Writing Home8: Formal and Informal Writing
We use formal language for:
• Writing to someone we don’t know
• Writing for a large audience such as in a newspaper article
• Writing non-fiction such as instructions, explanations or reports
• Writing important letters or making a complaint
Writing Home8: Formal and Informal Writing
We use informal language for:
• Writing to someone we know well
• Writing to friends and close family
• Writing emails and text messages to people we know
Writing Home8: Formal and Informal Writing
Formal letter
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to inform you that I had a most enjoyable experience at your delightful restaurant last week.
My sister and I experienced impeccable service from your staff, who delivered heavenly food throughout the evening. Indeed, the chocolate fudge cake was divine…
Writing Home8: Formal and Informal Writing
Informal letter
Hi Daniel,
Just a quick letter to say how great it was to meet you on holiday. Did you get home safely? Our journey back was a NIGHTMARE!
It was great to meet your family too. Mum says you can come and stay with us at half term. I can’t wait to show you my pets – maybe you could meet some of my school friends, if we have time.
Writing Home8: Formal and Informal Writing
Think of some informal alternatives for the words below:
• Examine
• Explode
• Postpone
• Tolerate
• Permit
• Arrive
• Discover
• Increase
• Illustrate
• Establish
• Apologise
• Authorise
Writing Home8: Formal and Informal Writing
Formal / informal alternatives:
• Examine Look at
• Explode Blow up
• Postpone Put off
• Tolerate Put up with
• Permit Let
• Arrive Show up
• Discover Find out
• Increase Go up
• Illustrate Draw or show
• Establish Set up
• Apologise Say sorry
• Authorise Give the go ahead