What does formal and informal mean? Avoid slang and colloquialisms

English, as an international language, is applicable in almost any situation, area and industry. Whatever your goals, when visiting a foreign country or communicating with representatives of another culture, you will one way or another have to conduct a conversation in English in an informal setting.

In this article you will find a long list of terms and phrases from American slang and the Internet. You will learn how cool it is to say hello or goodbye in an informal way, and you will also learn a lot of cool abbreviations and phrases from the everyday life of American youth and beyond. The language of streets and neighborhoods awaits you!

Informal greetings and farewells

How to start a conversation in English? As in any other language, dialogue begins with greetings. It would be somewhat funny and even ridiculous if a dialogue in English between friends began with a phrase like “Good afternoon” or “Good day”, it sounds quite formal, so it makes sense to remember a few phrases for starting a conversation in English, applicable specifically in informal setting.

By the way! We recommend reading our article on spoken English, which will help you understand how to learn to speak English.

When meeting, they usually say:

How is it going?- How are things going?
How's life?- What's up?
How are things?- How is it?
What are you up to?- What are you doing?
Greets!- Hello!
Hello! / Yo! / A-yo!- Hey!
What's up? / "Sup! /Wassup! / Wussup!- How are you?
How does it go? / Howzit?- How is it?
How's it hanging?- How are you?
How's everything? / How are things?- How is everything in general?
What's happening? / What's happening?- What's going on?
What's crackin'? / What's crack-a-lackin'?- How is life?
What's poppin' /clicking /cooking /the rumpus /shaking/shakingthe dilly /the dizzle?-How are you?
What's in the bag?=What's up?

Almost like in that movie “Seven” with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman: “Awwww! What's in the booooooox?!!!"

As a farewell, you can arm yourself with the following popular and stylish phrases:

See you soon.-See you later.
See you later.- See you later.
Till next time.- Until next time.
Good luck.- Good luck.
Take care. / Take it easy.- Take care of yourself.
Talk to you later. / Talk to you soon!- We'll talk to you later/soon.
Until we meet again.- See you.
Have a nice day. - Have a good day.
Have a good weekend.- Good weekend.
Gotta go!- Time to go!
Catch ya later! / See ya later! / Later! / Later on!- See you!
Have a good one! / Have a nice one! / Have a nice day!- Have a good day!
I"m taking off! / I’m off!- I'm leaving!
I"m splitting.- I'm cleaning.
I"m outta here! / I"m out!- That's it - I'm not here.
Peace out!- Come on. See you.
I"ll holler (holler=scream) at ya later!- See you later!
Catch you on the flipside.- See you!
Till next time/tomorrow!- Until next time!
I need to shoot the gap!- It's time to run away.
I"m hitting the bricks!- I'm going outside!
I'm heading out!- I'm out!
I need to jet! / Gotta jet!- We must run away!
I'm gonna hit the road!- I'm curling up!
I gotta run!- It's time to run!
I"m bouncing outta here!- I'm getting out of here (bounce - jump)!
I'm gonna make like a tree and leaf!- I'm leaving!
Stay in touch!- Stay in touch!
Sleep on it!- Sleep with this thought! / Think about it! / The morning is wiser than the evening.

Introductory words and answers in informal communication

In order for your speech to be logically coherent and colorful, you will need some introductory words that are used quite often, usually at the beginning of a sentence. Introductory words and expressions help show how you feel about what you are saying. For example, if you don't want to drag out the conversation, you can say:

In short... / In brief...- in short.
Long story short... / Bottom line is...- Briefly speaking.
In a word... / Simply put... / In short...- in a nutshell.
To cut a long story short... / To cut it short...- in short.

Usually, when they want to present some information or list some facts, they say:

As for... / As to...- Concerning...
Not to mention...- Not to mention...
First of all... / Above all...- First of all...
What's more...- Besides, ...
By the way...- By the way, ...
After all...- In the end, after all...
And so on and so forth...- And so on...
If I'm not mistaken...- If I'm not mistaken...
In other words...- In other words...
On the contrary...- Quite the opposite... / In fact...
The thing is...- The fact is that...
On one hand...- On the one side...
On the other hand...- On the other side...

Use these expressions, and your speech will not only be more coherent, but also much richer, richer and more expressive. But how can you answer questions like “How are you?” or others, more general:

Not much.- Quietly. Nothing special.
Can't complain!- Not complaining!
Chillin". - I’m letting go; I'm hanging out.
Staying out of trouble. - I stay away from sin (problems).
Sure! Sounds great!- Certainly! Sounds great!

I hear ya!= I empathize with your point of view. - I heard you (but there may not be agreement).
I got (get) it. - I understand.
No kidding!= I know that. - Come on! Can't be! Are you kidding (can I use sarcasm)?!
It slipped my mind. - It slipped my mind.
I owe you one. - I owe you a favor.
It's up to you. - It's up to you to decide; Everything depends on you.
I feel you.= I understand / empathize with you. - I understand you; I feel for you.
It is what it is.= It’s a fact that cannot be changed. - It is what it is.
Wanna come over for dinner tonight? -Want to come over for dinner today?

