When preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), understanding formal and informal language is crucial. Your ability to adapt your tone based on the context significantly impacts your Writing and Speaking scores. The IELTS exam evaluates not only your grammar and vocabulary but also how well you adjust your language to academic, professional, or casual settings.
This article explores formal vs. informal language, provides practical examples, and explains when to use each in the IELTS exam.
What is Formal and Informal Language?
Most languages have different versions based on politeness, professionalism, and familiarity. English is no exception.
- Formal language is used in academic writing, business communication, and serious discussions. It follows strict grammar rules, avoids contractions, and does not use slang.
- Informal language is more casual and conversational, making it common in everyday speech, personal messages, and social settings.
While English-speaking cultures are generally open-minded, using the wrong form in professional or academic settings can affect clarity and credibility.
Why is Formal Language Important for IELTS?
The IELTS Writing and Speaking sections assess how well you use formal language in appropriate situations. Misusing informal words in formal writing reduces your score because it suggests a lack of academic proficiency.
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IELTS Writing: Where to Use Formal Language
Academic Writing Task 1 & 2 (Formal)
- Task 1 (Report Writing): Used for describing graphs, tables, processes, and trends.
- Task 2 (Essay Writing): Requires structured arguments with formal vocabulary.
The bar chart illustrates the percentage of renewable energy consumption in five different countries between 2010 and 2020. Over the given period, there was a steady increase in the use of renewable energy sources across all nations, with Country A experiencing the most significant growth from 15% in 2010 to 45% in 2020. Conversely, Country D exhibited only a marginal rise, increasing by a mere 5% over the decade. Overall, the data suggests a consistent upward trend in renewable energy adoption.
General Training Writing Task 1 (Formal, Semi-Formal, or Informal)
- Writing a formal letter (e.g., a complaint to a company).
John Smith
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
john.smith@email.com
(123) 456-7890
February 27, 2025Customer Service Manager
TechGear Inc.
456 Market Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94105Subject: Complaint Regarding Defective Laptop – Request for Replacement
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to formally report an issue with the TechGear X200 Laptop (Order #TG123456), which I purchased from your website on February 15, 2025. Upon receiving it on February 20, 2025, I noticed that the device fails to power on despite multiple attempts and troubleshooting.
As the product is under warranty, I request an immediate replacement or a full refund. Attached are my purchase receipt and images of the defective item for reference.
Please advise on the return process at your earliest convenience. You can contact me at (123) 456-7890 or john.smith@email.com.
I appreciate your prompt assistance.
Sincerely,
John Smith
General Training Writing Task 2 (Formal)
- Similar to Academic Writing Task 2, requiring a structured essay.
IELTS Speaking: Flexibility in Language Use
- Part 1 (Introduction & Interview): Semi-formal or informal, depending on the topic.
- Part 2 (Long Turn): More neutral and structured but still conversational.
- Part 3 (Discussion): Should be more formal and academic, as it involves complex topics.
Examples of Formal and Informal Words
Using the right vocabulary is key to maintaining a professional tone. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Formal Word | Informal Alternative |
|---|---|
| Subsequently | After |
| Furthermore | Also |
| Consequently | So |
| Nevertheless | However |
| Moreover | Besides |
| Additionally | Plus |
| Therefore | So |
| In conclusion | To sum up |
Example in IELTS Writing:
Informal: The government should also do more to help poor people.
Formal: The government should furthermore implement policies to assist low-income individuals.
How to Use Formal Language in IELTS Writing
1. Use Accurate Vocabulary
Formal writing requires precise words rather than general or vague expressions.
Too informal: A lot of people think that taxes are too high.
Formal: Many individuals believe that taxation rates are excessive.
Informal Approach:
"A lot of people think that taxes are too high."
This sentence uses the vague phrase "a lot of people" and the informal word "think." It does not specify who the people are or what exactly they believe, making it too general and casual.
Formal Approach:
"Many individuals believe that taxation rates are excessive."
In the formal version, the language is more specific and precise. "Many individuals" refers more clearly to a certain group of people, and "believe" is more neutral and professional than "think." The term "taxation rates" is a more formal way to refer to taxes, while "excessive" is a more precise, stronger word than "too high."
2. Avoid Contractions
Contractions make writing sound too casual.
Informal: The government can’t ignore this problem.
Formal: The government cannot ignore this problem.
| Contraction | Formal Form | Contraction | Formal Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| can't | cannot | won't | will not |
| don't | do not | isn't | is not |
| aren't | are not | wasn't | was not |
| weren't | were not | hasn't | has not |
| haven't | have not | hadn't | had not |
| doesn't | does not | didn't | did not |
| shouldn't | should not | wouldn't | would not |
| couldn't | could not | mustn't | must not |
| needn't | need not | shan't | shall not |
| it's | it is / it has | he's | he is / he has |
| she's | she is / she has | they're | they are |
| we're | we are | you're | you are |
| I've | I have | you've | you have |
| we've | we have | they've | they have |
| I'd | I had / I would | you'd | you had / you would |
| he'd | he had / he would | she'd | she had / she would |
| we'd | we had / we would | they'd | they had / they would |
| that'll | that will | who'll | who will |
| what'll | what will | where'd | where did |
| how's | how is / how has | there’s | there is / there has |
| here’s | here is / here has | let's | let us |
3. Avoid Slang and Casual Phrases
Slang and idioms should be avoided in academic writing.
| Slang/Casual Phrase | Formal Equivalent | Example (Informal) | Example (Formal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonna | Going to | "I’m gonna visit the company tomorrow." | "I am going to visit the company tomorrow." |
| Wanna | Want to | "I wanna discuss this issue." | "I want to discuss this issue." |
| Got | Have | "I’ve got a proposal." | "I have a proposal." |
| Thing | Matter / Issue | "The thing we need to focus on." | "The matter we need to focus on." |
| Kinda | Kind of | "It’s kinda difficult to resolve." | "It is somewhat difficult to resolve." |
| Gimme | Give me | "Gimme your feedback." | "Please provide your feedback." |
| Anyways | Anyway | "Anyways, we should move on." | "Anyway, we should move on." |
| Yup | Yes | "Yup, that’s correct." | "Yes, that is correct." |
| No problem | It’s not an issue | "No problem, I’ll help you with that." | "It’s not an issue, I will assist you with that." |
| Gotta | Got to / Have to | "I gotta finish this report." | "I have to finish this report." |
| Cool | Acceptable / Reasonable | "That sounds cool." | "That sounds acceptable." |
4. Use Complete Sentences with Proper Structure
IELTS writing should include complex and compound sentences with linking words.
Too direct: The climate is changing fast. People should act now.
Formal: Due to rapid climate change, it is imperative that individuals take immediate action.
When to Use Informal Language in IELTS?
While formal language dominates the Writing section, informal language is occasionally necessary, especially in the General Training Writing Task 1 (informal letter).
Example of an Informal Letter (IELTS GT Task 1)
Question: Write a letter to a friend inviting them to visit your country.
Informal Response:
Hey John,
Hope you're doing well! I just wanted to say that you totally have to visit my country! The food is amazing, and there are so many cool places to explore. We can hang out and have a blast! Let me know when you're free.
Take care,
Mike