Formal and Informal Words in English: Lists, Examples and Quiz
Many English ideas have two words: an everyday one for friends and a formal one for emails, reports and official letters. Learn the pairs, when to use each, and how to avoid sounding too stiff or too casual.
55 words · By LearnLingo Team · Updated
Tap to hear a word. Pronunciation is American English. Levels follow the CEFR scale. Turkish translations are given as a quick check.
Formal verbs and their everyday partners
Each formal verb below has a simpler everyday partner, shown in the definition. In conversation, the everyday word is almost always better.
| Word | Meaning and example | Turkish |
|---|---|---|
purchase ⁄ˈpɝːtʃəs⁄ · verb B2 | formal for buy Tickets can be purchased online. | satın almak |
obtain ⁄əbˈteɪn⁄ · verb B2 | formal for get, especially after some effort You must obtain a visa before you travel. | edinmek, elde etmek |
require ⁄rɪˈkwaɪɚ⁄ · verb B2 | formal for need All visitors are required to sign in. | gerektirmek, ihtiyaç duymak |
assist ⁄əˈsɪst⁄ · verb B2 | formal for help Our staff will be happy to assist you. | yardım etmek |
inform ⁄ɪnˈfɔːrm⁄ · verb B1 | formal for tell, especially to give official facts Please inform us of any changes to your address. | bilgilendirmek, bildirmek |
request ⁄rɪˈkwest⁄ · verb B2 | formal for ask for Guests are requested not to smoke in the rooms. | talep etmek, rica etmek |
commence ⁄kəˈmens⁄ · verb C1 | very formal for start or begin The ceremony will commence at 10 a.m. | başlamak |
terminate ⁄ˈtɝːmɪneɪt⁄ · verb C1 | formal for end, especially a contract or agreement The company terminated his contract. | sona erdirmek, feshetmek |
reside ⁄rɪˈzaɪd⁄ · verb C1 | very formal for live in a place The applicant must reside in the city. | ikamet etmek |
inquire ⁄ɪnˈkwaɪɚ⁄ · verb B2 | formal for ask, especially for information (British English also: enquire) I am writing to inquire about the course fees. | bilgi istemek, sormak |
receive ⁄rɪˈsiːv⁄ · verb B1 | more formal than get, for letters, money or information We received your application on Monday. | almak, teslim almak |
attempt ⁄əˈtempt⁄ · verb B2 | formal for try Do not attempt to repair the device yourself. | girişimde bulunmak, denemek |
provide ⁄prəˈvaɪd⁄ · verb B1 | formal for give, especially something people need Lunch will be provided. | sağlamak, temin etmek |
apologize ⁄əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz⁄ · verb B1 | formal for say sorry (British English: apologise) We apologize for the delay. | özür dilemek |
clarify ⁄ˈklærəfaɪ⁄ · verb B2 | formal for make clear or explain Could you clarify what you mean by soon? | açıklığa kavuşturmak |
indicate ⁄ˈɪndɪkeɪt⁄ · verb B2 | formal for show or suggest The results indicate a clear trend. | göstermek, belirtmek |
Phrasal verbs for everyday English
Phrasal verbs are common in speech and friendly writing. The definition gives the more formal one-word verb you can use in reports and official emails.
| Word | Meaning and example | Turkish |
|---|---|---|
find out ⁄ˌfaɪnd ˈaʊt⁄ · phrasal verb A2 | to learn a fact (formal: discover, establish) Can you find out what time the train leaves? | öğrenmek, bulmak |
put off ⁄ˌpʊt ˈɔːf⁄ · phrasal verb B1 | to move to a later time (formal: postpone) We had to put off the meeting until Friday. | ertelemek |
look into ⁄ˌlʊk ˈɪntuː⁄ · phrasal verb B2 | to try to find out the facts about something (formal: investigate) I'll look into it and call you back. | incelemek, araştırmak |
get in touch ⁄ˌɡet ɪn ˈtʌtʃ⁄ · phrase B1 | to contact someone (formal: contact) Get in touch when you're back in town. | iletişime geçmek |
set up ⁄ˌset ˈʌp⁄ · phrasal verb B1 | to start a company or organization (formal: establish) She set up her own business at 25. | kurmak |
sort out ⁄ˌsɔːrt ˈaʊt⁄ · phrasal verb B1 | to solve a problem or put things in order (formal: resolve) Don't worry, we'll sort it out. | halletmek, çözmek |
turn down ⁄ˌtɝːn ˈdaʊn⁄ · phrasal verb B2 | to say no to an offer or request (formal: decline, reject) He turned down the job because of the salary. | reddetmek |
come up with ⁄ˌkʌm ˈʌp wɪð⁄ · phrasal verb B2 | to think of an idea or plan (formal: devise, propose) We need to come up with a better name. | (fikir) bulmak, ortaya atmak |
put up with ⁄ˌpʊt ˈʌp wɪð⁄ · phrasal verb B2 | to accept something annoying without complaining (formal: tolerate) I can't put up with this noise anymore. | katlanmak, tahammül etmek |
go over ⁄ˌɡoʊ ˈoʊvɚ⁄ · phrasal verb B2 | to check or look at something carefully again (formal: review) Let's go over the plan one more time. | gözden geçirmek |
Formal linking words, adjectives and nouns
These words are typical of written English. In speech, people usually use the simpler word in the definition.
