ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
440
FORMAL AND INFORMAL WORDS
Umarova Mohinur Usmon qizi
Xayrullayeva Sevara Oʻtkir qizi
Noʻmonova Rajabgul Abdunaim qizi
student of Narpai Foreign Languages Faculty of Samarkand State
Institute of Foreign Languages.
Mahanova Muhayyo Nabiyevna
teacher of the Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.11659783
Abstract.
The article addresses the current issue of using formal and informal
communication styles in English. It highlights the key characteristics and specifics of these
registers. Some common examples of misuse are provided, along with suggestions for improving
communication style. Non-adherence to these guidelines can negatively affect both oral and
written communication.
Key words:
Formal and informal communication styles, main characteristics of styles,
English language.
ФОРМАЛЬНЫЕ И НЕФОРМАЛЬНЫЕ СЛОВА
Аннотация.
В статье рассматривается актуальный вопрос использования
формального и неформального стилей общения в английском языке. Освещены ключевые
характеристики
и
особенности
этих
регистров.
Приводятся
некоторые
распространенные примеры неправильного использования, а также предложения по
улучшению стиля общения. Несоблюдение этих рекомендаций может негативно повлиять
как на устное, так и на письменное общение.
Ключевые слова:
Формальный и неформальный стили общения, основные
характеристики стилей, английский язык.
Speech styles exist in all languages, and English is no exception. Mastering these styles is
essential for anyone aiming to speak the language as naturally as native speakers. Language is part
of one's image, much like attire. Just as a bank employee wouldn't wear a tracksuit to work, and
an evening dress would look out of place on a beach, one must choose the appropriate
communication style. Every English learner should master various conversation styles, as even the
strictest official owns pajamas, and every fashionable lady has comfortable shoes along with her
high heels. Similarly, one should have a range of expressions and use them according to the
situation.
Formal English
: The language of business and science, used in formal settings like
conferences, presentations, business communications, documents, and scientific articles. To
ensure your speech sounds formal, follow these rules:
1.
Avoid contractions
: Use full forms of words (e.g., "I am" instead of "I'm", "I do not"
instead of "I don't"). However, possessive expressions (e.g., "the company's manager") are
acceptable.
2.
Avoid phrasal verbs
: Use standard verbs instead (e.g., "increase" instead of "went up").
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
441
3.
Avoid slang and colloquialisms
: Use formal expressions (e.g., "How are you doing?"
instead of "What’s up?").
4.
Build complex expressions
: Develop your thoughts fully, support them with clear
arguments, and maintain a cause-and-effect relationship between sentences.
5.
Use technical terminology
: Use industry-specific vocabulary (e.g., "audit financial report"
instead of "check financial report").
6.
Avoid the word "I"
: In business letters, avoid phrases like "I think" or "In my opinion".
Speak on behalf of your company.
7.
Use complex grammar
: Employ passive voice and other formal grammatical
constructions more frequently (e.g., "You are invited to the conference" instead of "We invite you
to the conference").
Examples of Formal vs. Informal Words
:
Go up (informal) – increase (formal)
Find out (informal) – discover (formal)
Set up (informal) – establish (formal)
Free (informal) – release (formal)
Show (informal) – demonstrate (formal)
Seem (informal) – appear (formal)
Keep (informal) – retain (formal)
But (informal) – however (formal)
So (informal) – therefore (formal)
To sum up (informal) – to conclude (formal)
Just wanted to let you know… (informal) – I am writing to inform you… (formal)
Hope to hear from you soon (informal) – I am looking forward to hearing from you (formal)
Call me if you need anything (informal) – Please do not hesitate to contact me (formal)
To differentiate informal words from formal ones, a reliable dictionary is a valuable resource.
For instance, the Oxford Learner's Dictionary marks informal words with a "slang" note. Informal
words can vary depending on cultural, historical, or fashion influences, making them sometimes
difficult to identify. Abbreviations and contractions are often considered informal.
Identifying Informal and Formal Words:
1.
Academic Context
:
o
Academic books and papers usually employ formal language, characterized by technical
terms, titles, and pronouns.
2.
Contextual Differences
:
o
Informal words often have different meanings based on context. They may have vague or
multiple meanings, unlike the more precise formal words.
3.
Suffixes
:
o
Formal words frequently end with suffixes such as -tion, -sion, -ment, etc.
4.
Latinate Roots
:
o
Words with Latin roots are often formal.
5.
First-Person Usage
:
ISSN:
2181-3906
2024
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 3 / ISSUE 6 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
442
o
Informal language typically uses first-person pronouns, except in autobiographical
sketches.
6.
Word Length
:
o
Shorter words are generally informal.
By paying attention to these characteristics, one can more easily distinguish between formal
and informal words.
In summary, formal language is marked by precise, well-developed expressions, technical
terminology, avoidance of personal pronouns like "I", and the use of complex grammar. This
ensures your communication is appropriate for business and scientific contexts.
REFERENCES
1.
Generation of Formal and Informal Sentences Fadi Abu Sheikha and Diana Inkpen
Proceedings of the 13th European Workshop on Natural Language Generation (ENLG),
pages 187–193, Nancy, France, September 2011.
2.
Arnold, I.V. Lexicology of modern English: textbook / I.V. Arnold. - 2nd ed., revised. -
Moscow: FLINTA, 2012. - 267 p.
3.
Ivashkin, M.P. Workshop on the style of the English language. A Manual of English
Stylistics: [textbook] / M.P. Ivashkin, V.V. Sdobnikov, A.V. Selyaev. - Moscow: ACT:
East-West, 2005. - 5 p.
4.
Kovalenko, A.Ya. General course of scientific and technical translation: a manual on
Translation from English into Russian // A.Ya. Kovalenko. - Kyiv: INCOS, 2003. - 250 p.