The ABCs of politeness in informal communication

If you consider yourself a polite person, then you will definitely need “magic” words, which are especially often used in English speech (not very often in American speech). The English themselves are very polite people and, no matter what they think of you, they will always remain correct and behave well with you and, of course, expect the same from you. Don't disappoint their expectations and stock up on appropriate phrases in English.

If you want to thank someone, you can use phrases like:

It's very kind of you.- It is very kind of you.
Thanks anyway.-Thanks anyway.
Thank you in advance.- Thanks in advance.
Thanks a bunch / a ton / a lot / a million / many thanks.- Thank you very much.
Much obliged.- Much obliged.
You're too kind.- You are too kind.
You shouldn't have.- Not worth it.
Please accept my best thanks.- Please accept my gratitude.
I"m most grateful.- I'm very grateful.

If someone expresses gratitude to you, you can respond by saying:

Don't mention it.- Do not mention it.
No problem/worries. That's ok.- Everything is fine.
Don't worry about it.- Don't worry about it.
It's a pleasure.-Do not mention it. / Glad to!
No worries/problem.- No problem.
You're welcome.- Please.
Sure thing.- Certainly. / Of course.

Phrases for informal communication

If you want to express your emotions in a conversation, there are also many ways to do this that are acceptable in an informal setting. The most popular phrases, as a rule, can be considered the following:

Don't take it to heart.- Don't take it to heart.
Let's hope for the best.- Let us hope for the best.
It doesn't matter.- It does not matter.
Just let it go.- Just forget it.
Lucky you!- Lucky!
Things happen. / It happens.- Anything can happen.
Good for you.- So much the better for you.
I'm so happy for you. - I am so happy for you (But this is said absolutely sincerely).
You must be very proud of yourself.-You must be proud of yourself.
Whatever. - I do not care.

Americans often use " like” in sentences between words to fill pauses while they think about what to say next. Or simply when comparing or approximate data. For example: “We have like 5 minutes until the exam.”

You can say that again!= I agree with you completely. - Totally agree with you!
You"re telling me!= I know exactly what you mean. - Do not speak. / You are still speaking (expression of complete understanding).
My bad= my fault or my mistake. - My fault! / It's my fault! / I made a mistake!
That hit the spot.- It was very tasty (about food, drinks); this is what you need;
That's what she said!- If you know what I mean! / That’s what she said (a phrase to give a basically innocent statement a sexual connotation)!
It's not rocket science.= It "s easy to understand. - This is not rocket science (this is easy to understand).
Don't cry over spilled milk. = Don"t be upset over something you can"t fix. - There is no need to grieve over the irreparable. / After a fight they don’t wave their fists.
To jump on the bandwagon= to join a popular activity or supporting a popular cause. - join the popular process.
If something " has fallen through the cracks", then it went unnoticed.
If they say " it's all downhill from here“, which means the hardest part is already behind us (now it’s like rolling down a mountain).
If somebody " throws you under the bus", then you are betrayed.

Abbreviations in informal communication

Everything is simple here. Why drag your feet when it’s more convenient to say everything briefly and look talented?

going to = gonna. I"m gonna break you! - I will destroy you!
let me = lemme. Lemme put it this way... - Let's put it this way...
kind of = kinda. I feel kinda tired. - I'm kind of tired.
don't know = dunno. I dunno where this is going. - I don't know what you're getting at.
don't you = dontcha. Why d ontcha join us? - Why don't you join us?
didn't you = didntcha. Didntcha like that girl? -Didn't you like that girl?
won't you = wontcha. Wontcha gimme the chance? - Won't you give me a chance?
what are you = whatcha or watcha. Whatcha doing? - What are you giving?
got you = gotcha. I gotcha! - I'm with you!
bet you = betcha. Betcha don"t know the answer! - Bet you don’t know the answer?
got to = gotta. You gotta see it to believe it.- You have to see it to believe it.
need to = needa. I needa go shopping soon. - I'll have to go shopping soon.
want to = wanna. I wanna blue hat - I want a blue hat.
have to = hafta. I hafta save some money. - I have to save some money.
has to = hasta. Tim hasta work today. - Tim has to work today.
ought to = oughta. She oughta work two jobs. - She must be working two jobs.
supposed to = supposeta. I"m supposeta start the job Monday. - I'm supposed to start working on Monday.
used to = useta. She useta work there too. - She worked here too.
tell them = tell"em. Tell"em I"ll be there soon. - Tell them that I will be there soon.
am not / are not / is not = ain"t. I ain"t gonna be there. - I won't be there.
come on = c"mon. C"mon! We don"t want to be late. - Come on! We don’t want to be late.
some more = s"more. Can I have s"more water? -Can I have some more water?

