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Lesson ID: 14006
In the days of quick, informal texts and short, friendly emails, it's important to know when and how to use a formal writing style. Your friends wouldn't mind you using slang, but your teacher might!
You probably use slang with your friends that your parents don’t understand.
Slang comes and goes—but every once in a while, a word sticks.
One word from the 1800s didn’t just stick… it took over the world.
You use it all the time.
It can mean yes, no, maybe, or even “I guess.”
While it's okay to use "okay" when messaging friends and family, it's not okay in formal writing!
Communication changes depending on who you are talking to.
Think about how a text to a friend sounds compared to an email to a teacher. They probably look very different—and that’s on purpose.
There are two main styles of writing: formal and informal.
Informal writing is relaxed and casual. It sounds like the way you speak with people you know well. You might use:
This style is great for conversations with friends, quick notes, or personal writing.
Formal writing is more structured and serious. It is used when the situation matters or when the reader expects a professional tone. In formal writing:
Using the right style matters. The way a message is written can change how others understand it—and how they view the writer.
A casual message might be fine for a friend, but it could seem careless or disrespectful in a school or professional setting.
Choosing between formal and informal writing helps make sure the message fits the situation.
Here is a summary of what makes a piece of writing formal.
So, when should you use a formal style?
A formal style is used for the following.
An informal style is used for the following.
See if you can match the style of writing with the occasion.
Move to the Got It? section to practice some more!
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