Informal English is the language spoken by most people every day. While most speakers retain their knowledge of formal rules, they're more relaxed about grammar and less concerned with vocabulary when they are engaged in ordinary conversation. Informal writing reflects this relaxation. Sentences are shorter, and tend to avoid the more formal punctuation of the semi-colon and colon. Contractions are acceptable. Newspaper articles and columns are usually written informally, and most people probably use informal language when they write to their friends.
Another genre of language is Popular English. Popular English can be colorful and highly expressive, but it is out of place in any writing unless you are reporting speech. In everyday speech, imprecision of meaning or lack of vocabulary can be compensated for by enthusiastic expression, but you can't wave your hands around, or vary your voice for emphasis when you are writing. .
Here are some examples of how vocabulary changes in each level of use:.
Formal Informal Popular.
comprehend understand get it.
intoxicated drunk wasted.
exhausted tired done.
dejected sad bummed.
A major problem with Popular English is that slang changes quickly. The third column in this list will probably look dated in a few years (if it isn't already), while the words in the first two columns have been around since Shakespeare.
There are many differences between the processes of speaking and writing. Writing is not simply speech written down on paper. Learning to write is not a natural extension of learning to speak. Unlike speech, writing requires systematic instruction and practice. Here are some of the differences between speaking and writing that may clarify things for you and help you in your efforts as a writer and speaker.
Both spoken and written dialects are linked to the social background, age, race, and gender of the writer, speaker and audience.
