoles I have been fascinated with observing nature in detail. Even in English, reading Death of a Naturalist by Seamus Heaney, I found myself thinking up an experiment to do with dragonflies and bluebottles. I have a fish tank at home with three different sorts of fish. I’ve noticed that they all respond differently when I feed them. I’m wondering what else is different in their behavior so, in this extended essay, I’m going to find out how they react to light.

Formal: 

This extended essay is focused on investigating the phototaxic responses of three different species of fish that occupy different areas of an aquarium: danios ( ), which group near the surface of the water, black skirt tetra ( ), which swim in the middle of the tank, and kuhli loach ( ), which swim near the bottom of the tank. It is anticipated that they will respond differently to light according to their niche within the tank.

The outcome of my investigation could inform the feeding strategy used for different fish as well as highlight the adaptive nature of toxic response in fish. In addition, this essay may help to inspire some fellow students to view their fish with new interest, and consider their own strategies in populating a fish tank.

Informal:

When I go into a supermarket there is always gentle background music playing, although in the clothes shops I like it is always loud pop music. At breakfast my dad likes to listen to Rossini string sonatas, while my little brother has heavy metal on his iPod and will head-bang his way through a bowl of cornflakes. My extended essay is trying to research why people rely on certain types of music to influence their mood and how music is used in this way for advertising. I am not sure if there is a connection and whether the music does affect, for example, people’s shopping habits, but it will be interesting to try to find out, especially to see if different peoples’ brains are wired differently when it comes to music.

Formal: 

This extended essay intends to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between music listened to and the mood of individuals. Additionally, it will seek to explore whether this relationship is used in advertising to encourage people to spend money.

  • Formal vs. Informal Writing A chart giving the differences between informal and formal essays in seven areas (author's viewpoint; subject/content (sources of evidence); tone; structure; location of the research question; vocabulary; and purpose. Also included are examples comparing informal and formal writing for essays in English, biology, and psychology.
  • How to Avoid Colloquial (Informal) Writing While it may be acceptable in friendly e-mails and chat rooms, excessive colloquialism is a major pitfall that lowers the quality of formal written text. Here are some steps/tips that you can follow to help improve your overall writing.
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  • Last Updated: Aug 25, 2024 5:13 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

         

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Understanding The Difference Between Formal and Informal Language in Writing

A good writer knows when to use formal or informal language in their writing. We’ll go over the difference between the two and provide examples.

Formally and informally | What is informal tone? | Formal vs informal tone

Quick Summary of Formal and Informal Language

  • The main difference between formal and informal language in writing is that formal language is more rigid and less personal, whereas informal language is more easygoing and adaptive.
  • Deciding on using formal or informal language depends on what you’re writing and who you’re writing it for:
  • Formal language is usually reserved for professional and academic settings, while informal writing is used for more casual settings, like friendly text messages and creative writing.
  • There are many differences found in formal and informal writing. One of them is that contractions shouldn’t be used in formal writing, but are acceptable in informal writing .
  • Vocabulary is another major difference between formal and informal language.

Formal vs. Informal Language

Effective writing has a lot to do with not only what you write but also how you write it. The type of language you use— formal or informal —must suit your audience and setting.

If you want your message to resonate, then it wouldn’t be a good idea to use colloquialisms in formal settings. Similarly, you shouldn’t use rigid language when you’re writing about something light, playful, or funny.

But what exactly is the difference between formal and informal language in writing? That’s what we’ll be covering in this blog. We’ll also provide helpful examples so you can better recognize the difference.

Plus, we’ll show you a paraphrasing tool that’ll ensure your text is pristine, regardless of what you’re writing.

Let’s begin!

What Is The Difference Between Formal and Informal Language?

Compared to formal language, informal language is considered more casual. Informal language also evolves much more rapidly than formal language. While new words or phrases can be introduced to informal language seemingly overnight (e.g., GOAT referring to the greatest of all time) , these changes can take years in formal language (e.g., you replacing thou, thee, and thy ).

But there are also more notable differences between formal and informal language. We’ll give some examples below.

1. Contractions

It is advised to avoid contractions (shortened versions of words) in formal language, but they’re acceptable in informal language.

Unfortunately, the team could not replicate the results. (Formal)
Unfortunately, the team couldn’t replicate the results. ( Informal)

2. Colloquial Phrases/Slang

Formal language is also marked by an absence of colloquial phrases and slang (words or phrases that are common only in everyday speech), but are typically used in informal language.

Everyone was disappointed . (Formal)
Everyone was bummed . ( Informal)

3. First-Person Pronouns

Generally, first-person pronouns (like I and we ) are avoided when writing with formal language. However, it’s accepted (and expected) in informal language.

The students were asked to fill out the questionnaire. (Formal)
Informal: We asked the students to fill out the questionnaire. ( Informal)

4. Phrasal Verbs

When using formal language in your writing, it is also recommended to replace phrasal verbs (proper verbs that are followed by one or more prepositions and act as a single verb).

It was something the protestors could endure . (Formal)
It was something the protestors could put up with . ( Informal)

5. Grammar Rules

When writing for formal settings, it is recommended to follow all grammar rules, even those that are considered trivial. In informal settings, some grammar rules can be ignored. For example, in informal settings, it’s okay to use who in place of whom . However, always using who in place of whom is not recommended when writing with formal language.

Whom do I have to speak to? (Formal)
Who do I have to speak to? ( Informal)

6. Vocabulary Choice

Formal language tends to use longer, more complex vocabulary. Sometimes it is not recommended to use this type of vocabulary with informal language (depending on what you’re writing) because it can confuse or distract your audience.

They needed assistance while recovering from the outcomes of the hurricane. (Formal)
They needed help while recovering from the effects of the hurricane. ( Informal)

Whether you’re writing in a professional or academic setting or a casual and creative one, LanguageTool can provide stronger vocabulary options—all you have to do is double-click on the word. This multilingual spelling and grammar checker can also detect different types of errors, whether you choose to write in formal or informal language.

Deciding When To Use Formal and Informal Language

Remember that choosing when to use formal or informal language in your writing depends on what you’re writing and who your audience is. However, you should also be mindful of the fact that formal and informal language is a spectrum, and some types of writing can fall in between these categories. Regardless of what type of language you’re using in your writing, keep these differences in mind to guarantee the most effective writing possible.

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Informal Vs. Formal Writing: What’s The Difference?

  • What Is Formal Writing?
  • What Is Informal Writing?
  • Formal Vs. Informal Writing
  • Formal Example
  • Informal Example

As a writer, you’re faced with a lot of choices related to your writing: how long should your essay be ? Who should be addressed in a cover letter ? What is a thesis statement ? But there’s one question that also applies to every composition: how do you distinguish writing that’s informal vs. formal?  

That’s right. Whether a piece is informal or formal will influence everything down to the smallest comma and period. But what, exactly, is the difference between formal and informal writing? When do you use one over the other? Are they really that different? If you are wondering the answers to those questions, then read on as we explore the many different features between formal and informal writing. 

What is formal writing ?

First, you should know that it is the intended readers that will determine if a writer should use formal writing or informal writing . Generally, formal writing is defined as writing targeted toward an audience that a person doesn’t personally know. Typically, formal writing is used when a person wants their writing to be viewed as professional, polite, authoritative, or some combination thereof. For this reason, formal writing is often used in professional settings. For example, formal writing is often the form of writing used in research and academic papers, corporate memos and emails, press releases, and job applications. 

What is informal writing ?

Informal writing is the inverse of formal writing . In a manner of speaking, informal writing is the T-shirt-and-jeans counterpart to formal writing’s dress coat and pants. In general, informal writing is defined as writing targeted toward an audience that the writer knows personally or with whom the writer wants to establish a friendly tone. Informal writing may include inside jokes, slang, abbreviations, and local colloquialisms . 

As you might expect, informal writing is common in casual settings such as social media and in texting between friends. However, you will often see informal writing used in other situations, such as in literature or in lighthearted feature stories in newspapers and magazines. 

Formal vs. informal writing

There are many differences between formal and informal writing. We will cover a large number of them here, but this list won’t be exhaustive. Still, you should have a good idea how formal and informal writing differ after looking at these different features.

Grammar, spelling, and punctuation

In almost all cases, formal writing adheres to the proper rules of grammar, spelling, and punctuation . Informal writing, on the other hand, may not. A person may not intentionally break the rules of grammar in informal writing, but they know that a reader is unlikely to care about errors or nonstandard sentence structure. 

  • Formal writing: The writing was clear but had several mistakes; you should revise and redraft the article.
  • Informal writing: The writing was clear, but had alot of mistakes… u should revise and redraft the article.  

Formal writing doesn’t always have to follow stuffy, antiquated rules. Check out 5 formulaic writing rules you can explore breaking.

Sentence length

Generally speaking, formal writing often uses long, complex sentences that are connected using transitions. Informal writing often includes shorter sentences that may abruptly move from topic to topic. 

  • Formal writing: Surprise inspections will be performed on a regular basis as determined by the acting supervisor, who has the authority to request them as needed. Furthermore, employees should be prepared to submit their work for review in a timely fashion. 
  • Informal writing: I love my new sweater! Thank you!! Where do you want to meet for lunch?

Vocabulary and tone

Typically, formal writing has a serious tone and uses a sophisticated vocabulary that often includes large, complex words. Additionally, formal writing often uses technical terms that match the topic being discussed. For example, a medical text using formal writing will often use the term tibia rather than shinbone or a similar term. Informal writing will often instead have a lighter tone that uses simpler, commonly used words.

  • Formal writing: The research team expeditiously and meticulously analyzed the findings in order to identify the origin of the Staphylococcus infection.  
  • Informal writing: We were out back chopping down some trees when Mom called.

Third person vs. first person/second person

In general, formal writing is usually written from the third person . Formal writing typically avoids using first- or second-person pronouns such as I, me, we, us, and you . By contrast, informal writing often uses first-, second-, and third-person perspectives while making frequent use of personal pronouns. Because of this difference, formal writing is also more likely to use the passive voice in order to avoid using a first- or second-person perspective.

  • Formal writing: The data were gathered by using sorting algorithms. 
  • Informal writing: I used sorting algorithms to gather the data. 

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Word choice

In general, formal writing will most likely avoid using many of the words or phrases that our dictionary has tagged as being informal. This includes terms such as wanna , gotta , gonna , ‘nuff , kerfuffle, cept, ’Merica, thingamajig , and many other examples of informal language. Relatedly, phrasal verbs are also often typically not used in formal writing . Formal writing will also typically avoid using slang, euphemisms , colloquialisms, expletives, vulgarities, nonstandard abbreviations, jargon , and online acronyms.  

  • Formal writing: Gregory wanted to remove the items from the box, but it was sealed tightly. Being unable to find scissors, he admitted defeat and ate a sandwich. 
  • Informal writing: Greg was dying to get the stuff outta the box, but the box was like it ain’t happening bro lol. He couldn’t find the damn scissors, so he said the hell with it and bounced to go scarf a hoagie.

Interjections

Typically, interjections are not used in formal writing . Going further, exclamation points usually don’t appear very often in formal writing. Both interjections and exclamation points are used in informal writing. 

  • Formal writing: The mixture violently erupted, catching bystanders unaware. 
  • Informal writing: The stuff exploded! Wow! 

Contractions

Typically, contractions are avoided in formal writing , and the words are instead spelled out. In informal writing, contractions are commonly used. 

  Examples: 

  • Formal writing: The team would have purchased extra materials, but the store was not open. 
  • Informal writing: The team would’ve purchased extra materials, but the store wasn’t open. 

Objectivity

In general, formal writing is usually written objectively . In most cases, writers attempt to avoid stating subjective thoughts or presenting personal opinions in the main text of formal writing. When presenting arguments in formal writing, writers often calmly present their side backed by supporting evidence and trustworthy sources . Informal writing can include (strongly worded) personal opinions, emotional appeals, and inflammatory language presented without evidence or supporting facts. 

  • Formal writing: As the evidence clearly shows, the director severely miscalculated production costs when initially presenting the film’s budget.
  • Informal writing: The incompetent buffoon who claims to be a professional director blew the budget so badly that the studio should fire him as soon as possible. 

Formal writing often entails referencing or researching what others have written. Check out these tips to avoid plagiarism.

Example of formal writing

The following excerpt shows an example of formal writing that was used in a statement released by American president Joe Biden:

Love is love, and Americans should have the right to marry the person they love. Today’s bipartisan vote brings the United States one step closer to protecting that right in law. The Respect for Marriage Act will ensure that LGBTQI+ couples and interracial couples are respected and protected equally under federal law, and provide more certainty to these families since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs . I want to thank the Members of Congress whose leadership has sent a strong message that Republicans and Democrats can work together to secure the fundamental right of Americans to marry the person they love. I urge Congress to quickly send this bill to my desk where I will promptly sign it into law.

