Formal vs. Informal Writing

Is your writing appropriate for the occasion?

How do you know when your writing needs to be formal or informal? Let's make a comparison to your clothing. Would you wear your pj's to the prom? I know some of you might say yes. But be honest, would your date really appreciate you showing up in pj's for such a formal occasion? No! If they dressed up and spent money on formal attire for the formal occasion they would not want you to go to prom with them in pj's!

Just like clothing, writing either dresses up or down based on the occasion. For each piece of writing, you need to understand the occasion. Are you required to write formally or informally? What is the expectation? 

You might be thinking, what is the difference between informal and formal writing?

Formal Writing:

• Academic in tone.

• Avoid "I" and the use of other personal pronouns.

• Avoid addressing the reader as "you."

• DO NOT USE Contractions (don't, won't, can't, shouldn't). Rather use the full words (do not, will not, should not).

• Avoid Slang.

Informal Writing:

• Conversational in tone.

• Expresses personal opinions and emotions.

• Spoken directly to the audience ("you").

• Ok to use contractions, slang, and personal pronouns ("I").

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