The document discusses the differences between formal and informal language and when each type of language should be used. Formal language is more proper and uses longer words to make a good impression on people in positions of authority, while informal language is more relaxed and can include slang when talking to friends and family. The document provides examples of situations that call for formal or informal language and tips on how each type of language looks and sounds.

1. Formal vs. Informal
Language
When to use which?

2. Formal Language
 Is used when you want to make a good
impression on people in respected positions.
You speak in a more traditional way and use
longer forms of words when you want to be
formal

3. Formal Language with
 Teachers
 Principals
 Counselors
 Neighbors
 Firemen, Policemen
 Who else?

4. Informal Language
 Is used when you talk to peers or adults whom
you feel close to. You might speak in a more
relaxed way, by using slang and shorter forms of
words, when you want to be informal. You
should continue to be respectful when being
informal.

5. Informal Language with
 Your best friend
 Your sister
 Your babysitter
 Your cousin
 Who else?

6. Change to Formal
 Hi
 Sure!
 Will ya?
 Ya gotta do it!
 What do you want?

7. Change to Informal
 I would be delighted!
 I certainly appreciate this.
 It has been a pleasure meeting you.
 Could you possibly give me a hand with this
project?

8. Formal or Informal?
 You call your dad at work and his boss answers
the phone.
 You are asking someone out on a date
 You are talking to your parents at the dinner
table
 You are trying to convince the assistant principal
to change the date of the detention you were
given.

9. Formal Language
 Looks like
 Standing or sitting straighter than usual
 Sounds like
 “Hello, Mrs. Cadle”
 “Please, may I…”
 “Nice to meet you.”

10. Informal
 Looks like
 Standing or sitting in a relaxed position
 Sounds like
 Using slang
 “Hi”
 “What are ya doin’?”
 “What’s new?”

11. Formal vs. Informal
When to use which?
Wisdom is knowing
what to do next; virtue
is doing it.
David Starr Jordan