Informal Language Created by Kathryn Reilly

Informal Language Basics Informal language is used when talking, texting or ing friends and family. Informal language includes contractions, idioms and slang. Informal language would not be appropriate when writing a paper or at a professional job.

Types of Informal Language: Contractions Contractions – Contractions occur when two words are combined. – Examples: Can’t, isn’t, she’ll, it’ll, it’s… – Contractions are fine when speaking or writing to friends and family – Contractions should be avoided when writing academic papers

Types of Informal Language: Idioms Idioms – According to Wikipedia, the English language boasts over 25,000 idioms – Idioms are phrases whose meaning aren’t literally what they sound like “have something up your sleeve” doesn’t mean a person literally is hiding something up his sleeve, but that the person is tricky or has an advantage

Types of Informal Language: Slang Slang – Slang exists as an unofficial language that references words/concepts already in existence – Internet slang: lol, rotfl, omg, ttyl – Street slang: beef (compliant), bread (money), clock (hit) – Slang should never appear in professional texts

Using Informal Language Appropriately Informal language may be used When speaking or writing to friends or family  In causal conversation  When texting or ing When writing creatively (stories/poems) When writing dialogue When including a quotation with informal language

Know When to Avoid Informal Language Informal language should be avoided In professional situations such as job interviews When writing academic papers When writing professional documents such as resumes or memos