An informal word for a conversation

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Formal and Informal words list in English

Formal English:

Formal Language is like a formal dress, in a formal language you have to be careful with words, you have to choose words with respect. We use it when writing essays for school, cover letters to apply for jobs, or emails and letters at work.

Informal English:

Informal Language is the language you speak in 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 compare to formal words.

Here are Formal and Informal words List in English

1. Verbs – Informal & Formal

INFORMAL FORMAL
a lot of numerous
anyways nevertheless
block undermine
break down fail/collapse
break up disintegrate
bring in introduce
can is capable of
come back return
come/go in enter
deal with handle
enjoyment gratification
faithfulness fidelity
find out discover
from (company) on the behalf of
get obtain
get in touch with contact
give in yield
give the go-ahead authorize
give/bring back return
go against oppose
go ahead proceed
go away leave/depart
go before precede
go down decrease
go out of exit
go up increase
hopeless futile
house residence
hungry famished
it’s about it concerns, it’s in regards to
keep retain
keep up maintain properly
lead to cause
leave out omit
let permit
link up connect
lively energetic
look at examine
look for seek
look into investigate
look like resemble
lots of/ a lot of much, many
make out discern
makeup fabricate
mend repair
need to required
plus/also moreover/furthermore
point out indicate
put in insert
put off postpone
put up tolerate
put up with tolerate
put/set down deposit
rack up accumulate
really big considerable
refer to consult
ring up call
seem appear
set out display
set up establish
settle for choose
show demonstrate, illustrate, portray
show up arrive
speak to address
stand for represent
start commence
take away remove
take out remove
talk about discuss/consider
thanks gratitude
think about consider/ponder
think of conceive
throw away discard
throw out eject
tired Formal and Informal words list in English Pdf fatigued
tons of, heaps of large quantities of, a number of
try out test
wait for await
whole entire/complete
worse inferior
say sorry apologize, apologise

2. Transitions – Informal & Formal

Informal Formal
Anyways Nevertheless
Plus/Also Moreover/ Furthermore
But However
So Therefore/Thus
Also In addition, Additionally
ASAP as soon as possible/at your earliest convenience
Okay, OK acceptable
In the meantime In the interim
I think In my opinion,
In the end, Finally
To sum up In conclusion,
In a nutshell/Basically To summarize,
Anyway, Notwithstanding
All right Acceptable
Well,
To top it all off,
On top of it all,
In order to

3. Emphasis Words – Informal & Formal

Informal Formal
lots of/ a lot of much, many
tons of, heaps of large quantities of, a number of
totally completely, strongly
really, very definitely

4. Letter Expressions – Informal & Formal

Informal Formal
Hi Robert, Dear Sir or Madam
Just wanted to let you know… I am writing to inform you…
Love, Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully,
Cheers,
Yours Truly, Best regards, kind regards
Hope to hear from you soon I look forward to hearing from you
You can call me if you need anything Please do not hesitate to contact me

5. Abbreviations – Informal & Formal

Informal Formal
ASAP as soon as possible
T.V. television
photo photograph
cell cell phone
net Internet

6. Slang – Informal & Formal

Informal Formal
kids children
bad negative
good positive
really big considerable
right correct
wrong incorrect
smart intelligent
cheap inexpensive
loaded rich

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Formal and Informal words list in English Pdf!

What are formal and informal Words?

Formal Language is like formal dress, in the 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

Here is the list of common 1000 Formal and Informal Words:

