formal english words for essays

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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This page discusses some of the key points and areas to be more formal in Academic English Writing. Although there is no set rules on formality at university, this information on academic style is generally accepted throughout most universities.

Contractions   (it’ll, there’s)

All contracted forms need to be in full forms, e.g: it’ll, it will / it’s, it is / there’s, there is, please note – can’t, cannot (one word, not two), informal adjectives   (hard, easy, big,).

Some adjectives are seen as informal

Hard:   alternative more formal synonyms:

Difficult, complicated, harsh, complicated, intolerable, unpleasant, undeniable., easy:  alternative more formal synonyms:, effortless, elementary, manageable, simple, uncomplicated, big:  alternative more formal synonyms:, considerable, extensive, immense, substantial, tremendous  , these are often seen as informal and personal, (every coin has two sides… / on the other hand…), metaphors:   (a rocky road ahead… / the bottom line…), no personal pronouns   (i, you, he, she, you, they), try to avoid personal forms, use ‘there ‘ as a subject; e.g. ‘there is a serious risk of…’, use ‘it’ as a subject; e.g. ‘it is impossible to…’, use ‘ one’ as a subject; e.g., ‘one may ask whether…’ (‘ one’ is a formal version of ‘you’ [plural] in general ), use passive constructions, passive construction help to make your writing less personal, they can learn english effectively…, english can be learnt effectively…, they analysed the data and they discovered, the data was analysed…, use gerunds (ing forms), present participle or gerunds help to create more complex forms, they have to speak english, speaking english is necessary, if we understand the reasons behind…, understanding the rationale indicates…, noun phrases, long noun subjects or objects are common in academic writing, we analysed the data and we found evidence…., analysis of the data provided evidence…., they have many exercises to fill in the missing words available to learn from., the availability of gap fill exercises enhance learning, use academic word list (540 academic words), high frequency academic words taken from a academic literature  , [academic word list], establish / acquisition / analysis / strategies / validity / beneficial / assumption / criteria / hypothesis / fundamental / initiative /  presumption / differentiation / controversial / inevitable / intrinsic / exploitive / etc.., use fixed academic phrases, fixed phrases can be incorporated easily into your writing, it can be said / it could be argued that…, one major drawback of this approach is that ……  , one of the most significant current discussions in …, it is important to note that…, [ academic phrases ], colloquial / informal words expressions, beware of using slang, and general english terms, examples of informal / colloquial words are gonna / stuff / a lot of / things /, stuff:  alternative more formal synonyms:, effects, equipment, gear, goods, individual, kit, luggage, objects, paraphernalia, possessions, substances., a lot of:  alternative more formal synonyms:, abundant, adequate, considerable, plenteous, sizeable, substantial, sufficient, significant., things:  alternative more formal synonyms:, aspects, areas, elements, facts, figures, materials, points, situations, subjects, information, not sure use a synonym website:  www.thersaurus.com  , phrasal verbs / two word verb forms / multi-word verbs, a verb + preposition are often considered informal, examples of these are put off  / look into / come across – there is usually a formal alternative;, put off:  alternative more formal synonyms: postpone, look into:  alternative more formal synonyms: investigate, come across:  alternative more formal synonyms: discover , informal verbs, some verbs are considered informal and there are more formal alternatives, for example; ‘ get ‘, alternative more formal synonyms:, acquire , accomplish, attain, become, capture, compass, draw, effect, elicit, evoke, extract, gain, obtain, realise, receive, secure, apprehend., a chart of formal and informal verbs, check how academic your essay is – click here  , academic style lessons, academic style 1.

  Academic Style 1 : 20 key features to writing  

This lesson brainstorms academic style / formality in writing. Teacher conducts feedback by using visual highlighting & explaining the concepts. There are also 10x practice transformation exercises from informal to formal. ( Example).   It includes a PowerPoint:  PPT Link in download. Webpage link. Time: 60mins.   Level *** ** [ B1/B2/C1]  / / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Academic style 3 : vocabulary 1 (awl & nominalisation) .

