The difference between formal and informal writing

When it comes to writing in English, there are two main styles of writing: formal and informal. Consider these two examples:

Example 1:

This is to inform you that your book has been rejected by our publisher because it did not meet the required standards. In case you want us to reconsider, we suggest that you review it and make some necessary changes.

Example 2:
Do you know that book I wrote? Well, the publisher turned it down. They thought it was horrible. But hey, I did the best I could and I think it was great. I’m not going to redo it like they said I should.

The difference between the two is obvious. The first is formal and the second is informal. But what is it that makes them formal and informal?

It is the writing style or the way we use words to say what we want to say. Different situations require different ways of putting words together. The way we write in academic and scientific settings differs greatly from the way we write to a friend or close friend. The tone, vocabulary, and syntax all change as the occasion changes. This difference in writing styles is the difference between formality and informality, or the difference between formal and informal writing.

Below is a list of some of the main differences between informal and formal writing:

Informal: can use colloquial words / expressions (kids, boy, awesome, a lot, etc.)

Formal: Avoid using colloquial words / expressions (substitute children, man / boy, wonderful, many, etc.)

Informal: You can use contractions (I can’t, I don’t want to, I shouldn’t, etc.).

Formal: Avoid contractions (write the whole words: I can’t, I don’t want, I shouldn’t, etc.).

Informal: You can use first, second or third person.

Formal: Write in the third person (except in business letters where the first person can be used).

Informal: You can use cliches (many, conspicuous by absence, etc.)

Formal: Avoid cliches (used a lot, was absent, etc.)

Informal – You can address readers using second person pronouns (you, your, etc.)

Formal: Avoid addressing readers using second person pronouns (use one, one, the reader, the reader’s, etc.)

Informal: you can use abbreviated words (photo, television, etc.)

Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions, such as photography, television, etc.)

Informal: can use imperative voice (for example, remember …)

Formal: Avoid imperative voice (use Please, see …..)

Informal: you can use active voice (for example, we have noticed that …)

Formal: use passive voice (for example, it has been noted that ….)

Informal: You can use short and simple sentences.

Formal: longer and more complex sentences are preferred (short and simple sentences reflect poorly on the writer)

Informal: you can recognize the difficulty of the topic and show empathy to the reader.

Formal: Make your points confidently and offer strong support for your argument.

These are just some of the differences between formal and informal writing. The main thing to remember is that both are correct, it is just a matter of tone and setting. Formal English is used primarily in academic writing and business communications, while informal English is informal and appropriate for communicating with friends and other close people. Choose your writing style taking into account what you are writing and to whom. But whatever style you write, formal or casual, be sure to keep it consistent – don’t mix the two.