Example of informal writing

The following example of informal writing is a review of the movie Fight Club by a user of the aggregator website Metacritic:  

Best movie of all time. Period. Seen it more than 28 times. Its a bible of what we have to learn. I say you are not your clothes. You are not the brands u wear, even when u think they re part of ur personality. Comb your hair. I ll tell everyone here the end of the movie, but that its not what this movie is about. First rule of fight club is… you do not talk about fight club. And if u havent seen this film then you are a hollow shell. Become human again and start by watching this lesson.

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formal and informal essay examples

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How to Write an Informal Essay

During their college years, students write dozens of papers, which, when stacked together, can occupy an entire room. These pieces, including articles, reports, or just final papers for the specific course in their nature, are formal writings. So, this guide is devoted to introducing you to the formal side of informal essays.

By this time, you may catch yourself being happy about the chance to say whatever you like about anything that concerns you in the most suitable form. However, this is still an academic assignment, and there is a list of distinctive features of an informal essay you should follow.

What is an informal essay?

what is an informal essay

● The characteristics of an informal writing style allow the covering of controversial topics, such as a women rights essay , for example.

● Another peculiar feature of informal essays, which also flows out of a personalized writing style, is a similarity with conversation. ● In the end, your personality is the first aspect that the reader should see , like in a point of view essay .

In the case of informal essay writing, you can pretty much ignore strict requirements.

While writing an informal essay, you are supposed to put great emphasis on creating a connection with your audience rather than just proving your opinion or telling a story.

How to write an informal essay: video guide

We know that some people understand information better in video format. That’s why we invite you to watch and hear informal essay writing instructions on YouTube below.

Difference between formal vs informal essay

What are the major differences between a formal and informal essay? There are several peculiarities about the structure of informal essays you should know before you start writing:

1) Informal types of papers do not have a specific format and can be determined by the author personally. You can now forget the “introduction, body, and conclusion” structure most write my research paper or write my term paper documents should follow. When it comes to an informal essay, you are even allowed to use fiction to interest your readers. 2) There is no conventional way of organizing the thoughts, judgments, and presentation to readers, as well as there is no agreement about the length of informal essays. Of course, your writing should follow general writing rules, such as being logical and concise. Still, you don’t need to place the topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph and follow other strict rules of academic writing. 3) There are no requirements for informal essays to contain strong theses or even thesis statements as such. The desire to create friendly relationships between the writer and future readers together with the primary objective (the pleasure from the reading process), dictates the situation when structure gives way to a more exciting presentation of thoughts.

formal vs infomal essay

How to write an informal essay in 5 steps

The good thing about informal essay writing is that you don’t have a strict plan to follow. Think of it as if it’s your write my personal statement assignment where you come up with a narrative and stick to the structure of your own. We will provide you with the main guidelines on topic choice and completing your essay to help you lead your creativeness in the right direction:

1. Determine the purpose of the future essay. 2. List as many subjects in the focus of your interest as possible. 3. Evaluate each of the topics in the list. 4. Develop a topic of choice using any paper structure you like. 5. Double-check and proofread the completed paper.

How to choose informal essay topics

choosing a topic for informal essay

The key to a well-written essay is choosing a good topic to write about. Writing about something you are sincerely interested in will drive your creativity and writing process.

For example, a teacher has asked you to write about a person or event that has determined your decision to pursue a degree in a particular sphere. How to understand that moment? You will need to dig into your memories. Maybe it was a specific moment in a movie, or your aunt has become a role model you wish to follow. Think about what you have felt and the touching points.

Another case is when your teacher didn’t give you a research question, so you must pick a topic yourself. Then the best way is to brainstorm about the topics that interest you the most or look through the news to discuss the most topical issues.  The alternative option could be to ask our expert writers to assist with write my assignment or write my college essay tasks: They’ll help find topics that would fit your needs best.

So, here’s the deal:

If you suffer with finding a good topic for your informal essay, you can always ask us to write my essay anytime. Our writers will find a good topic and explore reliable sources to write a unique informal essay for you.

Informal essay topics list

Here is a list of various topi ideas you can use as a basis for your paper. Pick one and use brainstorming techniques to find the ideal topic for the informal essay.

  • Traditions in my family and their importance.
  • Why I choose religion as my life path.
  • How celebrities and influencers affect our choices.
  • My view on femininity and feminism.
  • The moments of my life that I wish I could have changed.
  • Best location in your hometown or elsewhere.
  • How advertising uses sexuality for more attraction.
  • The best memories from my childhood.
  • What is wrong with sex education in schools?
  • The worst disappointment I ever had.
  • Event or person that influenced your academic interests.
  • Describe the event when you have experienced discrimination personally or witnessed discrimination against other people.
  • Why do people procrastinate?

How to create an informal essay outline

infomal essay mindmap

Use Mind Map to develop your topic and make your structure clear. Write the issue in the center, then start adding new boxes around it with ideas you wish to include in your paper. The more boxes you create, the better. Subsequently, you will choose the best ideas and readily see the structure of your future writing. Add details near boxes to expand your thoughts. You can use just paper and pencil, use online services like Canva, or create a mind map in Word.

While informal essays don’t have strict recommendations for the structure, like write my coursework or write my dissertation tasks do, you can follow a typical three-part outline:

  • Introduction
  • Conclusions

Introduction. You may be seriously puzzled by a question on how to start an informal essay. The answer is: imagination. Informal writing gives you an unlimited version to create your text.

For example, you can use the following starting points:

  • Highlight the topic you are going to discuss.
  • Tell why the subject matters.
  • Ask a question.
  • Take a confident position to cause tension.
  • Start with a quote.

Main body. While there is no need to follow an ordinary essay structure, the text of your essay should still be logical. If you are writing on a topic that specifically relates to your personal experience or thoughts, don’t be shy to add a vivid description of what you feel and think. Make your readers feel the scene or how you feel about the subject. You can choose several points of the issue and cover them with descriptions, your personal experience, and facts.

Conclusion. You can’t just leave the text without closing words. Write a brief summary in one or two sentences to point out the main ideas you have covered in the essay.

Tips to write a good informal essay

Before you start writing, check out these short but valuable tips, and check the list of free essay writing tools from EssayShark to create a fantastic informal essay that will leave your readers in speechless awe:

● End the whole paper with a sentence that stimulates the readers to think further about the raised issues, or at least to think outside the box. ● Use more lyrics! It is well-known that lyrics capture the reader, so do not forget to use as many epithets, metaphors, and comparisons as possible. ● The bigger the introductory part, the better the reaction presented by readers. Remember that you are writing to tell a story, not to prove a point. ● Do not give any concrete ideas about the central issue of the essay because you need to stimulate your readers to think and form their own opinions and feelings.

informal essay writing tips

Informal essay writing checklist

When you complete your essay, follow this list of questions to help you improve your writing.

– Does the whole essay reveal the topic that was carefully chosen for your informal essay writing task? – Is the essay’s style in a less formal tone than traditional academic papers?

(For more traditional essays and other academic documents, feel free to address our writers with “ write my APA paper ” and “ write my paper for cheap ” requests.)

– Did you use everyday words, slang, and colloquialisms, and “you” and “I”? – Did you check whether you used the first-person perspective to address the reader directly? – Does the essay stimulate readers to raise questions in their minds with the information you have provided? – Does the essay fit into the framework of the standard five-paragraph type of structure? – Is the subject described in an entertaining manner? – Did you use examples, quotes, diagrams, anecdotes, narratives, and other types of testimony?

Example of informal essay

Below, you can read an informal essay example written by one of the EssayShark writers. Read it carefully to understand the structure and tone of this type of essay. Also, notice how the author addresses the topic of the most embarrassing memory and uses touching points to describe the situation better.

The Most Embarrassing Memory

Each summer as a child, my parents would surprise the family with a week-long trip. Many summers we would be surprised with a beautiful beach trip or tent camping in a remote forest. I can remember one summer more prominently than others because of how memorable the vacation was. Not because it was one of our best trips, nor because we went on our first long road trip. This trip is burned into my memory primarily due to the fact I had never been more embarrassed as a kid than what happened on this family vacation.

Like most children, I experienced embarrassing moments. I would not say I was more sensitive to experiencing them, but even when I try to forget, my parents still bring it up to this day. The morning of our trip started early. I stared out the window for what seemed like hours. After I finished listening to a few CDs and drank my entire water bottle, I was thrilled to find that we were pulling into a rest stop. The rest stop was full of vehicles and visitors looking at the different historic maps and pictures that had decorated the place. My mom said to be quick, and without skipping a beat, cd player in hand, I headed to the restroom. It was nice to finally stretch out, use the restroom, and get away from the vehicle for a few moments.

Once I was finished, I ran back to the car, got in my seat, and buckled up. As I was staring out the window, I could see my mother off in the distance. She seemed to be worried, but I didn’t pay any mind, as it always felt like she was worried or in a hurry. The car was getting hot and I wondered when my family would make it back to the car, especially since they said to be quick. Seconds turned into minutes, and I was getting bored of waiting. I then heard my mother and father calling my name. I had suspected they knew I was in the car, but from that moment, I knew they hadn’t seen me.

I opened the car door, and with a puzzled look, an older lady was staring at me. She stated, “Are you lost, dear?” I was puzzled, thinking, no, I am just getting out of the car. It was then my mother came running up to me, yelling, “What are you doing!?” As I turned to point to the car, I realized I had gotten into someone else’s car. My father laughed, my mother shook her head, and the older lady joined in, and the laughter seemed to rumble to my core. I felt so embarrassed to not have only climbed into the wrong vehicle, but people I didn’t even know were laughing at my poor decision and lack of awareness.

The road trip to the big red tree forest that year was a great one, though the drive couldn’t have felt longer due to the constant chatter of what I had done. This trip was not memorable for the mountain high trees, the flowing rivers, or even the cave exploration. No, this trip was memorable because a young kid couldn’t look up and notice that he hopped into the wrong car, and everyone, including strangers, laughed.

FAQ about writing informal essays

Q: What is the first stage in writing a short informal essay?

A: First of all, you need to read the assignment carefully, as teachers frequently ask you to do something in the essay or consider several important points. Only then can you start brainstorming about the topic and start writing the text.

Q: How to end an informal essay?

A: An informal essay is an exceptional academic paper, since it allows you to end it as you wish. Think about how books usually end or how authors conclude a long blog post or a write my PowerPoint presentation . You can use a question to finish the essay, restate the idea you have covered in the text, call for action, or create a vivid image.

Q: How to identify an informal essay?

A: The main things that distinguish an informal essay are a highly personal tone and the absence of specific structure. Blogs, personal reflections, and magazine articles are great examples of informal texts.

Q: Is an expository essay formal or informal?

A: Usually, this kind of essay explains or describes something. It is typically written with formal language in the third person perspective, but it may be informal depending on your assignment requirements.  You may want to check our guide on how to write a progress report to get a better idea of expository writing in the third-person perspective.

Q: Is an argumentative essay formal or informal?

A: It’s mostly an academic type of writing that should follow a formal writing style. In certain cases, the teacher may ask you to write an informal essay on an arguable topic. We also recommend checking teachers’ recommendations.

Order an informal essay from EssayShark

If you still can’t get how to write this type of essay, you can use our informal essay help . We know all the peculiarities of informative writing and can assist you with any essay type. We know that picking a really impressive topic and following an informal tone may be particularly challenging, especially when you face such an essay type for the first time. That’s why we are here to cover your back! Please submit an order on our webpage, and our experts will start working on it promptly.

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How to Write an Informal Essay: A Beginners' Guide

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A typical academic essay is serious writing. It is serious because it is often well-researched and written formally. The typical informal essay is the exact opposite of this.

how to write an informal essay

It is often not researched at all and is written in a casual tone. Furthermore, it is commonly written for enjoyment rather than serious discourse. And for that reason, it is a non-fiction essay that does not follow the writing conventions and is purely based on the author's reasons, reflections, and ideas.

In this guide, you will discover everything crucial you need to know to write a brilliant informal essay.

What is an informal essay?

An informal essay is an essay that is written for enjoyment rather than to argue or support a thesis with scholarly evidence. The essay is usually personal in nature and based on memory. A good example of an informal essay is The happiest day of my life.

To write this essay, you simply need to recall the happiest day of your life and then write about it chronologically. As you can see, you don't have to do much research to write an informal essay.