This lesson is for general academic classes. It focuses on two key areas of academic writing: AWL and nominalisation. There are three worksheets comprising of a number of different activities to practise categorisation and reformulation at sentence and paragraph level.  ( Example)  Time: 60mins.    / Webpage link  / Level  *** **  [ B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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Academic style 4: stem vocabulary 2 (awl & nominalisation).

This lesson is for STEM classes (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). It focuses on two key areas of academic writing: AWL and nominalisation. There are three worksheets comprising of a number of different activities to practise categorisation and reformulation at sentence and paragraph level.  ( Example)  Time: 60mins.    / Webpage link  / Level  *** **  [ B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP  / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP

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• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career. 

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• explain what a formal essay is;
• show how to write it step by step;
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👔 Formal Essay Definition

• ✅ How to Write
• ✍️ Writing Rules
• 🖥️ Essay Format
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A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.

Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:

As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

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Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

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Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

• after all, 
• for instance, 
• on the one/other hand, 
• initially, 
• as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

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The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

• Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
• Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for: Avoid exclamation marks; Use dashes for insertions; Use colons with enumerations; If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
• Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
• Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

• Avoid using pronouns.  With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
• Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
• Avoid informal tone.  When you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
• Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:

• individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If you’re asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

• Stress management techniques  
• The effects of coffee  
• Negative effects of technology on children 
• Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports  
• Different types of friends  
• Same-sex marriages in the United States  
• Are early marriages harmful or beneficial? 
• How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance? 
• Is polygamy morally acceptable? 
• Different features of sports business  
• What characterizes friendship in the age of media ? 
• Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean  
• How does society treat single parents ? 
• How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being? 
• The role of family relationships in Odyssey  
• Financial concepts in sport finance  
• Main features of a strong marriage  
• The importance of media coverage for sport teams 
• Reasons why students choose to get internship  
• The role of stadiums in the sports industry 
• The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis  
• Characteristics of children’s sports  
• Crucial factors affecting health fitness  
• How is technology used in hotel management ? 
• Structure and operational context of Four Seasons  
• What are the main qualities of a true friend?  
• Different websites that promote rental properties 
• The imperative aspects of tourism  
• Importance of hotel training  
• What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce ? 
• How does tobacco use affect the human body?  
• The importance of language and world view for communication 
• What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient? 
• The scientific approach of sports economics  
• How does divorce affect children? 
• Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison  
• How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle? 
• How to be an effective counselor  
• Various types of restaurants in Ireland  
• Carolina Dog’s characteristics 
• Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere  
• Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families  
• How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ? 
• In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed? 
• Is bad parenting a healthcare problem? 
• Why student-athletes should benefit from sports  
• Mind-body awareness and its health benefits 
• Can punishment boost academic performance? 
• Techniques to teach students swimming  
• Issues faced by the sports licensing field 

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

Further reading:

• How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
• What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide
• How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
• How to Write a Précis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 

❓ Formal Essay FAQs

It’s best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

It’s best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns, slang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing. 

• Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
• Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
• Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
• How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
• Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
• Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
• Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
• Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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Learn more about Readability:

Formal and informal words (in the english language).

You don’t talk to your boss the same way you talk to your best friend. Everyone switches between formal and informal language in everyday conversations.

The same is true for writing: some situations call for informal language while others call for more formal vocabulary.

Today, we’re talking about the difference between formal and informal words in English.

How ProWritingAid Can Help with Formal Writing

Using formal English can be difficult because it’s not how we normally speak. It’s easy to miss informal words in your formal writing.

ProWritingAid can point out instances where you’ve used informal words and offer suggestions to replace them with formal words.

Use the Paraphrase Report to rewrite your work with better wording. When you run this report, you’ll see formal alternatives to your original text.

Formal vs. Informal Language: What’s the Difference?

Most of the time, we speak, think, and write in informal language . But sometimes we need to use formal English, particularly for professional or academic purposes.

There’s a high degree of nuance for determining whether a word is formal.

Some of this knowledge comes from being a native English speaker, which means that learning formal and informal language is tricky for non-native speakers.

But some words are harder to determine even if you’ve grown up speaking English.

While this isn’t an exhaustive list, we’ve done our best to provide plenty of examples of informal and formal language.

