The two broad types of writing are formal and informal. Both kinds of writing have similarities. However, there are certain characteristics that differentiate them. Let’s tell you the similarities and differences between informal and formal writing. We will also give you tips on how to determine whether to use formal or informal language when writing.
Similarities
Both formal and informal writing follow the grammatical rules of the English language (we are focused on the English language). They both conform to the rule that a sentence is made up of a subject and a predicate. They also obey the rules of punctuation and basically all the syntactical rules of English.
Differences
Contractions
Formal writing uses full words, unlike informal writing which uses contractions. For example, a formal letter would say ‘I do not…’, while an informal letter would say ‘I don’t’. ‘I cannot’ should be used in a formal text while ‘I can’t’ is permitted in informal writing.
Setting/context
There are contexts where informal writing is permissible and there are places where it is frowned upon. For instance, when applying for a job, it is a given that the language is formal. However, if you are writing to a friend, sounding formal could be taken the wrong way. Your friend is likely to ask (or silently wonder) if things are okay between the two of you.
Genres
Different genres of literature require certain types of writing. Depending on the genre, the type of writing is usually fixed and inflexible. Intellectual work such as thesis and dissertation, speeches and seminars use formal language. You write them in formal language and read them as written.
Novels, memoirs and historical writing usually take on informality. There is no need to be all prim and proper when writing a story or recounting events that have already happened.
The exception is probably a literary work such as a novel that can have a mixture of both formal and informal words. Writers have poetic license and can switch from formal to informal, to convey a message.
This is particularly used in characterization to differentiate one character from another. With the use of formal wording in dialogue, the writer could show that a character is educated or has a flair for being bombastic.
So, apart from knowing what a character is wearing and where he lives, the reader could get to know the character better with his or her choice of words. This serves as characteristics or mannerisms of the characters. It says a lot about the characters and characterization.
Specific Receivers
The receiver or audience of your writing also influences whether it will be formal or informal. Use the informal approach when writing to family and friends. Write like you would talk to them if you were seated right in front of them.
If you are writing to a boss, a prospective employer or your colleagues, be formal. In such settings, you can hardly go wrong with being formal.
However, if you are writing to a colleague who has become your friend, you could write informally, except if your chat or email is based on an official topic and will be copied to other colleagues or your boss.
Use of Slang
Slang is not allowed in formal writing. Sometimes, even in semi-formal situations, slang is not well-received. Slang expressions usually work in informal writing and settings, especially, when they are a reference point or an inside joke among a group of people.
As a general rule, avoid slang words. They don’t sit well with most people because their meanings are hard to guess. Also, a harmless slang to you might not be so harmless to the next person. You might call it a joke, but to the other person, it is an insult. Simply avoid using slangs.
Whether you are putting your thoughts down in informal or formal writing, the basic thing is to ensure that your readers understand you. Make your writing easy to read and easy to understand. This would ensure that your work can be said to be a good read, irrespective of who reads it.
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