The fact that an informal essay is written for enjoyment does not mean that it does not have a set structure. The typical informal essay is a five-paragraph essay with three key parts introduction, body, and conclusion. In terms of word count, the essay is often between 700 and 1,000 words long. The only thing informal about it is the fact that it does not need serious research. Moreover, unlike most essays, the informal can be written in a casual or conversational tone. This means that it can be written in the first and second person.

In most cases, informal essays are written for consumption by the author to show their creativity, journal an experience, or release emotions through writing pieces.

Structure of an Informal Essay

Like most college students, you are probably used to following the five-paragraph essay structure that most professors recommend for formal essays . While using this structure to write your informal essay is okay, it is not necessary. The rationale for this is that the informal essay is informal and doesn't follow any rigid structure.

Informal essays involve subjective opinions or ideas through prose. Some common examples of informal essays include impromptu speeches, diary entries, journals, social media posts, personal essays, and personal notes.

While the informal essay does not have a rigid structure or format, it must include four elements topic, introduction, body, and conclusion.

The informal essay must have a title. It might be informal and without a structure, but it must have a title, and the title must be specific. By giving your informal essay a title, you are basically creating a compass that you can always refer to when writing your essay to ensure you are in the right direction. If, for example, you want to argue a point but are unsure whether it deserves to be in your essay, you can refer to your title to evaluate its importance. If the point helps to contribute to your title, you should include it in your essay. If it doesn't, you should quickly ignore it.

2. Introduction

The informal essay must have an introduction . In other words, it must simply have a paragraph presenting what you will discuss in the body section. When writing the introduction of an informal essay, there is no specific formula to follow. The only thing that you must do is to make the introduction as interesting as possible. You can do this using a relevant quote, an interesting fact, or a related statistic.

In the body of your informal essay, you must go all out to tell the story you set out to tell in the introduction. You must do the title justice; you must make sure that anyone who reads your essay will agree that what you discuss or talk about in the body section is exactly what they expected. While there is no specific structure to follow when writing the body paragraphs of your informal essay, the best way to write them is chronological. This is because chronologically written paragraphs are easy to follow.

4. Conclusion

After writing your essay, you must write the conclusion part of your essay. The conclusion is usually the easiest part to write when writing an essay. This is because all you need to do is to summarize what you have written in the body section or body paragraphs. After doing this, you simply need to end your essay with a powerful closing sentence to complete it.

The Steps to Take to Write an Informal Essay

An informal essay is written in a conversational tone, which is laid-back, entails breaking academic writing rules, and sounds like everyday communication. You can use informal transition words, short sentences, contractions, common and cliché words, adages, expressions, and personal examples.

Here are the steps to take if assigned to write an informal essay.

1. Choose a topic

When you are asked to write an informal essay, you are normally allowed to choose your own topic. If this is the case, you should choose a topic that is very interesting to you. Because by doing so, the fact that the topic is interesting to you will result in you naturally writing an interesting essay. And interesting is what you want your informal essay to be to get a top grade.

Below the informal essay sample that follows this guide is a list of exciting informal essay topics. This list should inspire you to develop your own exciting informal essay topic; a topic that will make your essay interesting.

2. Create an outline for your informal essay

After choosing an interesting or exciting topic, you should create an outline for your informal essay . An essay outline is an essay writing plan. It highlights what you will include in the introduction section, the body section, and the conclusion section of your essay. To create an outline, provide a short summary of what you will include in your introduction paragraph, your three body paragraphs, and your conclusion paragraph.

But how do you know what you will include in your informal essay paragraphs? Well, it depends. If you are writing an informal essay based on a personal experience topic, you must recall as many details as possible about the experience to plan your essay. If you are writing an informal essay based on an academic topic, you will need thorough research to find as many details as possible about the topic to plan your essay.

3. Write the first draft of your essay

After creating a comprehensive outline for your informal essay, you should write the first draft of your essay. Do this by first writing your essay introduction. After writing your essay introduction, you should write its body paragraphs and the conclusion.

Writing the first draft of your informal essay after creating an outline for it should be a relatively straightforward job. You need to follow the outline like a map and use information from it to begin and structure your paragraphs.

The body paragraphs of an informal essay should each express your main message, perspective, or point of view. You can use persuasive writing skills to convince your readers. It would help to think of the topic as a forum thread where you defend your personal views against opposing opinions. Therefore, you must develop resilient supportive facts to defend your stance.

When developing the body paragraphs, you are allowed to use informal language. You should write short, clear, concise sentences, as long formulations are boring and misleading. You should center your discussions around some emotional vibe, express your personality, and write with vigor and respect.

Following your outline will make your informal essay well-organized and structured. However, it won't guarantee flow in your essay. You will have to create a flow with your writing and transition words. Also, it won't automatically give your essay a conversational and laid-back tone. You have to do this on your own using conversational words and writing.

Related Articles:

  • Using I in an essay.
  • How to format paragraphs for better readership.
  • Steps to come up with a great thesis statement.

4. Edit your essay

After writing the first draft of your essay, you should edit it thoroughly. Do this by reading it to eliminate ambiguous and unclear words and statements. After reading it to eliminate unclear words, you should read it to remove all types of grammatical and punctuation errors.

The next thing you need to do with regard to editing your essay is to review it one more time using Grammarly.com or similar software. This will help you to catch the errors you may have missed and to correct them.

After proofreading your essay using Grammarly.com, it will be ready for submission.

Informal Essay Example

Title: Benefits of living in a remote location They say no man is an island. While living in a community surrounded by friends and neighbors is a good thing with many benefits, living alone in a remote location also has its benefits. I have been living alone in a remote Pacific island for the last eight months, and the experience has been bliss. The island has a single cabin research station with basic amenities and a satellite connection. The nearest settled island is over 500 kilometers away. I had doubts when I first stepped on the island. I thought I wouldn't last long. However, this has obviously not been the case. My stay on this island has been quite amazing. I have enjoyed many benefits, including improved mental health, improved safety, and a low cost of living. When I was living in Sydney, Australia, I was in a bad place mentally because I felt a lot of pressure to succeed. I also felt depressed and was frequently on depression medication. Living in a remote location has changed all this. I no longer feel any pressure. I no longer feel depressed or miserable. Just about every day is a good day nowadays. I wake up, check equipment, spend hours on the beach, and eat fresh food I grow in the station's garden. I feel amazing mentally. I feel like a new person because life is so slow-paced on this island and devoid of the pressures of city life. Regarding safety, I believe living alone on a remote island is much safer than living in a big town or city. I feel safer on this island because there is literally no one around to cause me harm. I do not have to look over my shoulder when walking, sleeping, or doing anything on this isolated island. I also have no reason to watch the news, so I am not exposed to the constant reports of insecurity that city dwellers are exposed to. Not being exposed to constant reports of insecurity makes me feel even safer. Furthermore, in case of any emergency, there is an emergency number I can call at any time of the day to request urgent help. Lastly, regarding the cost of living, living isolated on a remote island is much cheaper than city or town living. I literally do not pay any rent on this island. I also grow much of my own food, and supplies are brought to me biweekly. Furthermore, I do not pay taxes and am not exposed to constant adverts that force city dwellers to make impulse purchases. And even if I want to purchase something, I wouldn't because it probably wouldn't have much use on a remote, isolated island. In conclusion, living in a remote location is very beneficial. If you choose to do this, you will be happier, safer, and less stressed financially. I can only equate it to living in paradise.

Informal Essay Topics

Below are some informal essay topics you can use as inspiration to come up with your own informal essay topic if asked to choose your own topic by your professor.

  • The best meals in our college cafeteria
  • Celebrities who are excellent role models
  • My religion and why I love it
  • My thoughts on marriage and divorce
  • The best day in my college life
  • The most embarrassing incident in my life
  • How parents can understand their children better
  • Why my mother is the most important person to me
  • The most famous African American inventors
  • Entrepreneurs who changed the world
  • Alcoholism among teenagers
  • Why home education is bad
  • Elon Musk and life on Mars
  • The Illuminati and other conspiracy theories
  • Legal migration and its benefits
  • Mental health in the USA
  • Communism and its benefits
  • The United Nations and its failures
  • Gender violence in California
  • Freedom of speech around the world
  • The effects of sanctions on Cuba
  • Education during the peak of the pandemic
  • East African culture
  • Why the death penalty should be abolished everywhere
  • Abortion and the right to life
  • What would I do if I became a millionaire overnight?
  • Why soccer is the most popular sport in the world
  • The pros and cons of video gaming
  • The Second Amendment and its protections
  • Why I would like to become a doctor
  • Why I love intermittent fasting
  • How I won a half marathon when undergoing chemotherapy
  • Lessons from my close friend who betrayed me
  • How I plan to win the next marathon
  • The car I love most
  • My dream job
  • Places I would like to visit
  • Why I love my step-dad
  • The last day at my first job

Dos and don'ts when writing an informal essay

  • Do write your essay in the first person. This will make it clearly informal and casual. It will also make it read much better.
  • Do write short sentences. Long sentences will make your essay difficult to read. In contrast, short sentences will make your writing easier to read and more casual (which is something you want when writing an informal essay).
  • Do rewrite your essay. After writing your informal essay, you should read through it to make it flawless. Do this by editing or rewriting anything that appears out of place in your essay.
  • Do proofread your essay. After you are done improving the flow of your essay, you should read it one more time to ensure it has zero grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors.
  • Do ensure your essay is chronological. While it is unnecessary to make your informal essay chronological, making it chronological will make it easy to read and understand.
  • Do use humor. It is okay to use humor in an informal essay. But you should only do it sparingly to avoid making your essay sound like a comedy script.
  • Do use conversational language. Using conversational language will make your article to read like a blog, which is a good thing when writing an informal essay. But do not go overboard with conversational language. It could make your essay difficult to understand.
  • Do read any informal essay examples. Before you write your informal essay, you should try to find and read informal essay examples online. This will help to make it easy for you to write your essay because it shows you the pattern you need to follow.
  • Do let your personality show. If you have a way of expressing your ideas, arguments, and so on, you should let your personality show in your writing. Let your writing be as unique as it can be. Do not try to make your essay look or even feel academic. Just write it as you would write a blog to be read by a friend. This will help make your essay delightfully informal.                                                                                                                     
  • Don't forget to ensure a good flow throughout. While an informal essay doesn't have a set structure, it must have a good flow. Therefore, you should ensure your essay is understandable throughout.
  • Don't forget to edit your essay. The best informal essays are flawless ones. So after writing your essay, you should read it severally to edit it and ensure it is flawless.
  • Don't make it formal. When writing informal essays, many students usually use the conventional academic language they use in formal essays. This is not right. You should try hard to make your essay as flawless as possible.
  • Don't forget to include a thesis . At the end of your introduction, you should have a thesis statement, and your entire essay should be centered on this statement. A thesis is what distinguishes an informal essay from a blog article.
  • Don't include weak arguments. It is important to ensure that your essay only contains strong arguments. Doing this will ensure you get a top grade. If you include weak arguments, you risk getting an average grade.

Parting Words!

Writing a good informal essay is not an easy job. It will require you to know the structure and style you must follow when writing an informal essay. Fortunately, you now know these two things. You also know exactly how to go about writing an informal essay. So go ahead and write yours. If you get stuck at any point, hire us to help you.

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You can hire professional writers to write excellent informal essays for you. Therefore, you should never hesitate to hire the best creative/composition writers to help you complete your informal essay assignment or to write it from scratch. Try our essay writing services today; you will not regret it.

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How to write an informal essay

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  • April 6, 2022

An informal essay is quite different from other types of essays . In an informal essay, you’re writing as if you are talking to a friend. You do not need to engage in a strict  academic writing process , but you should still avoid sloppiness.

  • In a formal essay, you expresses your ideas quietly behind the words.
  • In an informal essay, you talk to the reader in a conversational manner.

Formal and informal essays

In order to understand the difference between a formal and informal essay more clearly, let’s look at the table below.

Characteristic Informal Essay Formal Essay

Now that we know the general rules and definitions of an informal essay, let’s continue with the steps to write a great one.

Choose an informal essay topic

This is generally the first step of any essay writing process unless you are pre-assigned a topic already. An informal essay gives you a great opportunity in this step; you can write an informal essay on almost any topic . Here are some tips for you.

Informal essay topic tips

  • Choose a topic you have knowledge and are excited about.
  • Find inspiration from your own personal experiences.​
  • Just think about what you like to talk about the most, and you have your topic. ​

When choosing a topic:

Put the list away for an hour after you’ve created it. Return to it later. Most probably, one topic will stand out to you more. Then, you can write about that topic. For this how-to guide, we are choosing the topic “ why I stopped eating meat ”.