Formal Language (with Examples)

Situations where you might use formal language include the workplace and school. Business communication, like emails or memos, require formal language, as does academic writing.

Any writing that is “official,” whether for personal business, government communication, or legal situations, requires formal words and phrases.

For example, if you’re hiring a contractor to remodel your kitchen, think of this as a professional situation. Do you need to send a letter or documents to a lawyer? This is a formal situation.

In addition to word choice, one feature of formal language vs. informal language is the use of contractions. We use considerably fewer contractions in formal writing; we also use standard English grammar structures.

Let’s look at some examples of formal writing.

In a cover letter: I believe I will be an asset to your company. I have attached my resume and references. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

To a contractor: I am checking in on the progress with my kitchen remodel. Please provide an updated cost estimate and timeline. Thank you.

Informal Language (with Examples)

We use informal writing all the time in social media posts, text messages, and even blog posts. If you’re emailing or chatting with a friend or family member, you’ll likely use informal expressions and words.

Informal language doesn’t mean slang; slang and colloquial language are a type of informal language.

While you might only use these with the people closest to you, you can use other informal words in many situations, like unofficial conversations with coworkers, emails to customer service, or even networking conversations.

Where formal language sounds stiff, informal language is conversational. Here are a couple of examples of informal writing.

Customer service ticket: I’m really not sure what the issue is. The app keeps glitching, and it’s so frustrating! I added a couple of screenshots. I need this for work, so can you help me ASAP? Thanks!

Professional Social Media Post: So excited about this new joint venture with OtherBusiness! Can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been cooking up!

Even when you use standard English grammar and fewer contractions, knowing which words are formal is difficult. To help, we’ve provided examples of formal and informal words divided by word types.

A grammar guru, style editor, and writing mentor in one package.

Verbs: formal and informal words.

This list includes common informal verbs or verb phrases, along with their formal counterparts. We’ve put the formal words in parentheses .

• Tell me more (elaborate)
• Be done (finished)
• Show (demonstrate)
• Give (provide)
• Make up (fabricate)
• Find out (discover)
• Leave out (omit)
• Point out (indicate)
• Show up (arrive)
• Deal with (handle)
• Put off (postpone)
• Go against (oppose)
• Clear out (vacate)
• Stand for (represent)
• Get rid of (eliminate)

Adjectives: Formal and Informal Words

There are formal and informal adjectives , too. Here are some common examples.

• Huge (enormous)
• Tiny (diminutive)
• Okay (acceptable)
• Friendly (amiable)
• Rude (disagreeable)
• Messed up (damaged)
• Bad (negative)
• Good (positive)
• Rich (wealthy)
• Sad (despondent)
• Old (dated)
• Easy (simple)
• Fast (timely)
• Happy (pleased)
• Cheap (inexpensive)

Transitions: Informal and Formal Words

Transitions are tricky for formal language because we often use them informally as filler words. Sometimes, the best way to turn transitions into formal words is to eliminate them all together.

Here are some formal substitutions for when you can’t eliminate a transition:

• Anyways (at any rate)
• Plus (moreover)
• Also (additionally)
• But (however)
• Meanwhile (in the interim)
• In a nutshell (in sum)
• Basically (to summarize)
• And then (furthermore)

Learning the difference between formal and informal words can help you communicate better in professional settings.

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Helpful Tips and Rules for Formal Writing in English

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023

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Formal English is mainly used in writing. This style is academic in tone and is commonly used in academic textbooks, most university essays, business letters.

In the case of speaking, formal English is usually only used for official or serious occasions, e.g., to formally welcome guests at a university graduation ceremony.

Formal English uses more complex vocabulary than everyday speech. For example, it uses many “bigger” words that aren’t normally used in conversation. Examples are multi-syllable words like compensate , ascend and interrogate . It also prefers one-part verbs (e.g., establish ) instead of simpler, phrasal verbs (e.g., set up ). Slang and colloquial vocabulary are avoided.

When formal English is used in writing, sentences tend to be long and complex, and grammar rules are followed strictly. It tends to be impersonal (or neutral), often using impersonal pronouns like it and passive verbs. Contracted and abbreviated forms of words are usually avoided.