Informal  –>  Formal

  • Ask  –>  Enquire
  • Ask for  –>  Request
  • Book  –>  Reserve
  • Check  –>  Verify
  • Get  –>  Receive
  • Help  –>  Assist
  • Need  –>  Request
  • Say sorry  –>  Apologies
  • Start/ Begin  –>  Commence
  • End  –>  Terminate/ Finish
  • Try  –>  Endeavour
  • Deal with  –>  Handle
  • Tell  –>  Inform
  • Wait for  –>  Await
  • Fight  –>  Combat
  • Use/Eat  –>  Consume
  • Go  –>  Depart
  • Tough  –>  Difficult
  • Small  –>  Diminutive
  • Explain  –>  Disclose
  • Set out  –>  Display
  • Throw out  –>  Eject
  • Old  –>  Elderly
  • Say  –>  Express
  • Afraid  –>  Fearful
  • In the end  –>  Finally
  • Lucky  –>  Fortunate
  • But  –>  However
  • Wrong  –>  Incorrect
  • Go up  –>  Increase
  • Cheap  –>  Inexpensive
  • At first  –>  Initially
  • Mad  –>  Insane
  • Bright/smart  –>  Intelligent
  • Big/Large  –>  Enormous
  • Right  –>  Correct
  • A bit  –>  A little
  • Away  –>  Absent
  • Speed up  –>  Accelerate
  • Okay, ok  –>  Acceptable
  • Help  –>  Aid/ Assist
  • Let  –>  Allow
  • Call off  –>  Cancel
  • Friendly  –>  Amiable

Formal Informal Words Image 1

formal and informal words pdf

  • Expect  –>  Anticipate
  • Seem  –>  Appear
  • Climb  –>  Ascend
  • Beat up  –>  Assault
  • Fall out  –>  Quarrel
  • Eager  –>  Avid
  • Stop  –>  Cease
  • Dare  –>  Challenge
  • Kids  –>  Children
  • Settle for  –>  Choose
  • Round  –>  Circular
  • Pick up  –>  Collect
  • Think of  –>  Conceive
  • Link up  –>  Connect
  • Think about  –>  Consider
  • Build  –>  Construct
  • Refer to  –>  Consult
  • Hurt  –>  Damage, harm
  • Go down  –>  Decrease
  • Want/ hope   –>  Desire
  • Lack   –>  Deficiency
  • Show  –>  Demonstrate
  • Brave  –>  Courageous
  • Pin down  –>  Determine
  • Put/ set down  –>  Deposit
  • Throw away  –>  Discard
  • Make out  –>  Discern
  • Talk about  –>  Discuss/consider
  • Give out  –>  Distribute
  • Give  –>  Donate
  • Remove  –>  Eliminate
  • Imagine  –>  Envisage
  • Break out  –>  Erupt
  • Get out  –>  Escape
  • Avoid  –>  Evade
  • Go through  –>  Examine
  • Make up  –>  Fabricate
  • Test  –>  Experiment
  • Ease  –>  Facilitate
  • Come after  –>  Follow
  • Sick  –>  Ill
  • Ask out  –>  Invite
  • Go away  –>  Leave/ depart
  • At once  –>  Immediately
  • Free  –>  Liberate
  • Deal with  –>  Manage
  • Bad  –>  Negative
  • Look into  –>  Investigate
  • Chance  –>  Opportunity
  • See  –>  Perceive
  • Happy  –>  Pleased
  • Give up  –>  Quit
  • Older  –>  Senior
  • Use  –>  Utilize
  • Enough  –>  Sufficient
  • End  –>  Terminate
  • Empty  –>  Vacant
  • Rich  –>  Wealthy
  • Mend  –>  Repair
  • Idea  –>  Notion