Dictionary of slang expressions for informal communication

all-ears- be in attention, completely and completely. I"m all ears.
a crapella- singing (usually terrible) while listening to music on headphones;
askhole- a person who constantly asks stupid, ridiculous, inappropriate or intolerable questions;
awesome sauce- something more than just awesome (awesome + sauce on top);
bail- dump, merge, suddenly (sharply) leave;
badassery- cool, cool, awesome. Incredibly cool actions or behavior; being a badass is cool. And the butt has nothing to do with it;
baby bump- belly, paunch, protruding, rounded belly (like pregnant women);
beer me- please pass (buy) me a beer (foam); can be used figuratively, as a request to transfer something or return it;
be about it- can be a verb (to be about it) or a command (be about it); means that a person is not afraid and is ready to start something;
behind the eight ball- in a losing position; without money; out on a limb;
bent out of shape- offended; angry; angry; inflated;
binging- obsessive desire to consume food, drink or drugs in large quantities; eating disorder, bulimia;
bitchy resting face- a lean face, a constantly dissatisfied face, bitchy face syndrome, in which a person (usually a girl) looks rather hostile (hostile) and judgmental (judgmental);
blamestorming- Debriefing; group search for the guilty person; a public search for the culprit instead of searching for a solution to the problem (usually at business meetings);
blow or bomb- to do something very unsuccessfully; to fail at something or be unsuccessful at something; obvious failure (especially creative failure);
boomerang child- “boomerang child” - an adult child who returns to live with his parents due to his inability to live independently;
bruh- "are you serious?"; expression of surprise; another way to say “really? or “seriously?;
buy the farm- play the box; give oak; die (when pilots crashed in the middle of the 20th century, their planes often fell on someone’s farm - and the state had to pay compensation to the owners of the farm. He bought the farm last Monday;
bropocalypse- a large gathering of adult men with the sole purpose of getting drunk. In other words, organize a “fraternity party” - a drinking party, drinking party, “boozy” or a party in a student dormitory (fraternity party);
boomer/boomed- bad luck, failure, unpleasant situation; a worthless young man; a very bad situation or situation; “fur coat” (a painful state of a drug addict under the influence of hallucinogens, which, as a rule, cannot be foreseen; poses a danger to himself and to others. Bummed = depressed;
by the skin of your teeth- almost got into trouble; almost got it; escape danger miraculously. Seems you"ve passed the exam by the skin of your teeth?;
сheesy- cheap, tasteless, dubious, boring, funny, low-grade, unfashionable (tacky) “A cheesy pick-up line” - a cheap pick-up line like “There are 8 planets in the universe, but only 7 after I destroy Uranus.” “A cheesy song” - a stupid song;
catch on- enter; move in; You catch on pretty quick!
cold turkey- in one fell swoop, tie it off sharply and completely, right off the bat; sudden decision; I"m fed up with smoking! So, I quit cold turkey;
crackberry- a mobile phone (BlackBerry company), which causes addiction in its owner;
сram- “cramming” before the exam; “crammed”, “bookworm”;
dead- empty, quiet (for example, a bar, club or restaurant). “It"s really dead in here tonight (It"s empty in here tonight/there are very few people here tonight)";
creep- an unpleasant or strange person, a disgusting person, a vile type;
сrunk- cheerful, excited; replacement of swear words (in the show Conan "a O"brien"a); a combination of the words “crazy” and “drunk”; substyle of hip-hop music; have a good time; something disgusting;
drive up the wall- irritate, enrage. “He is driving me up the wall.”;
go dutch- everyone pays for themselves; when the amount from the check is divided equally among everyone - “split the bill”;
earmuffs- headphones, but the word is also used as a command to cover someone’s ears before something is said, be it a secret or profanity, for example;
ego-surfing(vanity search, ego searching) - egosurfing; searching for any information about yourself on the Internet using a search engine;
extra- excessive (excessive) attention-seeking behavior, overdoing it with emotions; His behavior was extra at that party yesterday;
fauxpology- insincere apology;
finesse- sophistication in manners, elegance, the ability to speak beautifully, to persuade or manipulate people for one’s benefit;
frankenfood- GMO products;
freak flag- a particular characteristic, manner or way of dressing, looking and thinking. Self-expression in an open and often eccentric manner. Let your freak flag fly! - Let your eccentricity out!;
froyo- frozen yogurt;
gaydar- gay radar - the ability to quickly distinguish a gay from a person of heterosexual orientation, or the ability of homosexuals to identify “their own” among other people;
hangry= hungry + angry;
hang tight- wait a minute!; Calm!; Hang tight, I"ll be with ya in a minute!;
helicopter parent- “helicopter parent” - a parent who is excessively “shaking” over the well-being of his child, “hovering” over him in the form of round-the-clock surveillance using communication means (mobile phone, email, etc.);