Rules for Formal Writing

There are certain things that can be done in spoken English or in written English in newspapers, magazines, or lecture notes or web pages which are not appropriate for formal writing.

Formal English follow rules of grammar very strictly. Sentences tend to be longer and more complex. The vocabulary tends to be elevated, using big words and avoiding colloquial or slang vocabulary. It avoids split infinitives and prepositions at the end of sentences.

In formal English you have to be aware of the followings:

• Don’t start a sentence with ‘ And’, ‘Also’, ‘But’, ‘So’, ‘Or’, ‘Even so’.   Instead use ‘ In addition’, ‘However’, ‘Hence’, ‘Consequently’, ‘Alternatively’, ‘Nevertheless’.
• Don’t start a sentence with ‘ Therefore’ . Instead write, for example,  ‘We therefore…’.
• Don’t start a sentence with  ‘Then’  or ‘ No w’ unless it is a command.
• Don’t use  ‘don ‘t’, or any other shortened negative such as  ‘isn’t’, ‘hasn’t’, ‘wasn’t’, etc . Use ‘ does not’, ‘is not’ , etc. instead.
• Don’t use ‘!’ or ‘&’ or ‘/’. It is also very unusual to see ‘?’ in a paper. Don’t put questions in a paper unless you really know what you are doing.
• Don’t use e.g. or i.e. or etc.
• When referring to the number of countable objects, use words rather than figures when the amount is less than twenty. E.g. Don’t write “ we used 3 methods ” – instead write “ we used three methods ”.
• Don’t use ‘ OK ‘. Use ‘ acceptably’, ‘permissible’, ‘satisfactory’,  etc instead.
• Don’t use ‘ got ‘. Instead use ‘ obtained’ .
• If you can, try to use the passive voice for some of the time when describing your results. Using ‘we’ in every sentence is a bit boring.
• List things properly using ‘ and ‘ between the last two items. E.g. Don’t do ‘ we used three methods A, B, C. ‘ Instead you should write either ‘ we used three methods: A, B, and C .’ or ‘ we used three methods, namely, A, B, and C .’
• You cannot have a paragraph that is just one sentence.

Tips for Vocabulary for Academic Essays…

• Use a more formal one-word verb if it sounds more appropriate than its phrasal verb equivalent.
• Avoid using a personal or conversational style. Therefore, try not to use words like  I ,  me ,  my ,  you ,  we ,  us  and  our . Though these words are widely used in informal writing and in spoken English, they’re generally thought to be too personal and too casual for formal, academic writing.
• Avoid words or phrases used mainly in normal conversation as they’re usually not suitable for use in academic writing. Dictionaries often identify these words with the label “informal.” In your essay, use a more formal equivalent. Here are some examples:

Avoid “kids”, use “children”,

Avoid “a lot of”, use “much, many”

• Never use colloquial English or slang. Colloquial English is a type of informal English, and it includes words such as  gonna  or  wanna , and phrases such as  ain’t nothin’  and  dead as a doornail . Dictionaries usually mark colloquial words and phrases with a label like “colloq.” Because colloquial English and slang are usually spoken rather than written, they’ll make your academic writing sound too conversational and so less credible.
• Although it’s usual to contract words in spoken and informal written English (e.g.,  can’t ,  won’t ,  shouldn’t and  hasn’t ), it’s better to avoid using any contractions in your academic essay.
• Avoid abbreviating words in academic writing. Don’t say  yrs ,  e.g.  (which stands for the original Latin  exempli gratia  and means “for example”) or  i.e.  (which stands for the original Latin  id est  and means “that is”). Instead, write the words in full using their English equivalents ( years ,  for example  and  that is ).

It’s usually easy to decide if a word is informal or formal. Informal words are those common, ordinary and familiar words that people use every day, whereas formal words tend to be the more “serious” and less frequently used words. Often, formal words are longer than informal words. Single-word verbs are also usually more formal than their phrasal verb equivalents.

