Formal and informal writing differ in tone, sentence length, and word choice. Use the formal style for work, school, and people you do not know well, and the informal style for friends, family, and readers you know. If you are not sure, choose formal.
Many people ask what the difference between formal and informal writing is, and which one to use. The answer depends on who you are writing to and what you want to say. Each style serves a different purpose and speaks to a different audience, so it is important to know when to use which.
What is the difference?
As students, writers, and everyone else grow more confident with grammar, they start to think about writing styles, not only about spelling and rules. Compared with many grammar and spelling rules, the choice between formal and informal writing is not complicated. Before you decide when to use each style, it helps to know what each one means. For the rules that apply in both styles, see these 6 important grammar rules.
The formal writing style
Third person
Formal writing is impersonal. The writer keeps a distance from the topic and usually avoids both the first person (I, we) and the second person (you). The guide to first, second, and third person explains the three points of view.
Complex sentences
Longer sentences are more common in formal writing, because the writer deals with each topic or issue as thoroughly as possible. Every main point goes through three steps: it is introduced, explained, and finally concluded.
Full words
Formal writing uses no contractions, so avoid words such as it's, you're, can't, and won't. Write abbreviations out in full as well. The only exception is an acronym that is better known than its full name, such as NATO, NFL, or CEO.
Objective
In formal writing, support every argument fully and state your main points with confidence and conviction. Be as detailed and thorough as you can on each topic.
The informal writing style
Contractions and abbreviations
Informal writing uses simpler words, so that your point is as easy as possible for the reader to follow. Contractions such as it's, I'm, can't, won't, couldn't, and you're are fine here, and so are abbreviations such as ASAP, TV, pics, and DOB.
Colloquial
Think of informal writing as a spoken conversation. It can contain figures of speech, broken syntax, asides, slang, and so on, because it takes a personal tone: you, the writer, speak directly to your audience, the reader. You can address the reader in the second person, with you and your, and write about yourself in the first person, with I and we.
Simple
In informal writing, short sentences are not only acceptable, they are often the better choice. Even an incomplete sentence can stress a thought. Like this one.
Empathy and emotion
Unlike formal writing, informal writing lets you show empathy and emotion toward your reader. You can say how you feel about a topic and explain a complex thought in your own words.
To loosen up your style, try a few word games that can improve your writing.
Formal or informal: which should you use?
The only real question left is which style to use and when. That depends mostly on the audience you are writing for and the point you want to make.
- For a professional letter at work, use the formal style. Contractions, slang, and a chatty tone look unprofessional there.
- If you know the person you are writing to well, an informal style is fine.
- Emails tend to be less formal than letters on paper. Still, avoid text talk and slang unless you know the recipients well.
If you are still unsure which style fits a situation, choose formal over informal. The formal style is the safe way to make sure you do not offend anyone or sound unprofessional. For more on matching your voice to the situation, see using different tones in writing.