Formal Informal Words Image 2

formal and informal language

  • Mainly  –>  Principally
  • See  –>  Observe
  • Leave out  –>  Omit
  • Go against  –>  Oppose
  • Hungry  –>  Famished
  • Childish  –>  Immature
  • Maybe  –>  Perhaps
  • Good  –>  Positive
  • Give  –>  Provide
  • Buy  –>  Purchase
  • Say no  –>  Reject
  • Free  –>  Release
  • Look for  –>  Seek
  • Choose  –>  Select
  • Get by  –>  Survive
  • So  –>  Therefore
  • Put up with  –>  Tolerate
  • Block  –>  Undermine
  • Catch up  –>  Understand
  • Sight  –>  Vision
  • Young  –>  Youthful
  • Get  –>  Obtain
  • Need  –>  Require
  • Pay back  –>  Repay
  • Live  –>  Reside
  • Point out  –>  Indicate
  • Find out  –>  Learn/Discover
  • Get away  –>  Elude
  • Come in  –>  Enter
  • Lively  –>  Energetic
  • Clear  –>  Transparent
  • Whole  –>  Entire/Complete
  • Blow up  –>  Explode
  • Break down  –>  Fail/Collapse
  • Hopeless  –>  Futile
  • Hit out at  –>  Criticise
  • Tired  –>  Exhausted/ Fatigued
  • Clothes  –>  Garment
  • Go before  –>  Precede
  • Thanks  –>  Gratitude
  • Hurry  –>  Haste, hasten
  • Funny  –>  Humorous, amusing
  • Better –> Improved
  • Dim  –>  Indistinct
  • Worse  –>  Inferior
  • Put in  –>  Insert
  • Bring in  –>  Introduce
  • Make up  –>  Invent
  • Kidding  –>  Jesting
  • Naked  –>  Nude
  • Childish  –>  Infantile
  • A lot of  –>  Numerous
  • Stubborn  –>  Obstinate
  • Danger  –>  Peril
  • Put off  –>  Postpone
  • Here  –>  Present
  • Keep  –>  Preserve
  • Go ahead  –>  Proceed
  • Go after  –>  Pursue
  • Anyways  –>  Nevertheless
  • Let  –>  Permit
  • Sweat  –>  Perspiration
  • Look at  –>  Regard
  • Laid back  –>  Relaxed
  • Take out  –>  Remove
  • Rack up  –>  Accumulate
  • Over  –>  At an end

Informal Formal Words Image 3

formal and informal language

  • Good looking  –>  Attractive
  • Good for  –>  Beneficial
  • By  –>  By means of
  • Lead to  –>  Cause
  • Complex  –>  Convoluted
  • Go out of  –>  Exit
  • Death  –>  Demise
  • Break off  –>  Suspend/adjourn
  • Also  –>  In addition, additionally
  • Wood  –>  Timber
  • Describe  –>  Depict
  • Go on  –>  Continue
  • In charge of  –>  Responsible
  • Enjoyment  –>  Gratification
  • Dirty/ polluted  –>  Contaminated
  • Again & again  –>  Repeatedly
  • Marvelous  –>  Exceptional
  • Really big  –>  Considerable
  • Can  –>  Is capable of
  • Fork out   –>  Pay (money)
  • Talk into  –>  Persuade
  • Come up to  –>  Reach/attain
  • Iron out  –>  Solve/overcome
  • Next/later  –>  Subsequently
  • Try out  –>  Test
  • Call on  –>  Visit
  • Drop out of  –>  Withdraw (from)
  • Look up to  –>  Respect
  • Look like  –>  Resemble
  • Job  –>  Occupation
  • Dad  –>  Father
  • Boss  –>  Employer
  • Avoid –> Evade
  • Also In  –> Addition,
  • Ask –> Enquire
  • Afraid –>  Fearful
  • At First –>  Initially
  • Ask For –>  Request
  • Again & Again   –> Repeatedly
  • A Bit  –> A Little
  • Avoid –>  Evade
  • Anyway  –> Nevertheless
  • Ask Out –> Invite
  • Away  –> Absent
  • At Once  –> Immediately
  • A Lot Of  –> Numerous

Informal Formal Vocabulary Image 4

list of formal and informal words

  • Bright/smart –>  Intelligent
  • Buy  –> Purchase
  • Build  –> Construct
  • But  –> However
  • Bad  –> Negative
  • Beat up –>  Assault
  • Break out  –> Erupt
  • Block  –> Undermine
  • Blow up –>  Explode
  • Boss  –> Employer
  • Brave –>  Courageous
  • Better –>  Improved
  • Big/Large –>  Enormous
  • Bring in –>  Introduce
  • Break off  –> Suspend/adjourn
  • Break down –>  Fail/Collapse
  • Check  –> Verify
  • Come after  –> Follow
  • Choose –>  Select
  • Clear  –> Transparent
  • Come in  –> Enter
  • Call off  –> Cancel
  • Complex  –> Convoluted
  • Call on –>  Visit
  • Childish  –> Infantile
  • Chance –>  Opportunity
  • Cheap  –> Inexpensive
  • Can Is  –> capable of
  • Come up  –> to Reach/attain
  • Climb –>  Ascend
  • Clothes  –> Garment
  • Dirty/ polluted  –> Contaminated
  • Danger  –> Peril
  • Dare  –> Challenge
  • Dad  –> Father
  • Describe –>  Depict
  • Deal with –>  Handle
  • Dim  –> Indistinct
  • Death –>  Demise
  • Deal  –> with Manage
  • Drop out  –> of Withdraw (from)
  • End  –> Terminate/ Finish
  • Ease  –> Facilitate
  • Eager –>  Avid
  • Expect  –> Anticipate
  • Enough  –> Sufficient
  • Explain  –> Disclose
  • End  –> Terminate
  • Empty  –> Vacant
  • Enjoyment  –> Gratification