Create an outline

An informal essay does not need to follow a strict structure . However, it should still be coherent. Therefore, your outline does not need to be strict either. Just create one to help organize your thoughts.

Example of an informal essay outline

  • Thesis statement
  • Referring to reader
  • Address to the reader
  • Concluding sentence

Informal essay outline best practices

  • Remember you still need to do research while writing an informal essay.
  • Put together your research results in your outline so that your writing process becomes way easier. ​
  • Make sure to detail each part of the essay before writing, so you can write much faster.​

Write an introduction

Now, you start the actual writing process. In the introduction of an informal essay, you can basically follow the traditional introduction guide . 

Informal essay introduction example

Informal essay introduction best practices.

Before writing an introduction, you must first create an idea, identify a purpose, and collect information for the project.  The introduction also should contain a thesis statement .

Remember this type of essay is characterized by the inclusion of the writer’s viewpoint on the chosen topic , so be sure to declare your stance clearly.

Write the body paragraphs

Informal essay paragraphs example, tips for informal essay paragraphs.

  • You can write the main body of your essay using cliches, idioms, and even jargon. Don't forget every paragraph needs a topic sentence .
  • This is not a particularly academic type of paper; therefore, avoid sentences that are too long and complicated.​
  • To create a connection with the reader, it’s important to use a relaxed tone, transition words , and transition sentences . ​
  • Simple, quick, readable sentences and the use of various intonations will provide the essay with the necessary emotional context.​
  • This is a basic rule: write in a language that your professor can comprehend. That is to say, even if this is an informal assignment, it should still be readable.​

Important tip

Write a conclusion.

In the conclusion paragraph , you will need to summarize your main points and make a clear final comment.

Informal essay conclusion example

Informal essay conclusion tips.

  • Don’t make your conclusion repetitive.
  • Just quickly list the key points of conversation to leave a lasting impact on the reader. ​
  • You want them to remember and think about what you’re saying. ​

5-Paragraph Informal Essay Example

Game of Thrones: A World of Fantasy and Intrigue

Introduction

Body paragraphs, key takeaways.

  • An informal essay is a type of essay that is written in a conversational style and often includes personal anecdotes and opinions.
  • To write an informal essay, you should choose a topic that you are passionate about and write in a voice that is natural and engaging.
  • Begin your essay with a clear introduction that hooks the reader and provides context for your topic.
  • Use personal anecdotes, humor, and other storytelling techniques to illustrate your points and engage the reader.
  • End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and provides a final reflection on your topic.

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  • Formal and Informal Style

Whether you use formal or informal style in writing will depend on the assignment itself, its subject, purpose, and audience.

Formal language is characterized by the use of standard English, more complex sentence structures, infrequent use of personal pronouns, and lack of colloquial or slang terms.

Informal language allows the use of nonstandard English forms, colloquial vocabulary and typically shorter sentence structures.

The choice of formal or informal style will affect the following areas:

  • standard or nonstandard English
  • choice of vocabulary
  • use of contractions
  • use of pronouns

Rule to Remember

Formal style affects the form of English, the choice of vocabulary, and the use of contractions and pronouns.

Standard or Nonstandard English

Standard English is the language used in professional and business communication. It is the form of English that follows the formal rules of the language.

Nonstandard English uses regional or social language variations. Nonstandard English should only be used when there is a purpose for it in writing. For example, it can be used in a narrative to describe a person with a specific regional dialect. Otherwise, the standard form of English should be used.

Choice of Vocabulary

Vocabulary  needs to be adjusted depending on the level of formality of any written work.

Consider the following words: investigate, examine, check out . Each of them has a different level of formality. While check out can be used in informal writing and speech, using it in a formal research paper would not be appropriate.

Informal The study checked out the health effects of passive smoking.
Formal The study examined the health effects of passive smoking.

Use more formal vocabulary and avoid the use of contractions in formal writing.

Sometimes the whole sentence needs to be rephrased:

Informal This experiment worked out just fine.
Formal This experiment was successful.

Contractions are more casual, and if you are striving for more formal style, they should not be used. Contractions in negative sentences should be especially avoided since they are easy to miss.

Informal The outcomes of the study haven't been documented yet.
Formal The outcomes of the study have not been documented yet.

The Use of Pronouns

Formal language tends to be impersonal and precise. The use of pronouns , therefore, is restricted. In formal writing, when addressing the audience, you may use the passive voice or an adverbial clause in place of the personal pronoun:

Less formal As you examine the health effects of ...
More formal When examining the health effects of ...

Restrict the use of personal pronouns in formal writing.

The writer's presence, signaled by the use of the personal pronoun I , or we (if there are several authors), can also make writing more informal and less credible.

Less formal I believe the health effects of ...
More formal It is believed that the health effects of ...

The second sentence is more formal and can be perceived by the audience to be more credible.

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Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > Formal vs. Informal: Best Writing Practices

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Formal vs. Informal: Best Writing Practices

formal and informal essay examples

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: April 5, 2020

Formal-vs-Informal-Best-Writing-Practices

Langston Hughes once said, “The prerequisite for writing is having something to say.” But you are probably aware that there are many different styles of writing — and it pays to know which to use situationally. When it comes to formal vs informal writing styles, there is a time and place for each. By understanding their nuances and respective best practices, you can continue to improve your writing.

We will break all of this down and more, with examples. This can serve as a useful guide on formal vs informal writing for you throughout your educational journey (and beyond).

Defining Formal vs Informal Writing Styles

Formal writing is written for an audience you do not know on a personal level. It is often the main style in academic writing (unless otherwise noted) and is more complex than informal writing. Formal writing is serious.

Informal writing consists of short sentences and is used in more personal settings, such as writing a letter to a friend or writing a diary entry. It is much more relaxed than formal writing.

Photo by  Annie Spratt  on  Unsplash

Which style is appropriate.

Knowing the difference between formal and informal writing is only half the battle. The other important aspect is knowing which to use. Here are some examples of when you would use formal vs informal writing.

Use Formal Writing When:

  • Writing professionally (reaching out to a client or prospect)
  • Academic writings (essays, research papers, etc.)
  • Job applications ( resume writing , CVs, and cover letters)
  • Reaching out to someone you do not know

Use Informal Writing When:

  • Writing to a friend
  • Sharing a story or writing a personal blog
  • Writing creatively
  • Instructed to do so (if in school)
  • Writing dialogue and conversations
  • Writing an outline

If you are unsure of whether to use informal or formal writing, it’s generally the rule of thumb to start out writing formally. Then, when you make the connection and you see how the other side responds, you can ease up on the formality.

Key Features of Formal vs. Informal Writing

While the above gives a simple overview of the differences and uses of each style, let’s take a deeper look into what each style entails. That way, it should become more obvious how to recognize and structure each.

Formal writing tends to include the following:

  • Long and complex sentences: Sentences tend to be compound and contain commas to link two ideas or use transitions like “Furthermore” and “To exemplify,”
  • Does not use contractions: Would use “cannot” instead of “can’t”
  • Objective: Does not offer personal opinions
  • Doesn’t use colloquial language: You won’t see any slang or common everyday vocabulary
  • Diverse vocabulary words: Vocabulary is of a higher level
  • Use of words that are subject-specific: For example, if you are writing about biology, you’d use words like “epithelial cells” instead of “skin cells”
  • Use of third person: Does not use first person pronouns like “I” or “me”

Informal writing includes the following:

  • Can use first person, second or third: You can use any type of pronouns, including “I”
  • Can use slang: The use of everyday language and slang terms can be used, such as “It was cool that…”
  • Active voice: Sentences tend to be written with a subject acting on the verb, such as “We chilled the drinks and went out to the sea” instead of “The drinks were chilled…”
  • Personal emotional tone can be detected: Since the writing is personal, it can include feelings and the sharing of emotions
  • Contraction and abbreviation: It’s okay to use “can’t” instead of “cannot” or “it’s” instead of “it is”
  • Empathy: You can put yourself in the shoes of your audience and address their problems directly. This shows the author as coming from a place of understanding their situation.

Formal vs Informal Writing Comparison Guide

Formal vs Informal Writing Comparison Infographic by UoPeople

Additional Considerations

There are a few more things to take into account when starting out on any writing endeavor. These include the following 3 questions:

  • “Who is my audience?” – This is the first question you should ask when writing anything. You want to write to your audience, so you have to define them.
  • “How formal is the project I’m working on?” – This goes hand-in-hand with the audience and the project goals. However, knowing the level of formality will help you write accordingly.
  • “What medium should I use?” – For both informal and formal writing, you can produce the piece digitally or by hand. If it is for academic purposes and on the job, you’ll want to type your work. But, if you choose to write a formal letter by hand (such as a thank-you letter after a job interview), then it is advised to write on thicker card stock paper to look more professional. Remember, presentation is everything when it comes to formal work!

Here’s an Example!

Along with this list of references , here is a (meta) example on how this article would be written both formally and informally:

  • Formal: When writing academically or professionally, it is important to show respect to your audience by electing to write in a formal style, rather than informally. This means that sentences are longer than usual and tend to feel complex. Writing complex sentences with hyperfluent vocabulary shows your audience that you are well-informed on the subject matter. Furthermore, this writing style depicts unbiased information eluding emotions and first-person pronouns from the content.
  • Informal: Formal writing feels harder than informal writing. I think it’s because I can’t use contractions or short sentences. The only reason I’d write informally is if I had to, like if it was professional or academic. But when I write like this about formal writing, it’s easier. My vocabulary doesn’t matter as much. As you can see, I still care about grammar. Writing like this feels like I am talking to a friend.

Photo by  Glenn Carstens-Peters  on  Unsplash

Tying it all together.

There are many differences between formal vs. informal writing. That being said, they both serve their respective purposes. That’s why it’s important to understand both styles, as well as when to use them.

When writing professionally or academically, opt for formal writing. Remember to leave out contractions and remain unbiased.

On the other hand, informal writing comes from within. It’s aimed towards a personal audience, so you can write as if you are speaking to them. That way, you can use contractions, shorter sentences, colloquialism, and the like.

Regardless of why you are writing, always be sure to reread your work to check for typos and mistakes. The most important thing for writing is having something to say, but it’s also making sure that what you say can be understood!

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Definition and Examples of Formal Essays

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

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  • Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
  • M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
  • B.A., English, State University of New York

In composition studies , a formal essay is a short, relatively impersonal composition in prose . Also known as an impersonal essay or a Baconian essay (after the writings of England's first major essayist , Francis Bacon ).

In contrast to the familiar or personal essay , the formal essay is typically used for the discussion of ideas. Its rhetorical purpose is generally to inform or persuade.

"The technique of the formal essay," says William Harmon, "is now practically identical with that of all factual or theoretical prose in which literary effect is secondary" ( A Handbook to Literature , 2011).

Examples and Observations

  • "' Formal' essays were introduced in England by [Francis] Bacon , who adopted Montaigne's term. Here the style is objective, compressed, aphoristic , wholly serious. . . . In modern times, the formal essay has become more diversified in subject matter, style , and length until it is better known by such names as article , dissertation, or thesis, and factual presentation rather than style or literary effect has become the basic aim." (L. H. Hornstein, G. D. Percy, and C. S. Brown, The Reader's Companion to World Literature , 2nd ed. Signet, 2002)
  • A Blurred Distinction Between Formal Essays and Informal Essays "Francis Bacon and his followers had a more impersonal, magisterial, law-giving, and didactic manner than the skeptical Montaigne. But they should not be viewed as opposites; the distinction between formal and informal essay can be overdone, and most great essayists have crossed the line frequently. The difference is one of degree. [William] Hazlitt was essentially a personal essayist , though he wrote theater and art criticism; Matthew Arnold and John Ruskin were essentially formal essayists , though they may have tried a personal essay once in a while. Personality creeps into the most impersonal of writers: it is difficult to read Bacon on friendship or having children , for instance, without suspecting he is talking about autobiographical matters. Dr. Johnson was probably more a moral essayist than a personal one, though his work has such an individual, idiosyncratic stamp that I have persuaded myself to place him in the personal camp. George Orwell seems split fifty-fifty, an essay hermaphrodite who always kept one eye on the subjective and one on the political. . . . "The Victorian era saw a turn toward the formal essay , the so-called essay of ideas written by [Thomas] Carlyle, Ruskin, [Matthew] Arnold, Macaulay, Pater. Between Lamb and Beerbohm there was scarcely an English personal essay, with the exception of those by Robert Louis Stevenson and Thomas De Quincey . . . ." (Phillip Lopate, Introduction to The Art of the Personal Essay . Anchor, 1994)
  • Voice in the Impersonal Essay "[E]ven when 'I' plays no part in the language of an essay, a firm sense of personality can warm the voice of the impersonal essay narrator . When we read Dr. [Samuel] Johnson and Edmund Wilson and Lionel Trilling , for instance, we feel that we know them as fully developed characters in their own essays, regardless of their not referring personally to themselves." (Phillip Lopate, "Writing Personal Essays: On the Necessity of Turning Oneself Into a Character." Writing Creative Nonfiction , ed. by Carolyn Forché and Philip Gerard. Writer's Digest Books, 2001)
  • Crafting the Impersonal "I" "Unlike the exploratory 'self' of Montaigne, Francis Bacon's impersonal 'I' appears already to have arrived. Even in the comparatively expansive third edition of the Essays , Bacon provides few explicit hints as to either the character of the textual voice or the role of the expected reader. . . . [T]he absence of a felt 'self' on the page is a deliberate rhetorical effect: the effort to efface voice in the 'impersonal' essay is a way of evoking a distant but authoritative persona . . . . In the formal essay , invisibility must be forged." (Richard Nordquist, "Voices of the Modern Essay." University of Georgia, 1991)
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  • Formally and Formerly

How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career. 

Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide you through the process. This article will:

  • explain what a formal essay is;
  • show how to write it step by step;
  • provide you with an essay sample. 

👔 Formal Essay Definition

  • ✅ How to Write
  • ✍️ Writing Rules
  • 🖥️ Essay Format
  • 📑 Sample Paper

🔍 References

A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.

Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:

Characteristics Informal essay Formal essay
Usually, the purpose of an informal essay is to share opinions or to entertain the reader. A formal essay aims to critically analyze facts, details, and ideas to prove a point. 
Addresses the reader directly and uses 1st-person pronouns. Uses 3rd-person pronouns and doesn’t address the reader.
Expresses the writer’s thoughts and opinions and tends to be more subjective. Strives to be objective and uses arguments to support its ideas.
Doesn’t have to be as structured as a formal essay. Should be well-structured and logical.
The thesis may be stated in any part of the work or not explicitly stated at all. The thesis is clearly stated and located in the essay’s first paragraph.
Uses everyday language, slang, 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns such as “I,” “you,” and “me.” Uses jargon and avoids using slang and 1st- or 2nd-person pronouns.

As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

✔️ It should be related to the topic and give the reader an overall idea of the paper.
✔️ It’s good to start your introduction with a quotation, an interesting fact, or a statistic.
Try not to make the introduction too far-fetched or in-your-face.
Avoid using questions in an introduction of a formal essay.

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

  • after all, 
  • for instance, 
  • on the one/other hand, 
  • initially, 
  • as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

  • Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
  • Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for: Avoid exclamation marks; Use dashes for insertions; Use colons with enumerations; If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
  • Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
  • Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

  • Avoid using pronouns.  With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
  • Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
  • Avoid informal tone.  When you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
  • Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:

  • individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If you’re asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:

MLA APA
Write your name, the instructor’s name, your class, and the date in the upper left corner of the 1st page. Make the title centered and place it after the heading information in the same font as the rest of your paper. Create a separate . Make your title centered and written in boldface. Add your name, instructor’s name, school affiliation, and date.
Write your last name and the number of each page in the upper right corner. Write the number of each page in the upper right corner.
Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
Make your essay double-spaced without extra spacing between the paragraphs.
Add a 1-inch margin on each side of the page.
Make the 1st line of each paragraph indented 1/5 inch.
Line up your text flush against the left margin. 

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

Title Adverse effects of sponsorship in the sports industry
Sponsorship plays a significant role in the sports industry these days. Many sports associations, football leagues, and clubs are entering partnerships with famous brands. However, it does not mean that all sponsorship has a good impact. This essay argues that a questionable sponsorship may undermine the image of a sport or a team and adversely influence the viewers.
Important sports events such as FIFA or The Olympic Games are sponsored by brands such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Cadbury’s, and Budweiser. These are also brands that promote unhealthy lifestyles and foods that lack nutritional value and have high levels of salt, sugar, and saturated fats. Such kind of sponsorship aims to obtain a favorable change in the attitude toward the brand itself by connecting it with sport and a healthy lifestyle.
While alcohol and junk food brands link themselves to sports bodies and active lifestyles, their main targets are children and sports fans. The growing popularity of products high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar, including potato chips, sugary drinks, and confectionary, results in them being not simply a treat but a daily staple for many people. It creates various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.
Finally, an association with a widely criticized brand is likely to damage the reputation of a team or even a sport itself (Crompton, 2014). People tend to expect their favorite teams to partner with fair, responsible sponsors. If the partnership is questionable, the fans may think that the sports body compromised their virtue for profit.
To sum up, some kinds of sponsorship, such as alcohol or junk food, may use the sport’s image to attract more people and increase sales. It leads to the excessive consumption of sponsored products by children and teenagers and causes various health issues. It is also likely to affect the public image of a sports body.

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

  • Stress management techniques
  • The effects of coffee 
  • Negative effects of technology on children
  • Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports
  • Different types of friends
  • Same-sex marriages in the United States
  • Are early marriages harmful or beneficial?
  • How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance? 
  • Is polygamy morally acceptable?
  • Different features of sports business
  • What characterizes friendship in the age of media?
  • Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean
  • How does society treat single parents?
  • How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being?
  • The role of family relationships in Odyssey
  • Financial concepts in sport finance
  • Main features of a strong marriage
  • The importance of media coverage for sport teams
  • Reasons why students choose to get internship
  • The role of stadiums in the sports industry
  • The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis
  • Characteristics of children’s sports
  • Crucial factors affecting health fitness 
  • How is technology used in hotel management?
  • Structure and operational context of Four Seasons
  • What are the main qualities of a true friend?
  • Different websites that promote rental properties
  • The imperative aspects of tourism
  • Importance of hotel training 
  • What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce? 
  • How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  • The importance of language and world view for communication
  • What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient?
  • The scientific approach of sports economics
  • How does divorce affect children?
  • Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison
  • How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle? 
  • How to be an effective counselor
  • Various types of restaurants in Ireland
  • Carolina Dog’s characteristics
  • Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere
  • Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families
  • How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ?
  • In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed? 
  • Is bad parenting a healthcare problem? 
  • Why student-athletes should benefit from sports
  • Mind-body awareness and its health benefits
  • Can punishment boost academic performance?
  • Techniques to teach students swimming
  • Issues faced by the sports licensing field

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

Further reading:

  • How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
  • What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
  • How to Write a Précis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 

❓ Formal Essay FAQs

It’s best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

It’s best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns, slang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing. 

  • Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
  • Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
  • Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
  • How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
  • Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
  • Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
  • Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
  • Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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Difference between Formal & Informal Writing With Examples

Table of Contents

Understanding the distinctions between formal and informal writing is crucial for effective written communication. These two styles have different characteristics and serve specific purposes in different contexts.

In this blog, we have detailed down the differences between formal and informal writing, exploring their impact on tone, language, and structure.

Defining formal writing

Formal writing refers to a style of writing that follows a set of established conventions and standards. It is characterized by its objective, precise, and professional tone, designed to convey information or arguments in a clear and logical manner.

Formal writing is often used in academic, professional, and legal settings, where clarity, accuracy, and credibility are of utmost importance.

This style of writing typically avoids slang, informal expressions, and emotional language. Instead, it employs a more structured approach, employing formal language, proper grammar, and a systematic organization of ideas.

Defining informal writing 

Informal writing can be understood as a style of communication that deviates from the strict guidelines and structure typically associated with formal writing.

It adopts a more relaxed and conversational tone, often using informal language and expressions. In contrast to formal writing, which is commonly found in academic or professional settings, informal writing is employed in everyday conversations, personal interaction, digital communications like emails and text messages, as well as social media platforms.

Comparison table for formal vs Informal writing style

Why is it important to know the difference between formal and informal writing

Knowing the difference between formal and informal writing is important for several reasons: 

  • Audience Appropriateness: Different writing contexts require different approaches. Understanding the distinction allows writers to adapt their style, tone, and language to suit the intended audience. Using an inappropriate style can hamper effective communication and create a disconnection with readers.
  • Effective Communication: Knowing when to use formal or informal writing helps ensure clear and effective communication. Formal writing provides a structured and precise approach, which can be useful when conveying complex information or presenting arguments. Informal writing, on the other hand, allows for a more personal and relatable connection with the reader, making it suitable for expressing opinions or engaging in informal conversations .
Related Reading : What is effective communication: Example, benefits & process
  • Social and Digital Communication: With the rise of social media and digital platforms, understanding the details of formal and informal writing becomes even more important. In online interactions, using the appropriate style can contribute to effective communication, avoiding misunderstandings, and building positive relationships.
Related Reading: Pros and Cons of Digital Transmission
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Knowing the differences between formal and informal writing provides writers with the flexibility to adapt their style based on the situation and audience. Being able to switch between formal and informal writing styles demonstrates flexibility and enhances overall written communication skills .

What is the main difference between formal and informal writing (Detailed explanation)

1/ vocabulary:.

Formal Writing: Formal writing uses complex and specialized vocabulary. It is characterized by the use of technical terms, jargon, and specific terminology relevant to the subject matter. The aim is to demonstrate a high level of expertise, professionalism, and precision in conveying information. By utilizing specialized vocabulary , formal writing ensures clarity and accuracy in communicating ideas in a particular field or domain.

Informal Writing: Informal writing relies on simple and everyday language. It avoids complex vocabulary and technical terms that may complicate understanding for a general audience. The goal is to communicate ideas in a casual and accessible manner. Informal writing uses words that are commonly understood and familiar to a wide range of readers, making it more relatable and engaging. This style of writing fosters a conversational tone and encourages ease of understanding without the need for specialized knowledge.

2/Sentence Structure:

Formal Writing: Formal writing often employs longer, more complex sentences. It utilizes subordination & coordination , and various sentence structures to convey complex ideas and maintain a formal tone. The objective is to present information in a concise and structured way, demonstrating logical connections between ideas. The use of complex sentences allows for the inclusion of multiple points, supporting evidence, and further explanation in a single sentence.

Informal Writing: Informal writing, on the other hand, uses shorter and simpler sentences. The sentences are typically straightforward and easy to understand. The focus is on conveying information concisely and in a manner that is easily understandable to a broader audience. Shorter sentences help maintain a conversational and accessible tone, enabling readers to follow the flow of ideas more effortlessly.

3/ Grammar:

Formal Writing : Formal writing follows strict grammar rules. It follows standard grammatical structures, verb agreements, and sentence constructions. The focus is on maintaining clarity, precision, and grammatical accuracy. By following proper grammar rules , formal writing ensures good communication and enhances the credibility of the writer.

Informal Writing: Informal writing allows for more flexibility in grammar usage. It may include partial sentences or even occasional grammatical errors intentionally used for stylistic effect. This style mimics natural speech patterns and provides a casual and conversational tone to the writing. Informal writing prioritizes effective communication and the creation of a friendly and relatable atmosphere over strict loyalty to formal grammar rules.

4/ Use of Abbreviations:

Formal Writing: Formal writing avoids the use of abbreviations, except for standard ones that are widely accepted and recognized, such as “ Mr. ,” “ Dr. ,” or “ etc. ”  By spelling out words completely, formal writing ensures that the reader fully understands the intended meaning and avoids any confusion or ambiguity that may arise from the use of abbreviations.  This is especially important in professional or academic situations where accuracy is vital.

Informal Writing: Informal writing frequently employs abbreviations and acronyms as a way to convey information more efficiently and to mimic informal communication. Common abbreviations like “ lol ” (laugh out loud), “ btw ” (by the way), or “ OMG ” (oh my god) are commonly used in informal writing to facilitate quick and casual communication.

5/ Punctuation:

Formal Writing: In formal writing, the use of formal punctuation conventions is essential to maintain clarity and accuracy. Proper use of punctuation marks helps to structure sentences, indicate pauses and breaks, and clarify the relationships between different parts of the text. Formal punctuation, such as semicolons , colons , and em dashes , is employed to connect ideas, or separate elements within a sentence. By following formal punctuation rules, formal writing ensures logical flow, readability, and a professional appearance.

Informal Writing: Informal writing, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility and creativity in punctuation usage. It may utilize exclamation points to convey excitement, ellipses to indicate pauses or informal punctuation styles like multiple exclamation or question marks for a casual tone. The purpose is to reflect the natural flow of informal speech and to add personality and expressiveness to the writing. Informal punctuation choices aim to capture emotions, create a conversational tone, and engage the reader in a more relaxed and friendly manner.

