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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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.