for the birds- to make the chickens laugh; "This is not for me"; “It doesn’t suit me”; anything trivial, unnecessary, empty or worthless;
for real- “iron”; "actually"; for real; seriously; Indeed; really. You can also say it with a questioning intonation - “exactly?” or “really?” or “come on?!”;
get under one's skin- to bother someone, to “bother” someone;
give the cold shoulder- ignore; do not mention it; pointedly ignore; cold greeting; show no interest;
give props to someone- pay tribute to; express your respect to someone through words; express respect (short for “proper respect”); Props to my homies!;
gross- something disgusting, vile; disgusting; ugh!;
hit the books- study;
hit the road- hit the road; go on a campaign; set sail; move; dump; get away from somewhere; go out;
hold your horses= wait a minute - wait a minute; wait a minute!;
hyped= excited - in anticipation, excited. We"re all so hyped about the concert next weekend!;
jacked- very strong, muscular, pumped up. He's jacked;
jack up- price increase; raise the price;
jailbait- seductive girl; pure temptation; a teenage girl whose relationship is punishable by law; youngster;
jonesing- a strong need for something, wanting something unbearable; withdrawal I’m jonesing for a coffee;
kicks-shoes (sneakers, sneakers, boots);
knosh- There is; food consumed;
lemon- an unsuccessful purchase, something low-quality, worthless;
light up- relax, don't take it seriously. You gotta learn to lighten up a bit!;
lit= awesome, excellent - awesome; in a more obsolete meaning - drunk;
make it rain- pathetically throwing paper money into the air (holding a wad of bills in one hand and swiping the banknote with the other hand), boasting of your capital;
man cave- “den” - a room or any other living space, protected by a man from any female influence and presence, which he decorates and furnishes at will. TV, console, posters, minibar, slot machines, pool table, sofa, etc. - this kind of thing is usually found in the “den”;
meat sweats- the process of sweating due to the consumption of copious amounts of meat. I get the meat sweats;
MILF- (“Mother I”d Like to F*ck”) - “milf” - a mother with children who makes you want to have sex with her; an older woman who makes a young man (and not only) want;
Monday-morning quarterback- an improvident person, strong in hindsight, a person who comes to his senses late.
nasty woman- an educated woman, an expert at showing ill-mannered men in their place; bitch;
Netflix and chill- code words for an offer to have sex;
once in a blue moon- rarely;
one-upper- a person who is never enough of what he has; always striving to be ahead of others; always striving to outdo others;
off the hook / off the chain / off the hinge- very funny, exciting, unrestrained (in a good way);
phat= Pretty Hot And Tempting (usually about a girl) = awesome; cool - cool, awesome (now the word has lost its relevance);
plastered / sloshed / smashed / wasted- very drunk;
pregret- realize that you shouldn’t do something, otherwise you will regret it, but do it anyway;
pwned= to own - to defeat and humiliate an opponent (usually in video games);
pass the buck- shift responsibility to someone;
pig out- overeat;
put up a front- show off and try to look strong, dangerous and cool; show off;
Put up your dukes!= Ready for a fight! - Get ready for a fight!; Well, now let’s “dance”!;
ratchet- a diva, usually from the slums, low socio-economic status, who mistakenly believes herself to be every man's dream;
recap- sum up, summarize;
rip-off- exaggerate, overcharge, cheat;
said no one ever- an expression to emphasize the absurdity of a statement, usually with a pause before “ever.” For example, when talking about a T-shirt that the speaker considers terrible, it is said: “What an awesome shirt! Said no one... ever.”;
salmon (trout) - a man who likes to date girls younger than himself;
savage- cool, daring; just a beast. You can say it as a compliment when a person, for example, does dangerous but cool things.
salty- upset; hostile, angry;
score- get what you want;
screw up- make a mistake, do something bad. I really screwed up my audition;
shoot the breeze- chatter, chat about nothing;
skrill- money, capital;
snag/nab- take someone else’s property without asking; steal, steal;
spill the beans- tell a secret, blab, divulge;
sure-fire- confident in success, faithful, win-win;
swag- a term for expressing approval of someone's style of clothing or behavior. Praising someone's self-expression. Cool; unreal steepness;
take a rain check / table an item- do something another time; postpound on later;
the bomb= awesome;
tight- cool, funny, in a loving relationship; getting along well;
turnt= drunk or excited/hyped;
typeactive- a person who becomes sociable only online, via email or chat, for example;
uptight- clamped; antonym of the word "relaxed";
wicked= amazing = really - cool, excellent; serious; Amazing; brilliantly!;
wrap up- curl up. OK, let's wrap things up for today;
W00t!- exclamation when winning a large sum of money or when defeating another team;
word- true, I agree, it is so;
zonked- tired, exhausted.

