B1 Lesson 1: Understanding the Difference Between Formal and Informal Language
Welcome to a new series on effective writing! You know how to write correct sentences, but a good writer also knows how to choose the right style for the right situation. The language you use to text a friend is very different from the language in a job application.
Today, we will learn about register1, which means choosing between formal2 and informal3 language based on your audience4 (who you are writing to) and purpose5 (why you are writing).
Formal vs. Informal: What's the Difference?
Think of it like clothing. You wear different clothes to a wedding than you do at home. Language works the same way.
| Feature | Formal Language (Serious, Professional) | Informal Language (Relaxed, Friendly) |
|---|---|---|
| Use When... | Writing to a boss, a teacher, a company, or for academic essays. | Writing to friends, family, or for personal social media posts. |
| Vocabulary | request, assist, inform, purchase | ask for, help, tell, buy |
| Contractions | Avoided (e.g., I am, do not) | Used often (e.g., I'm, don't) |
| Slang/Idioms | Never used. | Can be used (e.g., What's up? wanna, gonna) |
| Greetings/Closings | Dear Mr. Chan, / Sincerely, | Hi Srey, / Cheers, |
See the Difference: Two Emails, One Purpose
Imagine you are sick and cannot go to work. Look at the two different emails you would write.
To: My Friend Dara
Subject: Not coming today
Hey Dara,
Not feeling so good today, so I'm not gonna come in. It's just a bad cold. Can you let me know if I miss anything important? Thanks!
Cheers,
Vuthy
To: My Manager, Mr. Rith
Subject: Absence due to Sickness
Dear Mr. Rith,
I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend work today, June 13, 2025, due to illness. I have a doctor's appointment this morning.
I will check my email this evening for any urgent updates. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
Vuthy
✍️ B1 Formality Checklist
Before you write, always ask:
- ✔️ Who is my audience? Do I need to be respectful and professional?
- ✔️ What is my purpose? Is it serious or casual?
- ✔️ Based on this, have I chosen the correct level of formality?
- ✔️ Have I used the right vocabulary, greetings, and closings for my chosen style?
🧠 Practice Quiz: Formal or Informal?
Read each phrase and decide if it is more likely to be used in formal or informal writing.
1. I am writing to request some information.
Answer: Formal (Uses "request" and "inform," no contractions).
2. Can't wait for the party tonight!
Answer: Informal (Uses a contraction and is very enthusiastic).
3. Thank you for your assistance.
Answer: Formal (Uses "assistance" instead of "help").
📝 Homework: Write Two Messages
Imagine you want to invite someone to your birthday party next Saturday.
1. Write a short, informal message to your best friend inviting them.
2. Write a short, formal email to your English teacher inviting them.
Write both messages in your notebook. Pay close attention to the different greetings, vocabulary, and closings you use for each person.
Vocabulary Glossary
- Register / Formality: (Noun) - កម្រិតភាសា - The level of formality used in a piece of speech or writing. ↩
- Formal: (Adjective) - ផ្លូវការ - Language used in serious, professional, or official situations. ↩
- Informal: (Adjective) - មិនផ្លូវការ - Language used in relaxed, friendly, or unofficial situations. ↩
- Audience: (Noun) - អ្នកអាន/អ្នកស្តាប់ - The person or people you are writing for. ↩
- Purpose: (Noun) - គោលបំណង - The reason why you are writing. ↩