Writing Style - DISSC Teesside University

Formal or Informal?

It's obvious that we all write differently in different situations. Writing an assignment is different from writing a note to the milkman, or a love letter, or a postcard to a friend. In all these kinds of writing, we use the style which sounds right for the situation. Lots of the differences between the different styles are to do with formality and informality. We can say that a postcard to a friend is at the 'informal' end of the spectrum, and that things like legal documents are right at the 'formal' end. Here are two small bits of writing to illustrate the differences between formal and informal styles.

Example One

Immigration and visa requirements The possession of a passport does not exempt the holder from compliance with any immigration regulations in force in any territory or from the necessity of obtaining a visa or permit where required. It should be noted in this connection that the majority of British territories overseas have immigration restrictions applicable to British nationals as well as aliens.

(from a current UK passport)

Example Two

Well, we've got here - at last! The queues at the airport were awful! But the weather's great, and we're really enjoying the beach. I forgot to ask you to feed Tigger before we set off - could you do it for me? Ta. See you soon. Love, Susie. xxx

(from a holiday postcard)

It's pretty obvious that the first one is formal, and the second one is informal. But why? What actually makes a style formal or informal?

	Formal or Informal (Exercise)