A common issue writers face is knowing whether or not to use formal or informal
A common issue writers face is knowing whether or not to use formal or informal writing within their assignment. With the opportunity to use either, and informal writing assignments becoming more popular within the classroom setting, professors are more inclined to try out new approaches and techniques to teach with, which in turn, may be why some writers struggle with knowing what type of tone and writing to use. Thankfully, there are a few tricks helpful for making the distinction between informal and formal writing.
Formal writing is distinct from informal. Unlike informal writing, formal is usually much more serious, often used in academic papers where you are retelling what you have learned. Informal, however, is much more relaxed than formal. Informal is often personal, like the language you use in a conversation. Despite these differences, however, it can still be difficult to know when to use either type of writing, and what phrases and words are considered formal and which ones informal.
When to Use Formal Writing
As a basic rule, unless told otherwise, you should always use a more formal tone when writing any academic paper that displays any knowledge you have learned within a course. Research papers, lab reports and analytical essays often require a formal tone. When discussing a literal meaning of something, such as a definition or an explanation of an event or any knowledge you may have, a formal tone should be used. Formal writing is also appropriate in any professional setting, such as when applying for jobs, or graduate school. Furthermore, when sending a professional email, such as to your professor or a boss, you should use a formal tone.
When to Use Informal Writing
Informal writing is used more often in assignments that involve your opinion. When talking, texting, and emailing to friends or acquaintances, it’s clearly acceptable to use an informal tone. However, informal writing can also be used in a classroom and professional setting in certain situations. If you are writing about a personal experience, or explicitly sharing your opinion through the use of “I” “Me” or “My”, informal writing is usually more accepted. Journals, summaries, and any notes you take are usually considered informal. Even personal statements, to an extent, on graduate school applications use a form of informal writing because you are writing about a personal moment specific to you, using phrases such as “I” “Me” and “My.” However, to be safe, you should always check with your professor or whoever assigned you an assignment before taking on an informal voice in your work; while informal writing is often accepted in personal pieces, some professionals may prefer you to keep in formal.
While certain instances typically call for a specific type of writing, such as writing to a superior in a workplace in a formal tone, or sending an informal text to a friend, the more appropriate type of writing to use isn’t always as clear. No longer are specific assignme