6/ Contractions:

Formal Writing : In formal writing, the avoidance or minimization of contractions is preferred to maintain a more formal and professional tone. Contractions, which combine words by removing letters (e.g., “ can’t ” for “ cannot ” or “ don’t ” for “ do not “), are typically avoided to maintain a more formal and professional tone. By using the full forms of words, formal writing appears more precise and serious. The intention is to convey a sense of professionalism and attention to detail, as well as to avoid any ambiguity that contractions might introduce.

Informal Writing: Informal writing freely utilizes contractions. Contractions are common in informal writing, by utilizing contractions, informal writing feels more relaxed, approachable, and relatable to the reader. However, it’s important to note that the choice of contractions depends on the desired level of formality and the intended audience.

7/ Personal Pronouns:

Formal Writing : Formal writing uses third-person pronouns to maintain objectivity and professionalism. By avoiding the use of first-person pronouns (e.g., “ I ” or “ we “), formal writing emphasizes the subject matter or the research rather than the author’s personal perspective. This creates a sense of credibility. The focus is on presenting information and arguments in an objective and neutral manner, relying on evidence and facts rather than personal experiences or opinions.

Informal Writing:   In contrast, informal writing allows for the use of first-person and second-person pronouns more freely. Informal writing often adopts a conversational tone, directly addressing the reader or involving the writer’s own experiences and opinions. First-person pronouns like “ I ” or “ we ” create a sense of connection and authenticity, making the writing more relatable and personal. Second-person pronouns like “ you ” involve the reader directly, creating a sense of engagement. 

8/ Sentence Length:

Formal Writing: Formal writing uses longer sentences to provide in-depth analysis and present complex ideas. These sentences may consist of multiple phrases, allowing for the exploration of various aspects of a topic within a single sentence. Complex sentence structures help establish logical relationships between ideas and enable the inclusion of supporting evidence, and explanations.

Informal Writing: In contrast, informal writing utilizes shorter sentences to enhance readability and accessibility. By keeping sentences concise, informal writing ensures that the content is easily understandable to a wide range of readers. 

9/ Use of Citations and References:

Formal Writing: Formal writing extensively employs citations and references to support arguments, provide evidence, and acknowledge the work of others. It follows specific citation styles, such as APA , MLA , or Chicago , and includes a bibliography or reference list at the end of the document.

Informal Writing: Informal writing typically does not require or emphasize the use of citations and references. It often relies on personal experiences, general knowledge, or common information without explicit citations. In informal writing, the focus is more on personal opinions, storytelling, or conveying information in a casual manner.

10/ Word Choice:

Formal Writing : In formal writing, the choice of words is carefully considered to convey information accurately and professionally. It often employs a more extensive and precise vocabulary, utilizing formal and technical terms specific to the subject matter. Formal writing avoids the use of slang or informal expressions that may undermine the professionalism of the text.

Informal Writing: Informal writing adopts a more relaxed and casual choice of words. It incorporates everyday language, common expressions, and casual vocabulary that resonate with a broader audience. Informal writing aims to be accessible and relatable, creating a friendly and engaging tone.

Difference between formal and informal writing skills

Developing both formal and informal writing skills is important as they address different communication contexts. Strong formal writing skills are crucial for academic and professional success, while informal writing skills allow for personal expression and effective communication in everyday interactions. In this section, we will explore the key difference between both forms of writing skills. 

1/ Tone and Style: Formal writing skills involve maintaining a professional and objective tone. It requires using precise language and following established writing conventions. 

Informal writing skills, on the other hand, allow for a more conversational and personal tone. It involves expressing emotions and incorporating casual language to establish a connection with the reader.

2/ Audience Awareness: Formal writing skills require a deep understanding of the target audience. Writers must consider their knowledge level, expectations, and familiarity with formal writing conventions. Communication is more formal and professional, tailored to an educated or specialized readership. 

As compared with Informal Writing Skills it involves an intense awareness of the intended audience’s preferences and expectations. Writers must consider their familiarity with the topic, their demographics, and the desired level of engagement. Communication is more casual and relatable, aimed at a broader audience.

3/ Contextual Appropriateness: Formal writing skills are crucial in academic, professional, and official settings. They are necessary for research papers, business reporting , legal documents, and any situation where professionalism, accuracy, and authority are valued.

In contrast, Informal writing skills are useful in personal communications, such as emails to friends or family, personal blogs, social media posts, and informal essays. They allow for a more personal and engaging style of writing.

Examples of formal writing and informal writing

Formal writing example:.

“Dear Mr. Johnson, I am writing to formally ask for a meeting to strategize the budget plans for the next fiscal year. As the head of the finance department, I believe it is imperative that we address this matter in a timely manner. I kindly request your availability within the next week to schedule a meeting at your earliest convenience. Please let me know your preferred date and time. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]”

Informal Writing Example:

“Hey Johnson, Just wanted to reach out and chat about the budget for next year. I think it’s important that we get together and discuss this soon. Please inform me of your availability, and we can schedule a meeting accordingly. I eagerly await your response. Thanks, [Your Name]”

In the formal writing example, the language is structured, uses proper salutations and signatures, and maintains a professional tone. The informal writing example, on the other hand, uses a more casual tone, abbreviations, and a conversational style.

Example of formal writing sentence

“In accordance with the company’s policies and procedures, all employees are required to submit their timesheets by 5:00 PM every Friday. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.”

“The research findings show a notable and meaningful connection between lack of sleep and cognitive performance, as supported by statistical evidence. These results provide valuable insights into the impact of sleep on cognitive abilities.”

Example of informal writing sentence:

“Hey, remember to turn in your timesheets by Friday, okay? We don’t want any trouble with the boss!”

“So, guess what? Turns out that not getting enough sleep seriously messes with your brainpower. Like, your brain just can’t function at its best when you’re sleep-deprived. Crazy, right?”

Difference between formal writing and academic writing

Difference between formal and informal language use in academic writing

In academic writing, there is a distinct difference between formal and informal language use. Formal language in academic writing is precise, objective, and follows established conventions, while informal language is more relaxed and subjective.

Formal language avoids personal pronouns, focuses on objectivity, and utilizes specialized vocabulary. It adheres to grammatical and structural conventions for clarity. Informal language includes personal pronouns, colloquialisms, and a conversational tone.

Difference between formal, informal, and personal writing

What are the similarities between informal and formal writing

While informal and formal writing differs in their overall tone, style, and purpose, there are still some similarities that can be identified. Here are a few commonalities between informal and formal writing:

  • Clear Communication: Both informal and formal writing aim to convey information or ideas effectively. They require clarity in expression and organization to ensure the intended message is understood by the reader.
  • Grammar and Spelling : Irrespective of the writing style, it is crucial to maintain proper grammar and spelling. Both informal and formal writing follow fundamental rules of grammar, including subject-verb agreement, accurate word choice, and appropriate punctuation.
  • Use of Paragraphs: Both informal and formal writing employ paragraphs to organize and structure ideas. Each paragraph centers around a specific topic or theme, offering a straightforward and concise delivery of information.
  • Use of Supporting Evidence: Both informal and formal writing benefit from the use of supporting evidence, although the level of formality may differ. Writers should back up their claims or arguments with relevant facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions to strengthen their message.
  • Purpose-driven: Informal and formal writing shares the goal of conveying a message or achieving a specific purpose. While informality may allow for a more conversational tone, the ultimate objective remains to inform, persuade, or entertain the reader.

Which is better formal or informal writing? 

The choice between formal or informal writing should be based on the context, purpose, and audience. The key is to understand the expectations and requirements of the writing task and choose the appropriate style accordingly. Both formal and informal writing styles have their strengths and can effectively communicate messages, depending on the intended purpose and audience.

Tips for adapting writing style 

Adapting from formal to informal writing:.

When transitioning from a formal to an informal writing style, consider the following tips:

  • Understand the audience and context.
  • Use appropriate language and tone.

Adapting from informal to formal writing:

When shifting from an informal to a formal writing style, keep in mind the following tips:

  • Observe professional standards and conventions.
  • Structure the content and maintain objectivity.

Note that these tips are based on our personal experience with formal and informal writing. Therefore, by following these tips, you can adapt your writing style effectively, whether transitioning from formal to informal or vice versa, ensuring clear and appropriate communication for your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1) what is the difference between formal and informal speech.

Ans: Formal speech is structured and professional, used in formal settings like business or academic settings. Informal speech is relaxed, casual, and conversational. The formal speech follows grammar rules, while informal speech is spontaneous and familiar. The pace and delivery differ, with formal speech often prepared and measured, while informal speech flows naturally. 

Q2) What is the difference between formal and informal writing essay?

Ans: Formal and informal writing essays differ in tone, structure, and context. A formal essay follows language conventions and specific formatting, suited for academic and professional settings. An informal essay is relaxed, conversational, and personal, often found in emails and social media. 

Q3) Key differences between formal and informal communication?

Ans: Formal communication is professional, structured, and follows rules, while informal communication is relaxed and casual. Formal communication is used in official or professional settings, while informal communication is common in personal relationships. 

Q4) What is one difference between formal and informal rules? 

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Formal and Informal Writing Styles

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Writing style is how a writer expresses themselves. It includes spelling, grammar and punctuation, as well as aspects like sentence length and word choice. Style may vary with the type or purpose of writing. For example, you may come across academic writing , journalistic writing and business writing , all of which have different purposes and characteristics. Style may also vary with period (age) and nationality.

However, all styles of writing can be described as either formal or informal.

This page covers the key aspects of formal and informal writing styles, to enable you to distinguish between the two, and use them appropriately.

Understanding Formal and Informal Styles

What do we mean by ‘formal’ and ‘informal’?

Some definitions

formal , adj . stiffly polite rather than relaxed and friendly; said of language: strictly correct with regard to grammar, style and choice of words, as distinct from conversational

informal , adj. without ceremony or formality; relaxed and friendly; said of language, clothes, etc: suitable for and used in relaxed, everyday situations.

Source: Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, online edition.

Informal language and writing, then, is suitable for use every day .

It is, effectively, how we speak and write to our friends and families. It will include slang and colloquialisms (defined as phrases that are used in informal but not formal language). The recipient may tolerate some spelling and grammar mistakes.

We are therefore likely to use an informal writing style when composing emails and letters to friends and family. Blogs and other online copy are also often written in a more informal, conversational style.

Formal writing needs much more care.

It is the style of writing used for business and other official purposes. It needs to be correct in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage.

A more formal style may also be appropriate for some letters, for example, if you are making a complaint to an organisation.

You may find our page on Writing Styles helpful. This is part of our study skills section, and summarises the main styles of writing that a student may encounter during their studies.

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.

The main characteristics of an informal writing style are:

Colloquial language and terms. 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. The writer often uses the first person (I and we), and will also address the reader directly using the second person (you and your).

A simple structure and approach. As in conversation, both sentences and paragraphs tend to be shorter in informal writing. This is especially true in writing for the internet. Writers may also use incomplete sentences or ellipses (…) to make points.

Contractions and abbreviations within the text. Just as in speech, words may be shortened or abbreviated in informal writing. You will therefore see contractions (for example, I’m, doesn’t, couldn’t, it’s) and abbreviations (e.g. TV, photos) used much more in this form of writing.

Empathy and emotion. In informal writing, a writer will often show more empathy towards the reader. They may, for example, explain a more complex thought more clearly. This is linked to the more personal style in informal writing, which is more suited to conveying emotions.

The main characteristics of a formal writing style are:

A more complex structure. Formal writing often uses longer sentences. However, this is changing slightly with a growing understanding that clarity is important. In formal writing, you will also see a more structured approach generally, with points clearly introduced, explained and concluded. Formal pieces of writing are often carefully planned, revised and reviewed several times to ensure that they are as clear as possible, and make all the necessary points.

Complex should not mean incomprehensible

Some people equate formal writing with the use of longer words and complex sentence structures.

It is true that formal writing can be like that. However, this is neither essential nor desirable .

Any writing needs to convey your point to the reader as clearly as possible.

Using simpler language and sentence structures is usually a better way to do this. Long words do not make you sound cleverer, especially if you use them incorrectly.

See our page on Using Plain English for more about this.

An objective approach. In formal writing, the writer uses a more objective approach. Main points are usually stated and then supported with arguments. Formal writing is less likely to be emotional in style. It therefore avoids emotive punctuation such as exclamation points or ellipsis, unless they are being cited from another source.