For instance, saying something is  enormous  is formal, but saying it’s  whopping  is informal. Phrases like  on the one hand  or  as indicated above  are formal, but phrases like  by the way  or  that reminds me  are informal. Note that some informal words are more formal than other informal words. The informal verb  understand , for example, is more formal than the informal verb  get . However, both are less formal than the formal verb  comprehend .

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M Umair Durrani

Thursday 4th of August 2022

very helpful... great job !

Monday 25th of January 2021

this sucked worse thing ever

Monday 21st of December 2020

iygedpeiuogfpwougfhwopudhowubfwiub p9epdy2-083ry[2o4itg

Monday 24th of August 2020

Would you like to provide me the list of formal words? Since everything is mixed up these, I can not differentiate which one is either formal or informal.

Sunday 12th of April 2020

it's really helpful. Thank you buddy.

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Formal & Informal English

Formal English: We use it when writing essays for school, cover letters to apply for jobs, or emails and letters at work.

Informal English: We use it with friends, children, and relatives.

The following list will help you to recognize the informal and formal ways of saying the same thing. The list is divided into sections of: verbs, transitions, emphasis words, abbreviations, and slang.

Verbs – Informal & Formal

Transitions – informal & formal, emphasis words – informal & formal, letter expressions – informal & formal, abbreviations – informal & formal, slang – informal & formal.

Test your understanding of this English lesson

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• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Formal and informal language

We use formal language in situations that are serious or that involve people we don’t know well. Informal language is more commonly used in situations that are more relaxed and involve people we know well.

Formal language is more common when we write; informal language is more common when we speak. However, there are times where writing can be very informal, for example, when writing postcards or letters to friends, emails or text messages. There are also examples where spoken English can be very formal, for example, in a speech or a lecture. Most uses of English are neutral; that is, they are neither formal nor informal.

Formal language and informal language are associated with particular choices of grammar and vocabulary.

Contractions, relative clauses without a relative pronoun and ellipsis are more common in informal language.

More formal vocabulary commonly involves longer words or words with origins in Latin and Greek. More informal vocabulary commonly involves shorter words, or words with origins in Anglo-Saxon. Most dictionaries indicate very informal and/or formal words.

We often choose to use certain modal verbs to be more formal and polite:

Can I suggest you try this new model? (neutral)

May I suggest you try this new model? (more formal)

Might I suggest you try this new model? (very formal)

Contractions

Speech into writing

Word of the Day

balancing act

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a difficult situation in which someone has to try to give equal amounts of importance, time, attention, etc. to two or more different things at the same time

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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Prepositions, ending a sentence with, is 'irregardless' a real word, 8 more grammar terms you used to know: special verb edition, point of view: it's personal, 31 useful rhetorical devices, grammar & usage, a list of most commonly confused words, more commonly misspelled words, 10 words you see but don't hear, your vs. you're: how to use them correctly, every letter is silent, sometimes: a-z list of examples, 9 other words for beautiful, rare and amusing insults, volume 2, etymologies for every day of the week, a great big list of bread words, the words of the week - apr. 12.

Formal and Informal Words List in English (+PDF)

Language, being a vital tool for communication, reflects the nuances of various social scenarios we find ourselves in. From formal boardroom discussions to casual chats by the coffee machine, the tone and terms we use can significantly differ.

Mastering the art of switching between formal and informal lexicons is essential for effective communication, ensuring both clarity and congeniality.

To aid in honing this skill, we have compiled a comprehensive list of words and phrases categorized under formal and informal usage.

Whether you are penning a professional report, drafting an email to a colleague, or engaging in daily dialogues, having a robust vocabulary to draw from is invaluable.

In this blog post, we delve into an extensive collection of formal and informal words, enriching your English language repertoire.

The curated list is also available for download as a PDF, providing a handy reference at your fingertips.

As we explore these terms, you’ll discover the subtleties that can make your communication more precise and appropriate for different settings.

So, let’s embark on this linguistic journey that promises to refine your verbal and written interactions.

Table of Contents

What are Formal and Informal Words?

Formal Language is like a formal dress, in formal language you have to be careful with words, and you have to choose words with respect.

You cannot use the word ‘Ask’ in formal language because it is an informal word . You have to be a bit polite in formal language and vocabulary words, rather you can use ‘Inquire’ which is more formal than ‘ask’.