Conclusion

That's it! Informal speech is wonderful because you can use a huge number of words and expressions, without feeling constrained by the strict etiquette of business language. Here you can use both slang and jargon expressions + abbreviations of various kinds.

But remember that there must be norm and balance in everything! Even when communicating in an informal setting, try to always show politeness and a sense of tact. This is why the expressions from this article will be useful to you.

Big and friendly EnglishDom family

Ladies and Gentlemen! Let me invite you to read a publication about communication styles in English. We will be incredibly glad if this essay solves the problem of exchange of opinions in society for you. You will learn how to communicate in high society, and what vocabulary to use in drinking establishments during leisure hours with colleagues.

Yo, people! Nerds attack, but you don't attack? Relax! Only today - let's fire up the chips and steer the topic: how to pump up English to lvl 80 and stay on the same wavelength with your friends. Check out the new post on our blog!

First, let's find out why it is important to know the differences between these styles of English. Language is part of your image. A bank employee will never come to work in a tracksuit. And an evening dress and high heels on the beach will look strange. You should choose your communication style in the same way. Moreover, every student of English should master different conversation styles, because even the most strict official has pajamas in his wardrobe, and every stylish lady, in addition to high-heeled shoes, also has comfortable ballet shoes for long walks. In the same way, you need to keep expressions of different styles with you and use them depending on the situation. To do this correctly, let's learn the signs of each communication style.

The formal style is used in an official setting: conferences and presentations are held in this style, business communications take place, documents, scientific articles and books are written.

There are several rules that should be followed to make your speech sound formal:

1. Don't shorten your words

In formal speech there is no place for all sorts of I’m, I’d, I don’t. Instead, you should use the full forms of the words: I am, I would, I do not.

At the same time, it is acceptable to use expressions indicating affiliation, for example the company’s manager, it is not necessary to say the manager of the company.

2. Avoid using phrasal verbs

In an official setting, you are unlikely to hear “The inflation rate went up.” Instead, it is customary to say “The inflation rate increased/rose”. Phrasal verbs are replaced by ordinary ones.

3. Avoid slang and colloquialisms

We think this point is obvious: it is difficult to imagine a business partner who calls you bro. And if you want to ask how a representative of a partner company is doing, you are unlikely to say “What’s up?” Rather, you ask “How are you doing?” And in response you will receive not the colloquial “Yourself?”, but the friendly and polite “Thank you, very well.”

4. Build complex expanded expressions

It is not necessary to attend public speaking courses; it will be enough not to limit yourself to the short, abrupt phrases that we use in everyday speech. If you start expressing a thought, then develop it, support it with clear arguments, justify it and bring it to the end. If you are asked a question, answer as fully as possible. Make sure that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between sentences.

Example of a complex sentence in formal style:

The period of the five months has been very rich in new events, with significant developments taking place both in the securities markets and in the financial system as a whole. – The five-month period was rich in events and significant transformations that took place both in the securities market and in the financial system as a whole.

5. Use technical terminology

Each industry has its own specifics, so try to use appropriate vocabulary. For example, if you work in the field of economics and audit the financial statements of an enterprise, it would be appropriate to say “We audit financial report”, and not “We check financial report”.

In addition, there are words that are synonyms of the words we are familiar with; these synonyms should be used in documents or official speech. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the list of such words on. Try to use “formal” words in an official setting, business letters, your speech will only benefit from this, and your interlocutor or addressee will be pleasantly surprised.

6. Avoid the word “I”

If you are writing a business letter, try to avoid the expressions I think, In my opinion, etc. As a rule, such papers are written on behalf of the company, on behalf of the company in which you work. The same is true in business negotiations: talk less about yourself, your opinion, address your interlocutor on behalf of the company.

Should you need any further information, do not hesitate to contact us. - If you require any further information, do not hesitate to contact us.

7. Use complex grammar in your speech

Formal language is characterized not only by long phrases, but also by complex grammatical structures. For example, in formal letters and oral speech, the passive voice is used much more often than in ordinary conversation. The reason is that the active voice personifies speech, while the passive voice has a more formal connotation, compare:

You are invited to the conference. - You are invited to the conference.

We invite you to the conference. - We invite you to the conference.

As you can see, the first option sounds more formal and respectful. This is exactly what an official invitation or address looks like.

If you want to speak in a formal style, do not forget to use participial phrases, infinitive constructions, conditional sentences, inversion, etc. in your speech.

8. Be tolerant and politically correct

This point, although it comes last, plays an important role. Formal speech is a model of ethics and political correctness. Choose your words carefully so as not to offend your interlocutors, listeners or readers. For example, instead of the word poor, use economically exploited, and instead of old man, say senior citizen. We advise you to read articles by our teachers that will help you choose the correct words: “English language and political correctness” and “Pseudo-euphemia, or manipulation of consciousness with the help of language.”

Informal English is called by some the “dark side” of the language. This is the language of youth. It is used in informal settings: in conversations with friends, in online chats, etc.

How to make your speech sound informal:

1. Use slang and idiomatic expressions

When communicating with friends, it is appropriate to use various “juicy” words and vivid expressive expressions. Therefore, if you are learning English with a friend, do not miss the opportunity to introduce some idiom or slang word you like into your speech. By the way, we recommend reading the article “”, our tips will help you find a good reference book of expressions and consolidate them in your memory. An example of informal speech is given below:

He's a joke. He can’t do anything right! - He doesn’t deserve respect. He can't do anything right!