Use of full words rather than contractions. As a general rule, no contractions should be used to simplify words in formal writing. Abbreviations should generally be spelt out in full when first used. There are a few exceptions to this rule, for example, when the acronym is better known than the full name (BBC, ITV or NATO for example) or where it has become part of the language (for example, AIDS).

Writing in the third person. Formal writing is not a personal writing style. The writer often aims to sound dispassionate about the topic. It is usually not appropriate to use the first person (I or we) or second person (you). However, there are some exceptions to this (see box).

First or third person in academic writing?

In academic writing, it was traditional to use the third person and the passive voice. For example:

“The authors are not aware of any other studies that have used this approach.”
“The reagents were added together carefully to avoid any cross-contamination.”

However, this type of language is quite hard to read. Many academic journals therefore now encourage the use of the active voice, and the first person, but within a style that is considered formal.

Examples of this use of language are:

“As far as we are aware, no other studies have used this method.”
“In total, we enrolled 65 people onto the study over a period of six months. They completed the initial questionnaire during April 2021.”

When to Use Formal and Informal Writing

A formal writing style is not necessarily “better” or “worse” than an informal approach.

There is a time and a place for both. They have very different purposes. You should therefore take care to choose the most appropriate style to use. There are several factors that may affect your choice.

Two of the key factors dictating the choice of a formal or informal writing style are your audience and your medium.

You may therefore find it helpful to read our pages Know your Audience and Know Your Medium .

In general, writing for professional or work purposes is likely to require a formal style. However, you may be able to use a more informal style if you are writing to someone you know in person.

Emails also tend to use a less formal style than paper-based communications. However, this is changing slightly as more organisations use emails for all communications. You should therefore avoid the use of “text talk” or too much informality.

There is more about this in our page on Good Email Etiquette .

If in doubt as to how formal your writing should be, it is usually better to err on the side of caution.

Almost nobody is offended by too much formality. However, it is certainly possible to offend by being too informal in your approach.

Continue to: Know Your Audience Common Mistakes in Writing

See also: Active and Passive Voice Creative Writing How to Write a Report

How to Write an Informal Essay With a Perfect Plan

Today, we are going to talk about the type of essay that differs greatly from other types of papers. It may be a surprise for you, but an informal essay is written usually for enjoyment. This doesn’t mean that this type of essay cannot be informative or persuasive, but it is less formal than a relaxed expression of the opinion, observation, or research. A good informal essay may have a relaxed style, but it has a strong structure, though this structure can be less strict than a formal essay has. An informal essay has a tendency to be more personal than a formal one, though both can express subjective opinions. In a formal essay, a writer is silently presenting his or her thoughts behind the words; at the same time, in an informal essay, the author is connected with the reader in a conversational style.

how to write an informal essay

How to Write an Informal Essay to Interest Readers

Before we are talking about how to write this type of paper, we should understand what is informal writing. Don’t worry if you are not sure what is an informal essay, as many students try to find the answer to this question. Informal writing is writing where you should reveal your ability to write informally and express your own point of view on an issue. If you write informally, try to express your own personality in the essay. Don’t worry about writing in academic style, but avoid sloppiness. Find an example of informal essay below and look through it to get a more detailed understanding of the requirements this assignment has. Our experienced team of writers is ready to assist you with academic tasks – just say, “ write my college essays “, and we’ll deliver exceptional results.

Many students may ask, “what is the difference between formal and informal essay?” The difference is in the style of writing or in how we use words to say what we want to say. Different situations require different ways of using words. The way we write in the academic or scientific purposes differs a lot from the way we write to a friend or a close person. Proper writing of the informal essay is to understand the features of the genre. Observance of the basic principles and recommendations on writing will create an interesting essay.

Get to know how to start an informal essay and what are the main stages of writing.

Steps for Writing an Informal Essay

  • Select the topic. You have a great opportunity to select any topic for your paper. An informal way of writing provides a great chance to write about whatever you want. Choose a topic that will be really interesting to you. The presence of a certain narrow topic that contains the problem and prompts the reader to thinking is a great choice. If there is no list of informal writing topics among which you can choose one, and only a general direction is given, then you need to take into account which audience the essay is written for. Variants can be different: your classmates and a teacher, the commission, the literary community, the employer. If the essay is written for handing in to the teacher, then it is necessary to consider what qualities will be evaluated. Proceeding from this, the topic should be chosen in such a way that it would be possible to show those abilities that the examiner is waiting for from the author: originality, the ability to logically construct sentences, literacy, professional qualities, etc. When choosing the topic for writing an essay from the proposed list, you should choose one which you have particular knowledge in.
  • Write an informal outline for essay. This part of a paper is important, because with an informal essay outline, your writing will be much easier. An outline is like a plan with which you will not forget to include all main points in your paper. It often happens that a person who has enough eloquence and the ability to express his/her thoughts on paper, has difficulty in starting the essay. Thinking about the introduction can take quite a long time, which greatly darkens the process of creative work. If you don’t know how to start an informal essay, ensure that you know what idea you want to communicate. Before you start writing an introduction, you need to formulate an idea, define a goal, and find sources of information for the work. It is important not to focus on the introductory part too long. Write an introduction including a thesis statement. Remember that the essay is distinguished precisely by the presence of the author’s view of the existing problem, his or her relation to the world, speech , and thinking.
  • Write the main body of your essay using cliches, colloquialisms, and even jargon, as the format of this paper allows you to write in this way. It is necessary to avoid complicated formulations or too long sentences. It is important to follow a laid-back style to establish contact with the reader. It is important not to overdo it, however, turning the essay into a substandard text full of slang. The correct emotional color of the text will be given by short, simple, understandable sentences, and the use of different intonations in sentences. Include a detailed analysis of the problem. Your own point of view needs to be argued on the basis of factual material.
  • Write a conclusion. Summarize everything that you have said before in your paper.
  • Remember relative brevity of writing. There are no restrictions on the number of pages, but the informal essay is usually small in volume. An informal paper has a free construction. The informal essay has a way of presentation that does not fit into any definite framework. The construction obeys its own logic, which the author adheres to, trying to consider the problem from different angles.
  • Proofread and edit your paper. Ask your friend to do it in order to find and correct more mistakes.

Informal Essay Sample

The following example of informal essay writing was created by dissertation writing services to help you handle your own paper. As this type of paper is not formal, you can find personal observations, opinions, or points of view. Use this informal essay sample as a collection of guidelines. The main thing is that this example is written in a relaxed manner, but it adheres to a particular structure. Short informal essay examples usually include the personal contact, and not the academic writing flow. You can find a subjective opinion in this type of paper, so you should write in this way as well. Our example of informal essay will help you understand how to write your own informal paper in order to get a high grade.

Click the images to see their full size.

what is informal writing

Useful Tips for Informal Essay Writing

  • Keep in mind that informal essays can be written in the first person, so using “I think that…” “In my opinion…” and “I believe…” are welcome.
  • Sentences of your essay should not be too long, especially in the case of run-on sentences. At the same time – they should not be too short. Varying your sentence lengths is a good practice.
  • Reread your essay at the end of your writing process. Ask yourself whether the tone is too formal or too informal. Make all necessary changes if needed.
  • Add personality to your essay! Don’t know what it means? Well, an informal essay gives you a chance to personalize your writing, using words and phrases which are used only by you. In this way, you will have a unique piece of writing on a particular topic. Be creative!
  • All statements that you include in your paper should be clear and realistic.
  • Despite the free composition, the informal essay must have internal unity, with consistency of the author’s statements expressing his or her opinion.
  • The author does not insist on his/her point of view, but uses a method as if inviting the reader to think about and discuss it.

Typical Mistakes for Writing an Informal Essay

  • The absence of links between the substantive parts of the essay: introduction and conclusion, and the main part of the essay with the conclusion.
  • Having proportionality of parts of the essay which should not be equal in length. The introduction and conclusion in the aggregate should be no more than one-third of the entire work. The main part is two-thirds.
  • Inability to strictly follow the theme of writing in the course of reasoning.
  • Inability to compositionally structure an essay in accordance with the theme and the main idea.
  • Vast amounts of unnecessary information in the introduction and conclusion. However, too short and too unreasonable a conclusion is also inappropriate. It must really summarize and sum up all the work. The absence of a conclusion is a serious logical mistake. The conclusion must be meaningful in accordance with the introduction, topic, and main body of the essay.
  • Absence of a problem in the introduction (this is the topic itself) and the formulation of a key thesis, which will be proved there.
  • Indistinct formulation of theses, making it difficult to integrate them into the logical structure of the work. If there are several theses, then there should not be a contradiction between the theses formulated in different parts of the paper.
  • Weak arguments. They are such if they do not prove or confirm, unconvincingly or superficially, the thesis.
  • Unreasonable repetitions of the same thoughts.
  • Errors in the division of the text into paragraphs and even the complete absence of paragraphs.
  • Inability to operate with abstract concepts.
  • The non-distinction between the concepts “example” and “argument,” and inability to formulate a micro-output, on the basis of an example, correlated with the thesis put forward.

Now you know what is an informative essay and how to write it correctly. You may also be interested in our guide about gender-sensitive language or informal report topics to complete your perfect paper.

You will also find more informative essay samples below.

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formal and informal essay examples

Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal English

formal and informal essay examples

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Download 500+ English Phrases

Why is it important?

Would you wear this to a job interview? No, because it’s too informal.

formal-english

Would you wear this to the beach? No, because it’s too formal.

informal-english

In the same way, using English that is too formal or too informal for the situation can cause a bad impression.

Three levels of formality in English

Formal – Textbooks, official reports, academic articles, essays, business letters, contracts, official speeches

Semi-formal – Day-to-day interaction with colleagues and teachers, popular magazines/books, interviews, when talking with someone in authority or whom you respect

Informal – Interacting with friends, speaking or chatting online

Formal English

1. longer/more complex sentences.

Punctuation, proper grammar, and correct sentence structure are very important. A formal sentence you might see in an academic journal:

Research has shown that learning a second language, in addition to leading to expanded career and social opportunities, can also expand the reasoning capability of the brain, although this finding is disputed by some scientists.

A less formal way to express the same idea:

Learning another language can improve your career and social life. Some people also say it can make you smarter, but others disagree.

2. Larger and less common words

A formal sentence you might see in an economic report:

The economy is currently quite robust; nevertheless, some specialists predict an imminent recession.

A simpler, less formal way to say the same thing:

The economy is very strong right now, but some specialists say we’ll have a recession soon.

Some less formal words and their formal equivalents:

help (n.)
buy
need
get
next/later
also/plus
whole
enough
assistance
purchase
require
obtain
subsequently
moreover
entire
sufficient

Download a list of more formal/informal words

3. Avoid phrasal verbs

The price went up. The price rose/increased.

The client asked for a contract. The client requested a contract.

The problems have come back. The problems have returned.

We will cut down on spending. We will reduce spending.

4. Avoid contractions

I’m, you’re, can’t, don’t, wasn’t, it’s…

The shipment hasn’t arrived. The shipment has not arrived.

They’re manufactured in China. They are manufactured in China.

He’s the director of marketing. He is the director of marketing.

We’d like to inform you… We would like to inform you…

What about this? – The company’s employees

This is OK to use in formal English because it’s a possessive, NOT a contraction! It means “The employees of the company.”

With possessives, you can use either ‘s or “of the” – but try to avoid using “of the” multiple times in a single phrase:

the terms of the client’s contract NOT: the terms of the contract of the client

5. NO idioms, slang, text speak

Idiom: The software is a piece of cake.

  • The software is quite user-friendly.
  • The software is extremely easy to use.

Slang: A million bucks in profit.

  • A million dollars in profit.

Text speak: Tks & we look 4ward 2 meeting u.

  • Thanks, and we look forward to meeting you.

Also avoid shortened words:

The info was incomplete. The information was incomplete.

The results have arrived from the lab. The results have arrived from the laboratory.

fruits and veggies fruits and vegetables

Semi-Formal English

1. phrasal verbs & contractions = ok.

Could you look over this report? look over = review and check for errors

She came up with a great idea. came up with = created, invented, thought of

I’m available on Friday morning. The directors weren’t happy.

2. Some idioms are OK, but avoid slang and text speak

This project is on the back burner. on the back burner = not a priority at the moment

We’re operating in the red. in the red = no money, negative cash flow

Semi-formal (inviting your boss): “Would you like to join me for lunch?” Informal (inviting your best friend): “Hey, wanna grab a bite to eat?”

Semi-formal: “Hello, how are you?” Informal: “Wassup?”

Semi-formal: “The conference was great!” Informal: “It was awesome!” “It was the bomb!”

