Formal and Informal Vocabulary

Both formal and informal vocabulary can be found in all spheres of the language. As the
language becomes more liberal, combining these two groups of words gets more common.
Below is an example list of words and expressions in formal and informal registers.
What does ‘formal’ mean? Simply put, it means something or someone following
established norms, traditions and habits. A formal letter should have certain structure and
vocabulary, usually more official and strict. Think of formal as a rough synonym
for ‘official’.
Vocabulary for letters

Informal Formal
To ask for help To request assistance
To tell, to let know To inform, to notify
Problem Issue
Speak to Address smb.
Talk about Discuss, consider
Fix, take care of, put right amend
I think that … I believe/hold it that …
I want to … I wish to …
I’m ready to … I am willing to …
I’m angry about … I am dissatisfied with …
Deal with, take care of Manage, resolve, settle
Put up with Tolerate, bear, endure
Bring up Mention
Take away Remove
Thanks I am grateful/thankful for …
I’m writing about I am writing regarding
I’ll get in touch … I will contact …
If you have any questions Should you have any questions

General formal and informal vocabulary

Informal Formal
And As well as …
But Whereas/While
So Thus
If… Should / whether
If … or not Whether … or not
For sure/Certainly Definitely / assuredly
Many Numerous/Several
Get Receive
Keep Retain

It is recommended to stick to either formal or informal words whenever possible. In other

words, don’t mix two registers. It is as important as consistency in using English and
American spelling. However, using two registers in your speech is not a serious error. At
least as least as far as your speech is concerned. You should nevertheless pay attention
to your writing — if you can use a less colloquial expression in your formal letter then you
should do so. Sometimes mixing can’t be helped — for example, using phrasal verbs in a
text. Phrasal verbs give life to your writing, so you shouldn’t abstain from using them. But
such things as contracted forms or slang words — they do not belong in a formal text.
Some dictionaries have detailed entries on formal and informal register.
The degree of formality is usually decided by the following factors:
How well you know the person you’re writing to — the better you know the person, the
less formal your writing will be (within reasonable limits)
The purpose of your letter — business correspondence tends to be more formal
The relative position of the person you’re writing to — a letter to your boss will be
strictly formal. A letter to your subordinate is more likely to be semi-formal or fairly
informal.