Formal Informal Words Image 5

list of formal and informal words

  • friendly  –> Amiable
  • Free  –> Liberate
  • Fork out  –> Pay (money)
  • Fall out –>  Quarrel
  • Fight  –> Combat
  • Get  –> Receive
  • Get out  –> Escape
  • Go  –> Depart
  • Go before –>  Precede
  • Go after  –> Pursue
  • Good looking  –> Attractive
  • Give –>  Donate
  • Go down  –> Decrease
  • Go through –>  Examine
  • Good for –>  Beneficial
  • Go ahead  –> Proceed
  • Go up  –> Increase
  • Go on  –> Continue
  • Go out of  –> Exit
  • Give up –>  Quit
  • Get away –>  Elude
  • Go away –>  Leave/ depart
  • Give out –>  Distribute
  • Go against –>  Oppose
  • Get  –> Obtain
  • Good  –> Positive
  • Get by –>  Survive

Related: Formal and Informal Words List for IELTS

  • Hit out at  –> Criticise
  • Hungry –>  Famished
  • Here  –> Present
  • Help –>  Assist
  • Hopeless –>  Futile
  • Happy  –> Pleased
  • Hurry  –> Haste, hasten
  • Hurt  –> Damage
  • Idea  –> Notion
  • Imagine –>  Envisage
  • In charge of –>  Responsible
  • Iron out  –> Solve/overcome
  • Job  –> Occupation
  • Keep –>  Preserve
  • Kidding  –> Jesting
  • Kids  –> Children
  • Look up to –>  Respect
  • Look at –>  Regard
  • Lucky  –> Fortunate
  • Lead to –>  Cause
  • Let  –> Allow
  • Lucky –>  Fortunate
  • Lack  –> Deficiency
  • Look for  –> Seek
  • Let  –> Permit
  • Live –>  Reside
  • Leave out  –> Omit
  • Look like –>  Resemble
  • Lively  –> Energetic
  • Laid back –>  Relaxed
  • Live  –> Reside
  • Look into –>  Investigate
  • Make up –>  Fabricate
  • Mainly –>  Principally
  • Mad  –> Insane
  • Maybe  –> Perhaps
  • Mend  –> Repair
  • Marvelous –>  Exceptional
  • Need  –> Require
  • Naked  –> Nude
  • Next/later  –> Subsequently
  • Old  –> Elderly
  • Over At an  –> end
  • Okay, ok –>  Acceptable
  • Older –>  Senior
  • Put off  –> Postpone
  • Pay back –>  Repay
  • Put/ set down –>  Deposit
  • Pin down –>  Determine
  • Put in  –> Insert
  • Pick up  –> Collect
  • Put up with  –> Tolerate
  • Point out  –> Indicate