3. Use polite English

Say “I’d like…” instead of “I want…”

When making requests, use “could you” and “please,” don’t just give commands: Say “Could you please call me later?” and not just “Call me later.”

Another part of polite English is making criticisms and negative comments in an indirect way:

You’re wrong. I’m afraid you’re mistaken.

I disagree. I’m of a different opinion. / I see it differently.

This is terrible work. This could be improved.

I don’t like it. I don’t really care for it. It’s not my cup of tea. I’d prefer…

Informal English

1. shorter, simpler sentences – perfect grammar is not as important.

(So don’t be so nervous about mistakes when speaking!)

“Have you finished your work yet?” –> “Finished your work yet?”

“I’m really liking this book.” (“like” should technically not be in the -ING form here)

“But I don’t think so.”

Starting sentences with “but,” ending sentences with prepositions, using sentence fragments – these are all done in informal spoken English.

2. Expressions/exclamations

  • um, uh, like, lemme see… = hesitation, when you need a moment to think before speaking
  • I mean… = to clarify
  • …you know? = to check if the other person understands
  • Gotcha . = I understand
  • How come? = Why?
  • Yeah right. = a sarcastic way to say “I don’t believe you.”
  • I’ll say! = I definitely agree with you
  • wow! = surprise
  • oops = accident
  • yuck = that’s disgusting

3. Phrasal verbs, slang, and idioms are used VERY frequently

This is one reason that watching movies and TV shows in English is difficult… even if you have good vocabulary and grammar! You may not have learned the phrasal verbs, slang, and idioms in your textbook.

Phrasal verb: “I won’t put up with this!” put up with = tolerate

Idiom: “Could you give me a hand ?” give me a hand = help me

Slang: “I aced the test!” aced = got an excellent grade

The Phrasal Verbs in Conversation Course and the English Idioms Course can help you learn these expressions in context!

4. Reductions when speaking (in both semi-formal and informal English)

He’s gonna be angry. gonna = going to

I wanna learn how to ski. wanna = want to

Didja like the movie? didja = did you

We hafta leave now. hafta = have to

I bought apples n grapes. n = and

Courses to help you learn:

Business English Course – Focuses on formal and semi-formal English used in meetings, presentations, interviews, letters and e-mails, and vocabulary for jobs and careers.

Everyday English Speaking Course – Daily situations, socializing, phrases, expressions not found in textbooks, how native English speakers say things in real life.

Phrasal Verbs in Conversation – Teaches phrasal verbs in context, through dialogues, making it easier to learn and understand them. Quizzes and writing exercises help you put the phrasal verbs into practice immediately.

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formal and informal essay examples

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Formal and Informal Types of Writing Essay

  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Individuals use English in their everyday life while communicating with their relatives, sharing news with friends and acquaintances, and establishing strong professional relationships. At the same time, every person who lives in contemporary society uses English as a tool for written correspondence. College and university students write articles and research papers, international friends communicate in private chats, and businesses create official documents. Since the language used in these writings is the same, it may seem that there is no difference between writing a birthday invitation letter and a scholarship essay. Nevertheless, each type of text requires specific vocabulary and formatting. The following paper will discuss formal and informal styles in order to understand their distinguishing features and differences.

Formal writing is generally used for business and academic operations. This type of written communication should be clear, organized, and properly formatted. It is complex and incorporates long sentences to ensure that the main idea is delivered and explained carefully. Moreover, formal writing is objective, meaning that an individual is disconnected from the context and does not include personal experiences and emotions in the text. One of the most prominent examples of the formal style is a research paper. This work focuses on a particular topic and aims at discovering some new ideas connected to it. While writing a research essay, students and experts use various academic sources in order to find and compare different perspectives on the same concept. Researchers incorporate specific formats, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard, and divide their papers into organized parts to make them look and sound professional. Furthermore, these essays are written in a third-person language to provide the most unbiased view of the problem.

On the other hand, informal writing is similar to spoken communication and is used in personal settings. This style does not require a writer to be organized and objective; it allows full freedom of expression. It uses slang, “I” language, and high emotion words to indicate personal feelings and experiences. In comparison to formal writing, it is acceptable to include short and incomplete sentences in informal letters or messages. Simplicity can even be essential since it gives an opportunity to express an opinion quickly and clearly. A prime example of informal writing is a diary entry. There are no specific rules about the formatting of diaries; therefore, individuals have a chance to style them in any possible way. They can write about their emotions and problems while using abbreviations, contractions, and active voice. Diary entries are personal, which means that they do not have to include objective opinions and thoughts. Instead, they can be based on individual perceptions and judgments.

To summarize, language is the most critical tool for successful communication. People all over the world constantly use English in their personal, academic, and business interactions. While spoken communication is an essential way of delivering messages and viewpoints, writing can also do it effectively. However, individuals should not forget that different types of correspondence require distinct formatting and wording styles. Official emails and requests, documents, and university papers have to be written using formal language and composition. At the same time, text messages and emails to friends and relatives can be created with the implementation of emotionally expressive tones and slang. Thus, the presented essay explored formal and informal writing styles and highlighted their characteristics and dissimilarities.

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IvyPanda. (2022, February 5). Formal and Informal Types of Writing. https://ivypanda.com/essays/formal-and-informal-types-of-writing/

"Formal and Informal Types of Writing." IvyPanda , 5 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/formal-and-informal-types-of-writing/.

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IvyPanda . 2022. "Formal and Informal Types of Writing." February 5, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/formal-and-informal-types-of-writing/.

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IMAGES

  1. Formal vs. Informal: Best Writing Practices

    formal and informal essay examples

  2. Formal Writing

    formal and informal essay examples

  3. Formal vs. Informal: Best Writing Practices

    formal and informal essay examples

  4. Formal Writing

    formal and informal essay examples

  5. Formal Vs Informal Language Examples

    formal and informal essay examples

  6. Formal and Informal Voice in Essay Writing

    formal and informal essay examples

VIDEO

  1. Formal vs Informal english 🇬🇧 #ielts #shorts

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  4. Informal vs Formal English #informalenglish #formalenglish #shorts

  5. Informal vs Formal English Part 1 #shorts #trendingshorts #shortvideo #trending #english #viral

  6. What is Formal and Informal writing? Explained in Hindi/Urdu

COMMENTS

  1. Extended Essay: Formal vs. Informal Writing

    Differences Between Informal and Formal Essays. When writing your extended essay you should use language that is formal and academic in tone. The chart below gives you some idea of the differences between informal and formal essays. See the box below for examples of the differences in tone in informal and formal essays written on identical topics.

  2. Formal and Informal Writing—Explanation and Examples

    We'll give some examples below. 1. Contractions. It is advised to avoid contractions (shortened versions of words) in formal language, but they're acceptable in informal language. Unfortunately, the team could not replicate the results. (Formal) Unfortunately, the team couldn't replicate the results. ( Informal) 2.

  3. Informal Vs. Formal Writing: What's The Difference?

    We break down some key elements of how to write for a formal and an informal audience, with examples of formal vs. informal writing along the way.

  4. Formal vs. Informal Writing: A Complete Guide

    And where exclamations are fine in informal settings, they're frowned upon for formal writing. The same goes for the first and second person—notably, pronouns like "I" and "you.". Here's an example in which the formal version writes around the word "I" by using the passive voice: Informal: I asked the mayor about earthquake ...

  5. How to Write an Informal Essay: Guide, Tips, and Sample

    Determine the purpose of the future essay. 2. List as many subjects in the focus of your interest as possible. 3. Evaluate each of the topics in the list. 4. Develop a topic of choice using any paper structure you like. 5. Double-check and proofread the completed paper.

  6. Informal Essay: Steps, Tips, Outline, Example, Topics

    Some common examples of informal essays include impromptu speeches, diary entries, journals, social media posts, personal essays, and personal notes. While the informal essay does not have a rigid structure or format, it must include four elements topic, introduction, body, and conclusion. 1. Title.

  7. Informal Essay Definition, Format & Examples

    A formal essay is expected to follow a specific structure, though the structure depends on what type of formal essay the author is writing. The most common type of essay follows the five-paragraph ...

  8. Formal vs. Informal Writing

    An essay assignment in an academic setting is a classic example of formal writing taught to all students. An inter-office memo to staff at a professional organization is another example.

  9. Writing a Great Informal Essay (Steps & Examples)

    An informal essay is quite different from other types of essays.. In an informal essay, you're writing as if you are talking to a friend. You do not need to engage in a strict academic writing process, but you should still avoid sloppiness. In a formal essay, you expresses your ideas quietly behind the words. In an informal essay, you talk to the reader in a conversational manner.

  10. Formal and Informal Style

    Formal and Informal Style. Whether you use formal or informal style in writing will depend on the assignment itself, its subject, purpose, and audience. Formal language is characterized by the use of standard English, more complex sentence structures, infrequent use of personal pronouns, and lack of colloquial or slang terms.

  11. Formal Essay Format, Types & Example

    Types of Formal Essays. There are four main types of formal essays, or papers, this lesson will cover. These four types of formal essays are: The. The. The cause and effect essay. The ...

  12. Formal vs. Informal: Best Writing Practices

    Knowing the difference between formal and informal writing is only half the battle. The other important aspect is knowing which to use. Here are some examples of when you would use formal vs informal writing. Use Formal Writing When: Writing professionally (reaching out to a client or prospect) Academic writings (essays, research papers, etc.)

  13. Definition and Examples of Formal Essays

    Definition and Examples of Formal Essays. Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms. "A formal essay is aphoristic, structured, and serious," according to Jo Ray McCuen-Metherell and Anthony C. Winkler. "An informal essay is personal, revelatory, humorous, and somewhat loosely structured" ( Readings for Writers, 2016).

  14. How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

    Informal essay Formal essay ; Purpose: Usually, the purpose of an informal essay is to share opinions or to entertain the reader. A formal essay aims to critically analyze facts, details, and ideas to prove a point. Pronouns use: Addresses the reader directly and uses 1st-person pronouns. Uses 3rd-person pronouns and doesn't address the ...

  15. How to Write an Informal Essay: A to Z Guide to Succeed in Writing

    For example, if your task is to write an essay, you should read examples of informal essays. It is better to ask a tutor or a custom writing service to introduce a sample. A good-quality paper is a mirror that reflects the required structure, language peculiarities, and the idea presentation a student can follow. ... Informal essay: Formal ...

  16. Difference between Formal & Informal Writing With Examples

    Ans: Formal and informal writing essays differ in tone, structure, and context. A formal essay follows language conventions and specific formatting, suited for academic and professional settings. An informal essay is relaxed, conversational, and personal, often found in emails and social media.

  17. PDF Formal and Informal Essays[1]

    The informal essay is a lighter approach to a selection of writing on topical ideas or issues. The purpose of an informal essay is to engage and involve the reader by writing in a casual, entertaining manner about a subject. The informal essay, such as an article or personal discussion of a subject, may be light-hearted or serious in tone.

  18. Formal and Informal Writing Styles

    formal, adj. stiffly polite rather than relaxed and friendly; said of language: strictly correct with regard to grammar, style and choice of words, as distinct from conversational. informal, adj. without ceremony or formality; relaxed and friendly; said of language, clothes, etc: suitable for and used in relaxed, everyday situations.. Source: Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, online edition.

  19. How to Write an Informal Essay

    Informal Essay Sample. The following example of informal essay writing was created by dissertation writing services to help you handle your own paper. As this type of paper is not formal, you can find personal observations, opinions, or points of view. Use this informal essay sample as a collection of guidelines.

  20. Video: Informal Essay Definition, Format & Examples

    An informal essay is an essay that is nonfiction and has a conversational tone. Colloquialisms, or language used in everyday speech, are often used in informal essays to achieve a conversational ...

  21. Formal, Semi-Formal, and Informal English

    Formal - Textbooks, official reports, academic articles, essays, business letters, contracts, official speeches. Semi-formal - Day-to-day interaction with colleagues and teachers, popular magazines/books, interviews, when talking with someone in authority or whom you respect. Informal - Interacting with friends, speaking or chatting online.

  22. Formal vs. Informal: 100 Examples & What You Need to ...

    10 Writing Errors Even Native Speakers Make (Infographic) Find out when you should use formal or informal language in your writing, and discover 100 formal and informal counterparts of common English expressions.

  23. Formal and Informal Types of Writing

    Formal writing is generally used for business and academic operations. This type of written communication should be clear, organized, and properly formatted. It is complex and incorporates long sentences to ensure that the main idea is delivered and explained carefully. Moreover, formal writing is objective, meaning that an individual is ...