In this example, joke is a ridiculous person (sometimes a thing) who does not deserve respect.

2. Keep it short

Short simple phrases are an attribute of simple colloquial speech. If you are asked a question, answer it directly, in monosyllables. In a friendly environment, no one requires you to make a long speech with an introduction, arguments and conclusion. Be simpler - and they will not only reach out to you, but also speak to you in English.

Hi! What's up?
- She told me, I’m joke.
- Really? Oh, come on, you’re cool!
- Thanks!

3. Use phrasal verbs freely

A conversation in a friendly atmosphere provides room for creativity in speech. Here it is not only possible, but also necessary to use phrasal verbs. They decorate speech: they make it more lively, informal, and concise. For example, in informal speech it would be appropriate to use the slang phrasal verb knock off instead of finish:

I usually knock off at five o’clock. - I usually call it a day at five o’clock.

4. Shorten words and use their colloquial forms

A conversation with a friend or a chat is the very place where colloquial forms of words and abbreviations will ideally fit into your speech, for example: wanna (instead of want to), I'd (instead of I would), yep (instead of yes), etc. Let's give an example, here the abbreviation ain't is used to mean do not:

I ain't like this book. - I don't like this book.

5. Follow fashion in words

It can be difficult for non-native speakers to learn to communicate in an informal manner, because we are usually taught classical English, where there is no place for slang and some colloquial expressions. That’s why it’s so important to “follow fashion”… in words. Watch various videos, TV series, films in English. We suggest starting with the next video. Is your English old-fashioned too?

Neutral English is somewhere between two extremes. This is the language of almost all books and magazines, it is used when communicating with colleagues, acquaintances and relatives. It should be noted that the neutral style differs from the informal style in a more polite tone.

Neutral English is exactly the language that . This is the basis on which you can build any communication style by studying the necessary vocabulary and our article. :-)

How to learn to speak neutral English:

1. Use phrasal verbs freely

When talking with colleagues or neighbors, it is appropriate to use phrasal verbs. These are not slang words, their meaning will not make anyone blush, so use them freely.

2. Use abbreviated forms

Neutral conversation allows the use of various I’d, I’ve, you’re, etc. There is no need to pronounce the full forms of words, otherwise the speech will turn out to be more formal.

3. Be careful with slang

It is not advisable to use slang in a neutral conversation. The latter is the language of youth, the language of the streets, which is why it belongs on the street, and not in the office or visiting grandma.

4. Be polite

A semi-formal conversation presupposes respect for the interlocutor, so do not forget to correctly formulate requests, wishes, and preferences. For example, instead of “Send me that letter” you should say “Could you please send me that letter”. Watch an interesting video on how to speak politely:

We invite you to compare how the same sentence sounds when spoken in different styles:

Situation	Formal	Neutral	Informal
You think that your acquaintance is a little bit stupid.	He is somewhat intellectually-challenged.	He's a bit stupid.	He's not all there.
A friend has a new BMW.	He has acquired a top of the range German-manufactured automobile.	He's bought a BMW.	He's got a beemer.
A friend of yours, Mary, wants to apply for a job but is afraid she will be rejected. You tell her not to be so frightened.	Do not allow your cowardice to hold you back.	Don’t be such a coward.	Don’t be such a chicken.
You are very tired. You want to go to sleep.	I require some rest and repose.	I need to get some sleep.	I'm gonna catch some zees.
Your friends went out last night, drinking heavily.	They went out taking out alcoholic beverages.	They went out drinking.	They were out boozing.
You want to ask a friend, Michael, a favour. You aren't sure how he will react. You ask another friend, Jim, to find out.	I asked Jim to ascertain Michael’s willingness to assist me.	I asked Jim to find out whether Michael would help me or not.	I asked Jim to sound Michael out; I asked him to get the lowdown.

Gentlemen, the authors of this publication sincerely hope that they were able to cover the topic, and you received a full understanding of what formal, informal and neutral English is. Accept the postulate that the main task of communication is the exchange of thoughts between individuals in society. Be well-mannered and tactful, and then this exchange will be crowned with success.

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The meaning of the word INFORMAL in the Large Modern Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language

INFORMAL

Not legally approved, not officially recognized (about associations of people based on any characteristics or interests).

Associated with informals [informals 2.].

Large modern explanatory dictionary of the Russian language. 2012

How to become “one of us”?

Some languages of the world have certain rules for addressing elders (by age or social status). English does not have very strict requirements of this kind, but it still has some words and constructions for formal speech. But informal English is the best option for everyday situations, friendly conversations over a glass of tea, and private chat on the Internet.

If you address an English-speaking friend with the phrase “Dear sir!”, you will look at least strange, unless you just decided to make him laugh. Agree that the greeting “Hi!” fits much more organically into the format of a friendly dialogue.

Of course, the bulk of words and expressions in the English language have a “neutral” connotation. But knowing the common tricks of the informal option will play into your hands - you will look natural among English-speaking friends and will not cause confusion in them with the formality of your speech.

