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Difference between formal and informal languageLanguage has many varying aspects one of which is the difference between formal and informal language. There are various situations that require the use of formal language as there are also settings where informal language would be more appropriate. This article will discuss how these differences affect the overall use of language in both the written and spoken forms. With the use of examples, and material gathered from various sources, this article will give insight into some language attributes that differentiate informal and formal language. Formal language is defined as a language designed for use in situations in which natural language is unsuitable, as for example in mathematics, logic, or computer programming. Formal language is also used in official public notices, business situations, and polite conversations with strangers. Formal language has stricter grammar rules and often uses more difficult vocabulary. Formal language is used more often in the written form than it is in spoken form because it uses an official vocabulary and is grammatically correct offering the reader a clear and precise overview of the material (being read). Indirect language is used to a greater degree in formal language (than informal) as the passive is more common making it less personal and more general. Fewer phrasal verbs are implemented and contractions are nearly nonexistent. Bigger and more complex words are used in formal language than in informal language to increase the impact of the material. The main differentiating factor between the two languages (formal and informal) is the context in which they are use, informal language is mainly used in the verbal sense due to it being used in casual conversation amongst people who are quite comfortable with one another, such as friends, family, co-workers, or service staff (at a restaurant for example). Informal language sometimes incorporates slang terms and therefore is always changing, variations can also be noted between informal language being used throughout different areas (of the same country and in some cases the same city). While it is possible to use only formal language always it is not necessary and could be considered strange, while informal language should be used in situations that don?t require correct grammar and are more casual. In business, while meeting new people and in the legal arena the language used is mainly formal as informal language is seen as unprofessional and might cause communicational difficulties and confusion. In some cases however, both types of language are applicable, but are chosen because of the type of feel that the user wants to send out. A speaker at a charity event could use formal language if he wished to add a serious impression to the plight of the charity, or he could use informal language if he wanted to arouse interest in the effort and to appeal to the younger audience. In conclusion, it is evident that great differences exist between the formal and informal use of language. The main difference is that formal language is used in the context of business, maths and other situations that require the use of correct grammatical structures and standardised vocabulary, while informal language is used in casual situations and most often takes the spoken form as opposed to the written form which is the case for formal language.
