🎩 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…
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
🎩 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 …