Differences Informal English

Formal and informal versions of the language differ in both grammar and vocabulary. As for grammar, nuances such as:

Reducing negative forms and auxiliary verbs. Compare: “It is possible! We have done it” (form.) and “It’s possible! We’ve done it” (informal).
Prepositions in the informal version are moved to the end of the sentence, and in the formal version they are used at the beginning: “At what sport are you good?” (form.) and “What sport are you good at?” (informal).
The so-called relative constructions also differ: “The guy whom she asked” (formal) and “The guy she asked” (informal).
After qualifying words (such as “neither”), verbs come in different numbers: “Neither of the boys wants to participate” (formal, singular verb) and “Neither of the boys want to take part” (informal, verb in the plural).
According to the style, the form of some pronouns also changes, for example: “Whom did you ask to come?” (form.) and “Who did you ask to come?” (informal).
Some words in informal English are completely dropped: “Have you done that?” (form.) and simply “Done that?” (informal).

And in the vocabulary of informal English there are a bunch of specific words and expressions that have practically nothing in common with the formal language, for example:

Of course, the specific features of informal English include not only individual words, but also entire expressions. For example:

to wolf something down- swallow (about food): I wolfed down that ice-cream so quickly. - I quickly swallowed (like a wolf) this ice cream;
to go- take food to go (in a restaurant, cafe): Would you like (your food) to go? - Do you (go) with you?;
you gotta be kidding me- it can’t be (in the sense of “You’re kidding, I guess”).

The examples given will be useful for communication in real life, on Facebook, blogs, etc. And in modern English there are some accepted norms for correspondence by email. For formal and informal correspondence, this sign may be useful to you at first:

Formal style	Informal style
Greetings
Dear Sir/Madam, Dear Mr./Mrs. (surname)	Dear (name), Hi, Hello
Starting a conversation
With reference to our telephone conversation yesterday (about)	It was nice to hear from you
Thank you for your email regarding	It’s been ages since I’ve heard from you
I am writing on behalf of	How are you? Hope you and your family are doing well
I am writing to draw your attention to	I am writing to let you know
Request
I would appreciate if you could	You don’t mind …ing (…) (for me), do you?
I would be most grateful if you would	Do I have a favour, will you?
Would you be so kind and	Would it be possible for you to?
I was wondering if you could	Can/Could I ask you to?
Apologies
We apologize for any inconvenience caused	Sorry for any trouble caused
Please accept our sincere apologies	We are very sorry
Dispute
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with	I'm fed up with (someone/something)
I find it most unsatisfactory that	I am not happy with
I'd like to complain about	I'm rather annoyed with
Ending a conversation
I look forward to hearing from you	Give my love to
If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me	Hope to hear from you soon
Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions	Just give me a call if you have any questions
Signature
Yours sincerely	Lots of love
Yours faithfully	All the best (Best wishes)

Of course, the best way to effectively master all the intricacies of informal English is to study the language with native speakers. Nowadays, there are many opportunities for this, the main thing is not to be lazy, choose the best preparation option for yourself, and “with feeling, with sense, with alignment” move towards your goal. Good luck!

When people hear the word “informal,” they have various associations. Someone remembers goths, punks, etc. All of these have common characteristics.

General information

So, informal - who is it? In a generalized concept, such people include those whose thinking, behavior, habits and appearance differ from socially accepted norms. In fact, any person who stands out from the general mass of people, even just by his style of clothing, is already mistaken for an informal person. For this purpose, bright laces on shoes or long hair for a young man will be enough. All. Ready! In the eyes of society, you are already an informal person. But being different from everyone else does not necessarily mean standing out from the crowd due to your extraordinary appearance. It is quite enough to have what makes an informal one - thinking and views that are radically different from generally accepted norms. The absence of boundaries that people draw for themselves is a characteristic feature of the representatives of various subcultures and simply extraordinary individuals in question.

Informal teenagers are not just a youthful rebellion against society. This is a break in the framework, opposing oneself to the preferences of most people. They deny the past experience of generations. Their goal is shocking, the search for something new that changes consciousness. Avant-garde and focus on the future are the best features of an informal environment.

There are a huge number of extraordinary currents. Moreover, some of them are characteristic of certain countries, while others have acquired a global character.

Goths

Goth is undoubtedly also informal. Who is this? The gothic subculture appeared in the seventies of the last century. Its roots come from punk culture. So what happens? Are these two currents the same?

The goths differed from the punks in their more refined manners of behavior and also the difference is that the goths are more diligent. They can be proud of their academic performance. Often such people have a penchant for art. With the emergence of the movement in question, gothic rock music began to develop.

Representatives of the subculture themselves are often accused of promoting suicide and death. But it seems so to those people who look at them with the naked eye. Psychologists note in their statements that Goths are potential suicides. And, getting together, they help each other adapt to society.