Related: Formal and Informal Vocabulary Examples

Informal Formal Vocabulary Image 6

list of formal and informal words

  • Really big –>  Considerable
  • Remove  –> Eliminate
  • Rack up –>  Accumulate
  • Refer to  –> Consult
  • Rich  –> Wealthy
  • Round  –> Circular
  • Right  –> Correct
  • Show  –> Demonstrate
  • Speed up  –> Accelerate
  • Stop  –> Cease
  • Set up  –> Establish
  • Sick –>  ill
  • Stubborn  –> Obstinate
  • Start/ Begin  –> Commence
  • Shorten  –> Decrease
  • Settle for  –> Choose
  • Say no –>  Reject
  • Small –>  Diminutive
  • See –>  Observe
  • So –>  Therefore
  • Sight –>  Vision
  • Seem  –> Appear
  • Set out  –> Display
  • Seem  –> Appear
  • Sweat  –> Perspiration
  • Say sorry –>  Apologise
  • Say  –> Express
  • Talk into  –> Persuade
  • Tired –>  Exhausted/ Fatigued
  • Throw away  –> Discard
  • Take out –>  Remove
  • Test  –> Experiment
  • Thanks  –> Gratitude
  • Tough  –> Difficult
  • Try out  –> Test
  • Talk about  –> Discuss/consider
  • Throw  –> out Eject
  • Think of  –>  Conceive
  • Try  –> Endeavour
  • Think about –>  Consider
  • Tell  –> Inform
  • Use  –> Utilize
  • Wood  –> Timber
  • Want/ hope –>  Desire
  • Wrong –>  Incorrect
  • Wait for  –> Await
  • Want  –> Desire
  • Worse  –> Inferior
  • Whole –>  Entire/Complete
  • Young –>  Youthful

Must Learn: 200 synonyms words list

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About The Author

Formal and Informal Expressions in English: We meet different types of people every day. They are all different from one another. There are some people whom we do not know well and yet others whom we know very well. When we are in the serious situation and are having a formal conversation with people we do not know very well, we use formal expressions in English.

When we are in a relaxed situation and are having an informal conversation with people we do know very well, we use informal expressions in English. It is very important for us to know how to properly use formal and informal phrases in English.

We should also know about the useful formal words in English and also the useful informal words in English. With the help of this article, we will tell you about the Useful Formal and Informal Expressions in English.

We will also tell you about certain phrases and terms that would help you to have a good formal conversation and also a good informal conversation in English. So let us begin.

  • What would you understand by the term “Formal Expressions”?
  • What do you understand by the term “Informal Expressions”?
  • Some Formal and Informal Expressions in English
  • The Takeaway from this article

What would you understand by the term “Formal Expressions”?

A “formal expression” is a phrase or a group of words that we make use of while having a formal conversation. We usually have a formal conversion with the people whom we do not know very well.

A formal conversation is usually a serious conversation we have with a person or a group of people whom we do not know very well. While having a formal conversation, we make use of formal words, formal phrases, and formal expressions.

What do you understand by the term “Informal Expressions”?

An “informal expression” is a phrase or a group of words that we make use of while having an informal conversation. We usually have an informal conversion with the people whom we do know very well.

An informal conversation is usually not a serious conversation but a relaxed conversation and that we have with a person or a group of people whom we do know very well. While having an informal conversation, we make use of informal words, informal phrases, and informal expressions.

Some Formal and Informal Expressions in English

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “How do you do?” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “What’s up?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “It is a pleasure to meet you”. An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Nice to meet you”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “At your earliest convenience”. An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “As soon as you can”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Concerned about you”. An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Worried about you”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Firstly …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “To start with …” You can also simply say “For a start …”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Give my regards to …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Say hello to …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Have you heard from her lately?” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Heard from her lately?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Have you seen Tom?” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Seen Tom?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I agree with my colleague, XYZ, that …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “XYZ is right”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I would like to remind you that …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression and that can be made use of here is “Don’t forget that …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I appreciate your assistance”. An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Thanks a lot”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “In light of the fact that …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Because …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “It is my opinion that …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “I think …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “It is not necessary for you to …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “You do not have to …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “It is recommended …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “We recommend …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Please accept our apologies for …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Sorry …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “She has the ability …” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “She can …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Our destination …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “The place where we want to go …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expressions “Secondly …”, “Besides …”, or “Furthermore …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Not only that …” You can also simply say “Another good thing is …” or “What’s more, …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Lastly, …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “And best of all, …” You can also simply say “And one of the best things is …” or “The most important thing is …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expressions “The plan was implemented” or “The plan was carried out”. An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “They put the plan into action”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I regret to inform you of …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “I am sorry to tell you that …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I was hoping that you could …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Could you …?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “It will cease to be a problem”. An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “It will not be a problem anymore”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “One grows weary in these matters.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “I am getting tired of this junk”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “This appeared to rectify the problem”. An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “This seemed to fix the problem”.

