1.

How do you distinguish between informal and formal

English language and why do you think it is important
to learn both languages?
2. Compare these two sentences.
A) Sorry, but we can’t meet this deadline.
B) We regret to inform you that we will not be
able to meet this deadline.
What do you think is the difference between
sentence A and sentence B? Explain your answer based
on this week’s learning material
3. How would you explain the difference between
slang and colloquialism? Please provide 2 (two) examples
of each.
For question 1, 2, and 3, you can answer either in English
or Indonesian.
Have a great discussion!

Formal and informal language differ in their usage, tone, vocabulary, and
structure. Here are some key distinctions between the two:

1. Usage and Context:

 Formal language: Typically used in professional, academic, or
official settings where the tone is serious, respectful, and
impersonal.
  Informal language: Used in casual conversations, among friends,
family, or in relaxed environments where the tone is more familiar
and personal.
2. Tone:
 Formal language: The tone is polite, objective, and often distant.
It avoids slang, colloquialisms, and emotional expressions.
 Informal language: The tone is relaxed, friendly, and often
includes slang, idioms, and colloquial expressions. It may also
include emotional expressions and humor.
3. Vocabulary:
 Formal language: Uses precise, technical, and sophisticated
vocabulary appropriate to the context. It avoids contractions and
abbreviations.
 Informal language: Includes everyday language, slang,
contractions, and colloquial expressions. It's less concerned with
precision and more focused on communicating informally.
4. Grammar and Structure:
 Formal language: Follows standard grammar rules and employs
complex sentence structures. It avoids sentence fragments and
incomplete sentences.
 Informal language: May include sentence fragments, incomplete
sentences, and relaxed grammar rules to mimic natural spoken
language.
5. Examples:
 Formal: "I regret to inform you that your application has been
declined due to insufficient qualifications."
 Informal: "Sorry, but we can't accept your application because
you don't have enough qualifications."

Overall, the choice between formal and informal language depends on the
context, audience, and purpose of communication. Formal language is
appropriate for professional or academic settings, whereas informal language
is used in casual conversations and interactions.
1. Formal language is a style of communication characterized by its seriousness,
professionalism, and needs pay attention to grammatical rules, and use precise vocabulary.

It is used in formal situations where respect, clarity, and professionalism are important, such as
academic writing, job interview, business correspondences, official documents, legal
proceedings, professional presentations, and ceremonial speeches.

Informal language is a style of communication that is casual, relaxed, and characterized by its
use of colloquialisms, slangs, abbreviations, cliché, acronyms and initials.

It is used in everyday interactions among friends, family, peers, and acquaintances in informal
conditions, such as daily conversations to family, sending email to friends or family, text
messages and social media post, writing an informal content on a personal blog, and self
birthday party invitation.

It is important to learn both languages because we have to choose our language style to the
appropriate context and audience to ensure effective communication.

Formal Language is important to show our expertise on the subject and to show
professionalism.

Informal Language is important to minimize awkward silence among the audience and makes
the audience feel relaxed by showing sense of closeness and genuineness.

Mixing formal and informal language inappropriately can lead to misunderstandings or convey
unprofessionalism.
A) Sorry, but we can’t meet this deadline.
B) We regret to inform you that we will not be able to meet this deadline.
2. Sentence A is using Informal Language. It has “Sorry” as a casual word and has “can’t” as a
abbreviation (from can not), which both of them is informal language characteristic.

Sentence B is using Formal Language because it use precise vocabulary and pay attention at
grammatical rules. It is avoid all of informal language characteristics (abbreviations, slangs,
acronyms, cliché, etc.)

3. Slang are a popular informal words, phrases, or expressions that are often specific to
particular groups or communities.
Examples :
"That prom party last night was lit!" Used to describe something exciting, excellent, or
amazing
"Let's stay in tonight and watch movies, just chilling on the couch." Used to describe having
a good time with friends or families.
 Colloquialism are informal words, phrases, or expressions that are commonly used in
everyday conversation within a particular groups or community.
Examples :
"I feel sick. I ain't going to the school tomorrow." A colloquial contraction of "am not,"
"Do you wanna come to my house tonight?" Short for "want to,"

From : Ashadi dkk. (2023). Bahasa Inggris. Tangerang Selatan: Universitas Terbuka

https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/