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Academy11+

11+ English · Topic explained

Formal and informal language

Would you write to your head teacher the way you text your best friend?

The big idea

Formal language is for serious or official writing; informal language is for chatting with people you know.

Picture it

Language has outfits: formal is a smart suit, informal is comfy pyjamas.

Key words

formal
Serious and polite, for letters, reports and speeches to people you don't know well.
informal
Relaxed and chatty, for friends and family: contractions and everyday words.
subjunctive
A formal verb form: If I were you… / I insist that he be on time.

Worked examples

  1. 1Warm-up

    Informal: Hi Sam, can't wait to see you! Formal: Dear Mrs Shah, I look forward to meeting you.

    • Hi and can't are chatty.
    • Dear and "I look forward to" are formal.
  2. 211+ standard

    got → received find out → discover ask for → request

    • Formal writing uses more precise words.
  3. 311+ standard

    If I was you… → If I were you…

    • "If I were" is the subjunctive: the formal choice.
    • It's used for wishes and imagined situations.
  4. 411+ standard

    Don't run in the corridors. → Running is not permitted in the corridors.

    • No contractions (do not, not don't).
    • Formal notices often use the passive and formal words like permitted.

The common mistake

The mistake

Formal just means using long, complicated words.

Instead

Formal means clear and polite: no slang, no contractions, and complete sentences.

Why: A formal letter full of fancy words but unclear is not good formal writing.

Where it comes up in the 11+

Questions ask which sentence is most formal, and writing tasks like letters and reports need a formal tone.

The video

Video coming soon

We're making a short video that explains formal and informal language step by step. Until then, everything it covers is on this page.

Free printable

Formal and informal language worksheet

Practice questions on this topic to print and try on paper, at home or on the way to school.

Download the worksheet (PDF)

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Quick quiz

Have a go first, then tap to see the answer.

  1. 1. Which is the most formal?

    • Can't come, sorry!
    • I'm afraid I won't make it.
    • I regret that I am unable to attend.
    Show the answer

    I regret that I am unable to attend.

    No contractions, formal words (regret, unable, attend).

  2. 2. Which uses the formal subjunctive?

    • If I was taller, I'd play basketball.
    • If I were taller, I would play basketball.
    Show the answer

    If I were taller, I would play basketball.

    If I were is the subjunctive, and there are no contractions.

  3. 3. Which is the most formal way to say "help"?

    • assist
    • give a hand
    • help out
    • sort out
    Show the answer

    assist

    Assist is the formal word; the others are everyday phrases.