Professional writers use different language depending on the type of piece they’re working on.
For instance, when asked to write a report or a news article, employing formal writing is a must, while those working on an opinion piece for a paper, or hired to pen social media posts to boost engagement, may choose an informal approach.
Here, we explore the two types of language that writers must master and how they differ.
Formal and informal writing: an overview
In simple terms, formal and informal writing are tones for serious or casual language, respectively.
Typically, informal writing is relaxed and employed when writing with people that we are already familiar with, or in light-hearted conversations and messaging. In contrast, formal writing is deployed for serious subjects and readers unknown to the writer. As such, it is commonly used in business, journalism and informational blogs.
Defining formal writing
Formal writing is described as direct, respectful and detailed. It is employed for important matters, such as in business, legal documents and correspondence, journalism, academic writing and medical reports.
Writers use formal writing to show respect for a reader or subject. As a result, it’s often utilised to address a stranger. For instance, emails featuring formal writing are an accepted approach when candidates apply for positions or complete business transactions online.
Creating an official tone, formal writing uses proper names and avoids slang terms. It is also purposefully comprehensive and never takes shortcuts, such as contractions.
While formal writing is sometimes criticised for lacking flow and featuring longer words and sentences and bland language, this is not necessarily always the case if a writer is skilled. Formal writing requires accuracy and clarity, but can also be crafted to engage readers by keeping messages short and to the point while using a varied vocabulary.
When to write formally
Formal writing is a fit for all business communications, including employment applications. It’s also required when writing objective, journalistic articles like new pieces.
Writing in a formal style is also the right choice for legal documents and communications, academic writing and correspondence with individuals you do not know personally.
Defining informal writing
The opposite of formal writing, informal writing is designed to be relaxed, casual and conversational. Understandably, it is used when communicating with friends or people the writer is familiar with. However, it also sees frequent use in advertising and persuasive writing, as it can help build rapport.
As a rule, informal writing replicates how friends may talk in person, employing common speech communication tools such as abbreviations, contractions and slang. It also uses colloquialisms and idioms. Subjects can also cover emotions or personal opinions, both of which are inappropriate in pieces of formal writing.
Informal writing lets writers be more expressive, descriptive and creative. Unlike in formal writing, personal styles and unique takes on a topic are welcome, and fewer restrictions exist surrounding straying off a subject.
When to write informally
Writing informally still has its uses. It is a suitable solution for emailing and texting friends and communicating with coworkers on non-work topics. It is also acceptable when writing personal essays that require a more conversational voice.
In copywriting, informal writing also has a role to play. Marketeers, product bloggers and advertising agents frequently use an informal voice to connect with their desired customer base, audience or readership.
Formal or informal writing?
To sum up, formal writing is professional, objective and more complex, and avoids slang and contractions, while informal writing is conversational and casual and employs exclamation marks, contractions, slang and and first-person pronouns.
Academic essays, new articles, business emails and legal documents demand formal writing, while social media posts, personal emails, texts and adverts may use informal writing.
Before beginning any writing assignment, always assess which writing type is required. In most cases, formal writing is the best choice, but some briefs may ask for a friendlier style to engage their target audience.