Informal Language is the language you speak with your friend’s circle. It is used in conversation with your family and friends, informal words are also respectful words, but they are less polite as compared to formal words.

Related : List of Formal Words in English

Formal and Informal Words List in English

Common formal and informal words.

Venturing into the linguistic landscape, we first encounter common words that wear formal and informal hats. This section unveils these versatile words, easing your journey across professional and casual dialogues.

Formal and Informal Verbs

Verbs , the action heroes of our sentences, come next. Our compilation of formal and informal verbs is designed to empower your language, ensuring each action lands with the intended impact.

Formal and Informal Nouns

Nouns are the cornerstone of clarity in communication. Delve into our curated list of formal and informal nouns that ensure your message stands tall in any scenario.

Formal and Informal Adjectives

As we venture further, adjectives are our next stop. These descriptive darlings have the power to color your narrative, and our list will guide you on when to keep it formal and when to let it loose.

Formal and Informal Slang

Slang , the spice of conversation, comes with its own set of formal and informal flavors. Explore our collection to master the art of spicing up conversations while keeping it classy or casual.

Formal and Informal Abbreviation

Abbreviations are the compact carriers of meaning. Our section on formal and informal abbreviations is your go-to guide for keeping your messages crisp, clear, and apt for the occasion.

Business Formal and Informal Words

In the business arena, the right words can open doors. Traverse through our list of business-centric formal and informal words to navigate the corporate communication maze with ease.

Academic Formal and Informal Words

The academic sphere has its own lexicon of formal and informal words. Our curated list is your compass to academic eloquence, bridging the formal-informal divide seamlessly.

Must Read: Academic Collocations

Social Formal and Informal Words

Social interactions are a playground of formal and informal words. Our compilation enriches your social vocabulary, ensuring you strike the right chord in every interaction.

British, & American Formal and Informal Words

Crossing the Atlantic, we dive into the British and American formal and informal words. This section is your linguistic passport to transatlantic communication, embracing the rich diversity in English language usage.

Formal and Informal Words List for IELTS

Infographics (Formal and Informal Words List in English )

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Last updated on November 3rd, 2023 at 02:10 pm

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About the author.

Hi, I'm USMI, engdic.org's Author & Lifestyle Linguist. My decade-long journey in language and lifestyle curation fuels my passion for weaving words into everyday life. Join me in exploring the dynamic interplay between English and our diverse lifestyles. Dive into my latest insights, where language enriches every aspect of living.

Formal and Informal English Words List with Examples (PDF)

Hello to all English learners! Today we’ll have a look at the difference between formal and informal English. Understanding this can help you choose the right words for different situations, whether it’s a casual chat with a friend or a formal presentation at work.

In our article ‘List of formal and informal English words’, we’ve compiled a list of words that are used in everyday conversation and words that are more appropriate for more serious or professional situations. This will help you to communicate effectively in different situations.

When to Use ?

We use formal English in serious situations, when applying a job, essays for school and with people we don’t know well.

Informal English is used with friends, relatives and on social media mostly.

Formal English is more common when writing, informal English is more common when we speak.

Formal & Informal Word Alternatives

Check also: 250 Phrasal Verbs (Free PDF) 5 Free Books To Improve Your English A Quick Way To Learn English Tenses (Free Pdf)

Formal & Informal Example Sentences

Usage of Modal Verbs

• “Can I offer you something new?” (neutral) : This is a polite and commonly used way to offer something. It’s suitable for most everyday situations and is considered friendly and approachable.
• “May I offer you something new?” (more formal) : Adding “may” makes the question slightly more formal and polite. It is often used in situations where a touch of formality is appropriate, like in a business or formal setting.
• “Might I offer you something new?” (very formal) : “Might” is even more formal than “may.” This form is quite polite and is typically used in very formal or reserved situations, such as in a high-end restaurant or when speaking to someone you want to show great respect to.

Formal & Informal Word List PDF

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Very Good work I really appreciate it. I wish you could have given more examples. All though Very Good.

Simple and useful English. Thank you.