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Your arrival …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “When you get here, …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Please state your business.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Can I help you?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “We note that you have not …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “You have not …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I would be grateful if you could reply early.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Please get back to me ASAP.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I would really appreciate it if you could …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Could you …?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “We would like to …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “We want to …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Would you like me to …?” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Shall I …?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “To consider …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “To think about …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “This demonstrates …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “This shows that …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “To distinguish …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “To tell the difference …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “We are in receipt of …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “We have received …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Revision should be done”. An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “You should revise.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “This will be of great benefit to you.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “It will do you good.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “How are you doing?” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “What’s going on?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I am writing to inform you …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Just a note to say …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I am afraid I will not be able to attend.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Sorry, I cannot make it.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expressions “The experiment was carried out” or “The experiment was performed.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “They did the experiment.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Thank you for your email of the 24 of September.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Thanks for your mail on 24 September.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Please let us know of your requirements.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “What do you need?”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “People consume a tremendous amount of …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “People use a huge amount of …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “Please let me know when you will be available.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Let me know if we can get together.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Write back soon!”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “As per our telephone conversation on today’s date …” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “As we discussed this morning …”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “We would be honored if you would attend this event.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “It would be great if you could attend this event.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “We can assist in the resolution of this matter.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “I can help you to solve this problem.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I am afraid your child is experiencing difficulty.” An informal expression that means the same the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “Your kid is making trouble.”

While having a formal conversation in English, you can make use of the very commonly used formal expression “I look forward to meeting you next week.” An informal expression that means the same as the formal expression given here and that can be made use of here is “See you next week.”

The Takeaway from this article

It is extremely important to know how to use formal expressions and informal expressions in English. We very frequently come across such situations when we need to have a formal conversation using formal words and phrases.

Similarly, we also come across situations where we need to have an informal conversation using informal words and phrases. This article has explained what the term “formal expression” and the term “informal expression” mean.

The article has also provided you with all the relevant information and tips on how to use formal expressions and informal expressions in English. We have provided lots of common phrases and expressions that you can make use of.

Here are some common informal English phrases and idioms and their meanings – with examples.

1. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones

Meaning: Used to say that you should not criticize someone for having a fault if you have the same fault yourself

E.g. She always criticized her friends for driving too fast, but she herself used to do it. At last, I told her, “People in glass house shouldn’t throw stones”.

2. Can’t hold a candle to somebody/something

Meaning: If something or someone cannot hold a candle to something or someone else, they are not as good as the other thing or person

E.g. You can’t hold a candle to me when it comes to playing the piano.

3. Rain cats and dogs

Meaning: Rain very hard

E.g.  It is raining very hard. You will get all soaked the minute you step out.

4. Cat got your tongue

Meaning:  Used to ask someone why they are not talking

E.g.  Why did you come home so late last night? Answer me! Cat got your tongue.

5. Out of the blue

Meaning:  If something happens out of the blue, it is very unexpected

E.g. Do you remember Jane? Well, she phoned me yesterday, completely out of the blue.

6. As like as two peas in a pod

Meaning: Exactly the same in appearance, behaviour, etc.

E.g.  The two sisters are as like as two peas in a pod.

7. Bend over backward

Meaning: To try as hard as possible to help or please someone

E.g.  For passing all the exams successfully, her parents bent over backward to help her.

8. Under the table

Meaning:  Money that is paid under the table is paid secretly and illegally

E.g. They paid him under the table so he wouldn’t have to pay taxes.

9. Let the cat out of the bag

Meaning: To tell someone a secret, especially without intending to

E.g.  I’m sorry. Jim knows about last week’s party. I’m afraid I let the cat out of the bag.

10. Hit the nail on the head

Meaning: Used to say that what someone has said is exactly right

E.g.  A: I guess we need a lot of money to carry out the plan

  B: You’re absolutely right. You’ve hit the nail on the head.

11. Go into a nosedive

Meaning:  A sudden very large fall in the price, value, or condition of something

E.g.  The economy went into a nosedive.

12. Save somebody’s neck

Meaning: To help someone to escape from an extremely difficult or dangerous situation

E.g. Thanks for not letting the boss fire me. You save my neck in time.

13. Leave somebody/something high and dry

Meaning:  If someone is left high and dry, they are left without any help or without the things that they need

E.g. She promises to help me with the dishes after the party, but she left me high and dry.

