In today’s globalized world, mastering English isn’t just about knowing grammar and sentence structure. It’s also crucial to understand the differences between formal and informal vocabulary. For university students, learning how to switch between these two styles can be a valuable skill in both academic and social settings.

What is Formal Vocabulary?

Formal vocabulary is typically used in professional, academic, or official situations. When writing essays, giving presentations, or communicating with professors, you need to use a more structured and respectful tone. This type of language avoids slang, contractions, and colloquialisms.

Examples of formal vocabulary:

• Inform instead of tell
• Request instead of ask
• Utilize instead of use
• Purchase instead of buy

Formal language also often employs more complex sentence structures and sophisticated words, lending the speaker or writer a sense of credibility and authority. For instance, instead of saying, “Can you give me the details?” a more formal approach would be, “Could you please provide me with the necessary information?”

What is Informal Vocabulary?

In contrast, informal vocabulary is used in everyday conversation with friends, family, or close acquaintances. It’s relaxed and casual, often containing slang, abbreviations, and contractions. While informal language can make communication feel more personal and approachable, it is important to recognize that it may be inappropriate in professional or academic settings.

Examples of informal vocabulary:

• Kid instead of child
• Wanna instead of want to
• Gonna instead of going to
• Cool instead of excellent

Slang and contractions like “gonna” or “wanna” are typical in informal conversations but should be avoided in academic papers or presentations. If you are unsure, ask yourself: “Would I speak this way to a professor?”

Why Does It Matter?

Being able to differentiate between formal and informal language can impact how others perceive you. Using formal vocabulary in the wrong context can make you seem distant, while using informal language in a formal setting may come across as unprofessional.

When to Use Each?

• Use formal vocabulary when writing research papers, addressing professionals, or in business meetings.
• Use informal vocabulary in casual conversations, text messages, or social media posts.

Mastering both styles of language allows you to communicate effectively in any setting, whether you are networking at a conference or hanging out with friends. By understanding when and where to use formal versus informal vocabulary, you will develop better communication skills that will serve you throughout your academic and professional journey.

Sources:

• Cameron, D. (2007). The Myth of Mars and Venus: Do Men and Women Really Speak Different Languages? Oxford University Press.
• Leech, G. (2004). Meaning and the English Verb. Routledge.