Clothing for informals who consider themselves goths has a style that matches their worldview. Representatives of this subculture prefer black, sometimes combining it with white and red. The main materials for their items are goat fur, suede, satin, and velvet. The decorative part is mandatory - corsets, jewelry, lace, flounces, lacing. When applying makeup, goths of both sexes practice excessive lightening of the facial skin. A characteristic feature is eyes lined with black pencil. Based on these basic parameters, you can recognize a Goth at any time. Some additions to the image are acceptable. For example, a haircut with

At this time, there are even brands. The most famous are the following companies:

1. Spiral Direct.

Emo informals

Have you heard of such a current? Emo is also informal. Who is this? This direction came to us in the eighties from the West. The last wave was about 5 years ago. It is worth noting that during its revivals the movement acquired striking differences from the emo culture of the West.

Western informals (see photo below), part of the emo movement, are teenagers who prefer pastel or natural colors in clothing. Representatives of this movement do not accept tattoos and piercings. Such teenagers position themselves as children with hyperemotionality. Representatives of the subculture in question in Western countries are radically different from emo from the East.

Among our teenagers, tattoos and piercings are considered mandatory attributes. And our informal girls are practically no different from guys. No, don't think that they dress like men. Rather, on the contrary, guys are very similar to girls. They also apply eyeliner, paint their nails, and wear the same hairstyles. In emo clothing, one can distinguish the predominance of black and pink colors, checks, and stripes. Also an integral attribute is a great variety of bracelets and a large shoulder bag with an incredible number of badges. Emos identify themselves as bisexual. This probably explains the similarity between guys and girls, as well as the fact that they promote peace throughout the planet.

Emos listen to music that reflects sadness, melancholy, and apathy.

Gopniks

Yes, that’s absolutely right, gopniks are also informal youth who have existed at all times. Why are they considered a separate subculture? The answer is simple. They have their own clothing style, views, slang, behavioral characteristics and musical preferences. Therefore, it turns out that Gopniks are also informals (the photo is presented below).

When you see a representative of this subculture, you can unmistakably recognize him by his tracksuit, baseball cap and sneakers (or shoes). Moreover, guys wear classic shoes with the same tracksuit. Advanced gopniks may have a rosary and a man purse with them. These informals have a reputation as bullies and hooligans. They also have a personal calling card: beer with seeds. The reason for this reputation is their rejection of dissent. Not only representatives of other informal groups, but also the intelligentsia can become victims of gopniks.

The main part of the subculture is made up of young people from working-class families.

Punks

Punk is also informal. Who is this? Punks appeared in the USSR. They frightened the adult generation with their numbers, behavior, and now this movement has subsided. There are not so many punks today who remain true to their tastes and views.

This movement does not recognize any authority or laws. Punks reject generally accepted social norms. In short, they prefer anarchy to any kind of framework.

Punks wear shabby clothes, dye their hair bright colors or shave patterns, and have piercings, chains, tattoos, and wristbands. There are also girls among them. Informals of this movement prefer rock.

How do currents appear?

Each of those who have become adherents of one of the subcultures has their own reasons for this. The most common ones are listed below.

1. Awareness of your uniqueness.

2. Problems in understanding with peers or parents.

3. Desire for recognition.

4. Loneliness.

What should parents of such children do?

In order for this period to pass quickly and painlessly, it is necessary to act non-militantly.

1. Avoid scandals.

2. Find out as much information as possible about the subculture.

3. Find the positive side of it (maybe your child will learn to play the guitar).

5. Tell us about your youth and what you were like. Perhaps if he realizes that you are similar, then you will be able to find a common language.

6. Let your son or daughter display paraphernalia of their subculture in their room.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to note that belonging to any group of informals does not always make it possible to characterize a person. Most often these preferences are temporary. A person finds his “I” and realizes that he is unique. To do this, he does not need to stand out from the crowd in any way.

What does formal and informal mean? Avoid slang and colloquialisms

Informal greetings and farewells

Introductory words and answers in informal communication

The ABCs of politeness in informal communication

Phrases for informal communication

Abbreviations in informal communication

Dictionary of slang expressions for informal communication

Conclusion

1. Don't shorten your words

2. Avoid using phrasal verbs

3. Avoid slang and colloquialisms

4. Build complex expanded expressions

5. Use technical terminology

6. Avoid the word “I”

7. Use complex grammar in your speech

8. Be tolerant and politically correct

1. Use slang and idiomatic expressions

2. Keep it short

3. Use phrasal verbs freely

4. Shorten words and use their colloquial forms

5. Follow fashion in words

1. Use phrasal verbs freely

2. Use abbreviated forms

3. Be careful with slang

4. Be polite

The meaning of the word INFORMAL in the Large Modern Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language

See also interpretations, synonyms, meanings of the word and what INFORMAL is in Russian in dictionaries, encyclopedias and reference books:

How to become “one of us”?

Differences Informal English

General information

Goths

Emo informals

Gopniks

Punks

How do currents appear?

What should parents of such children do?

Conclusion