Formal vs Informal Words

🎩 Formal vs Informal Language in English – A Complete Guide

Understanding the difference between formal and informal language is fundamental to effective communication in English. In linguistics, this distinction is called register — the level of formality used depending on context, audience, and purpose. Choosing the right register demonstrates linguistic competence and is a key assessment criterion in English exams at VGS level.

🔬 The Linguistic Background: Why Does English Have Two Registers?

English is unique because it draws vocabulary from two main sources:

• Germanic roots (Old English / Anglo-Saxon): These are the everyday, informal words. They tend to be shorter and more concrete — help, buy, start, end, die, eat.
• Latin/French roots (via the Norman Conquest, 1066): These are the formal, academic words. They tend to be longer and more abstract — assist, purchase, commence, terminate, decease, consume.

After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, French-speaking Normans ruled over English-speaking commoners. Over time, English absorbed thousands of French and Latin words, which became associated with education, law, government, and the upper classes — hence their formal register.

📋 When to Use Each Register

🎓 Formal Language

• Academic essays and dissertations
• Job applications and cover letters
• Official correspondence and reports
• Exam writing (especially argumentative texts)
• Business communication
• Legal, medical, and scientific documents
• News articles and editorials

💬 Informal Language …