Lesson 2.5: Formal and Informal Vocabulary

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the differences between formal academic vocabulary and informal everyday words. Understanding these differences is essential for effective reading and writing in an academic setting. Through this lesson, we aim to achieve the following objectives:

• Understand the distinction between formal academic vocabulary and informal everyday language.
• Learn how to replace informal words and phrasal verbs with more formal equivalents.
• Avoid using contractions, slang, and conversational expressions in academic writing.
• Recognize the appropriate level of formality required for different texts and tasks.
• Build a repertoire of formal alternatives for common informal words.

1. Understanding Formal and Informal Vocabulary

Formal vocabulary is typically used in academic, professional, or official contexts. It includes words that convey a serious and respectful tone. On the other hand, informal vocabulary is often used in casual conversation and includes slang, colloquialisms, and contractions.

1.1 Characteristics of Formal Vocabulary

Formal vocabulary tends to be:

• Precise: Formal words are often specific and less ambiguous.
• Polite: Formal vocabulary adheres to social norms of politeness and respect.
• Complex: It may include advanced or technical terms that require a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Example: Instead of saying “kids,” you would use “children” in formal writing.

1.2 Characteristics of Informal Vocabulary

Informal vocabulary includes:

• Slang: Words or phrases that are used in casual conversation but may not be understood by everyone, such as “cool” or “awesome.”
• Contractions: Phrases like “don’t” instead of “do not.”
• Phrasal verbs: Expressions like “give up” that may be more suitable for spoken language.

Example: Instead of saying “give up,” a more formal way to express this would be “cease to make an effort.”

2. Replacing Informal Words with Formal Equivalents

When writing academically, it is important to replace informal words with their formal counterparts. Here are examples of common informal expressions and their formal equivalents:

2.1 Informal to Formal Transitions

• Informal: “A lot of”

Formal: “Many” or “Numerous”

Example: “A lot of studies suggest...” becomes “Many studies suggest...”

• Informal: “Can’t”

Formal: “Cannot”

Example: “I can’t support this argument” becomes “I cannot support this argument.”

• Informal: “Help”

Formal: “Assist”

Example: “I need help with this project” becomes “I need assistance with this project.”

2.2 Common Phrasal Verbs and Their Formal Equivalents

Phrasal verbs often appear in informal writing. Here are some phrasal verbs and suggestions for formal alternatives:

• Informal: “Look into”

Formal: “Investigate”

Example: “We need to look into the issue” becomes “We need to investigate the issue.”

• Informal: “Get rid of”

Formal: “Eliminate”

Example: “We should get rid of unnecessary items” becomes “We should eliminate unnecessary items.”

3. Avoiding Informal Language in Academic Writing

In academic writing, avoiding informal language is crucial for maintaining a tone that reflects professionalism and seriousness. Here are some strategies to help you avoid informal language:

3.1 Using Full Forms Instead of Contractions

Avoid using contractions in formal writing, as they can create an informal tone.

• Informal: “It’s important to consider”

Formal: “It is important to consider”

3.2 Steering Clear of Slang and Colloquial Expressions

Stay away from slang terms and colloquial expressions that may not be universally understood.

• Informal: “He’s really smart”

Formal: “He demonstrates a high level of intelligence”

4. Recognizing the Appropriate Level of Formality

Understanding the right level of formality for a given text or writing task is essential. Each academic task may have different expectations for formality. Here are some guidelines:

4.1 Academic Journals vs. Informal Essays

• Academic Journals: Written in highly formal language, with technical terms and complex sentence structures.
• Informal Essays: May use a conversational tone and include some informal expressions, though they still require a degree of formality.

4.2 Adjusting for Audience

Consider your audience and the purpose of your writing. Writing for a professor may require more formality than a blog post for your peers.

5. Building a Stock of Formal Alternatives

One of the best ways to become comfortable with formal vocabulary is to actively build a stock of formal alternatives. Here are some techniques to help:

5.1 Create a Vocabulary List

Start a list of informal words you commonly use and find their formal counterparts. Review this list frequently to reinforce your learning.

5.2 Read Extensively

Reading academic texts exposes you to formal language and helps you understand how formal vocabulary is used in context. Pay close attention to the language choices made by established authors.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have learned the importance of distinguishing between formal academic vocabulary and informal everyday language. We explored how to replace informal terms with formal equivalents and discussed strategies to avoid informal expressions in our writing. We concluded by emphasizing the significance of recognizing the appropriate level of formality for academic tasks and methods to build a strong vocabulary.

Study Notes

• Formal vocabulary is used in academic and professional contexts.
• Informal vocabulary includes slang and conversational expressions.
• Replace informal words and phrasal verbs with formal equivalents for academic writing.
• Avoid using contractions and slang to maintain a formal tone.
• Recognize the right level of formality for different writing tasks.
• Build a stock of formal vocabulary to enhance your academic writing.