  • Let sleeping dogs lie

Meaning:  To deliberately avoid mentioning a subject, so that you do not cause any trouble or argument

E.g. The best plan is just to let sleeping dogs lie.

14. A horse of a different colour

Meaning:  Something that is completely different from another thing

E.g.  I was talking about trees, not bushes. Bushes are a horse of different colour.

15. Like a bull in a china shop

Meaning:  If you are like a bull in a china shop, you keep knocking things over, dropping things, breaking things, etc.

E.g. Each time you enter the room, you knock something down. You’re really like a bull in a china shop.

16. Be/get carried away

Meaning:  To be so excited, angry, interested, etc.  that you are no longer really in control of what you do or say, or you forget everything else.

E.g.  Calm down! Don’t get carried away. We have to sit down and talk sense.

17. Speak of the devil

Meaning: Used when someone you have just been talking about walks into the room where you are.

E.g. Speak of the devil! We just mentioned your name before you stepped in.

18. Get out of bed on the wrong side

Meaning: To feel slightly angry or annoyed for no particular reason

E.g. Why are you so grouchy today? Did you get out of bed on the wrong side?

19. Keep your shirt on

Meaning:  Used to tell someone who is becoming angry that they should stay calm

E.g.  Keep your shirt on! You’re next in line.

20. Can’t make head or tail of something

Meaning:  To be completely unable to understand something

E.g. I can’t make head or tail of what you’re saying. Why don’t you speak more clearly?

21. Be/feel like a fish out of water

Meaning:  To feel uncomfortable because you feel you do not belong in a place or situation

E.g. I felt like a fish out of water in my new school.

22. Keep/put something on ice

Meaning:  To do nothing about a plan or suggestion for a period of time

E.g. I’m putting my plans for a new car on ice until I finish college.

23. Pass the hat around

Meaning:  To collect money from a group of people, especially in order to buy someone a present

E.g. No matter how hard he tries, he won’t be able to pay his debts. I guess we’ll have to pass the hat around for him.

24. Dog eat dog

Meaning:  When people compete against each other and will do anything to get what they want

E.g. It’s a dog eat dog world out there.

25. Keep your ear to the ground

Meaning:  To make sure that you always know what is happening in a situation

E.g. I haven’t heard any more news, but I’ll keep my ear to the ground.

26. Shake a leg

Meaning:  Used to tell someone to hurry, or quickly start doing something

E.g. It’s getting late. Come on! Shake a leg.

27. Drag your feet/heels

Meaning: To take too much time to do something because you do not want to do it

E.g. If you keep dragging your feet, you’ll miss the train.

28. On its last legs

Meaning:  Old or in bad condition, and likely to stop working soon

E.g. My car is its last legs. I have to get rid of it as soon as I can.

29. Not have a leg to stand on

Meaning:  To be in a situation where you cannot prove or legally support what you say

E.g. If you didn’t sign a contract, you won’t have a leg to stand on.

30. Cock and bull story

Meaning:  A story or excuse that is silly and unlikely but is told as if it were true.

E.g. Who the hell do you expect to believe your cock and bull story.

31. Make a mountain out of a molehill

Meaning:  To treat a problem as if it was very serious when in fact it is not

E.g.  She was only five minutes late! You’re making a mountain out of a molehill.

32. Throw the book at somebody

Meaning:  To punish someone as severely as possible or charge them with as many offenses as possible

E.g. If you get caught they’ll throw the book at you.

33. Be up to your ears in work/problem/debt

Meaning:  To have got a lot of work/problem/debt

E.g. I’m up to my ears in debt.

34. The coast is clear

Meaning:  If the coast is clear, it is sage for you to do something without being seen or caught.

E.g. Okay guys, you can come out of your hiding place now. The coast is clear.

35. Snow job

Meaning:  An act of making someone believe something that is not true

E.g. That car dealer did a snow job on me by selling me a car that was a piece of junk.

36. Pay lip service to somebody/ something

Meaning:  To say that you support or agree with something without doing anything to prove it

E.g. Don’t sit and pay lip service to human rights. Get busy.

Informal English Phrases for Daily Conversations | Image

Informal English Phrases

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