Formal and informal language · Grade 4
In Grade 4 you learn: contractions and full forms; slang and chatty phrases.
We choose our words for the reader. Informal language is relaxed and chatty, for friends and family: contractions, slang and phrasal verbs. Formal language is careful and polite, for people we don't know, schools, companies and exams: full forms, precise words and longer sentences.
Key facts
- Contractions are informal; full forms are formal: can't → cannot, we're → we are.
- Slang and chatty phrases (gonna, awesome, grab your stuff) never go in formal writing.
Worked examples
Example 1
Make it formal: We can't come.
Answer: We cannot come.
Example 2
Formal or informal? Fancy a game later?
Answer: informal
Example 3
Write it without contractions: It's late and we're tired, so we won't stay.
Answer: It is late and we are tired, so we will not stay.
Example 4
Replace the slang: The concert was awesome and the band were well good.
Answer: The concert was excellent and the band played very well.