| Word | Meaning and example | Turkish |
|---|---|---|
however ⁄haʊˈevɚ⁄ · adverb B1 | a formal way to introduce a contrast, like but The plan is good. However, it is expensive. | ancak, bununla birlikte |
therefore ⁄ˈðerfɔːr⁄ · adverb B1 | formal for so, as a result The road is closed. Therefore, the bus will be late. | bu nedenle, dolayısıyla |
furthermore ⁄ˈfɝːðɚmɔːr⁄ · adverb B2 | formal for also or what's more The flat is cheap. Furthermore, it is close to the station. | ayrıca, üstelik |
nevertheless ⁄ˌnevɚðəˈles⁄ · adverb C1 | formal for but still or even so It was raining. Nevertheless, the match went ahead. | yine de, buna rağmen |
regarding ⁄rɪˈɡɑːrdɪŋ⁄ · preposition B2 | formal for about I am writing regarding your recent order. | ile ilgili olarak, hakkında |
prior to ⁄ˈpraɪɚ tuː⁄ · preposition C1 | formal for before Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. | -den önce |
currently ⁄ˈkɝːəntli⁄ · adverb B2 | more formal than now or at the moment The manager is currently unavailable. | şu anda |
immediately ⁄ɪˈmiːdiətli⁄ · adverb B1 | more formal than right away or straight away Please contact us immediately if you notice a problem. | derhal, hemen |
sufficient ⁄səˈfɪʃənt⁄ · adjective B2 | formal for enough There is not sufficient evidence to support the claim. | yeterli |
additional ⁄əˈdɪʃənəl⁄ · adjective B2 | formal for extra or more Additional information is available on our website. | ek, ilave |
numerous ⁄ˈnuːmɚəs⁄ · adjective B2 | formal for many or lots of We have received numerous complaints. | çok sayıda |
assistance ⁄əˈsɪstəns⁄ · noun B2 | formal for help Thank you for your assistance. | yardım |
Informal words for everyday speech
Words you hear every day with friends and family. They are fine in conversation and text messages, but avoid them in formal writing.
| Word | Meaning and example | Turkish |
|---|---|---|
kids ⁄kɪdz⁄ · noun A2 | informal for children The kids are at school until three. | çocuklar |
guy ⁄ɡaɪ⁄ · noun A2 | informal for a man; you guys can mean a group of any gender He's a really nice guy. | adam, eleman |
stuff ⁄stʌf⁄ · noun A2 | informal for things or material in general Just leave your stuff in my room. | şey, eşya |
okay ⁄oʊˈkeɪ⁄ · adjective A1 | informal for all right or acceptable (also written OK) Is it okay if I open the window? | tamam, olur |
awesome ⁄ˈɔːsəm⁄ · adjective B1 | informal for very good, especially in American English The concert was awesome! | harika, müthiş |
cheers ⁄tʃɪrz⁄ · exclamation B1 | informal British English for thanks or goodbye; also said when drinking Cheers for the lift! | sağ ol; şerefe |
gonna ⁄ˈɡənə⁄ · phrase B1 | the spoken form of going to; do not write it in formal texts I'm gonna call her later. | -ecek, -acak (konuşma dili) |
wanna ⁄ˈwɑːnə⁄ · phrase B1 | the spoken form of want to; do not write it in formal texts Do you wanna get some food? | istemek (konuşma dili) |
a bit ⁄ə ˈbɪt⁄ · phrase A2 | informal for a little or slightly I'm a bit tired today. | biraz |
loads of ⁄ˈloʊdz əv⁄ · phrase B1 | informal for a lot of or many We've got loads of time. | bir sürü, çok |
pretty ⁄ˈprɪti⁄ · adverb B1 | informal for quite or fairly The test was pretty easy. | oldukça, epey |
mate ⁄meɪt⁄ · noun B1 | informal British and Australian English for friend I'm going out with some mates tonight. | dostum, kanka |
Formal email and letter phrases
Fixed phrases for official emails and letters. The definition gives the friendly version you would write to a colleague you know well.
| Word | Meaning and example | Turkish |
|---|---|---|
Dear Sir or Madam ⁄ˌdɪr ˌsɝː ɔːr ˈmædəm⁄ · phrase B1 | a formal greeting when you do not know the person's name (friendly: Hi) Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to complain about my order. | Sayın Yetkili |
I am writing to ⁄aɪ æm ˈraɪtɪŋ tuː⁄ · phrase B1 | a formal way to start an email and give its purpose (friendly: Just a quick note to) I am writing to apply for the position of sales assistant. | ... amacıyla yazıyorum |
please find attached ⁄pliːz ˌfaɪnd əˈtætʃt⁄ · phrase B2 | a formal way to say a file is attached (friendly: I've attached) Please find attached my CV. | ekte bulabilirsiniz |
at your earliest convenience ⁄æt jɚ ˌɝːliəst kənˈviːniəns⁄ · phrase C1 | very formal for as soon as you can Please reply at your earliest convenience. | en kısa zamanda, size uygun olan ilk fırsatta |
kind regards ⁄ˌkaɪnd rɪˈɡɑːrdz⁄ · phrase B1 | a polite way to end an email (friendly: Thanks, Best, Cheers) Kind regards, Elif Demir | saygılarımla |
Useful phrases and collocations
make a formal complaint
She made a formal complaint to the manager.
a formal letter or email
You need to write a formal letter to the bank.
an informal chat
It's just an informal chat, not a real interview.
formal or casual clothes
Is the dress code formal or casual?
submit an application
Please submit your application by 30 June.
request further information
You can request further information by email.
provide details
Please provide details of your previous experience.
get back to someone
I'll get back to you tomorrow.
drop someone a line
Drop me a line when you arrive.
look forward to hearing from you
I look forward to hearing from you.
keep in touch
It was great to see you. Let's keep in touch.
a casual tone
The email has a friendly, casual tone.
How to learn these words
Learn these words in pairs, not alone: buy and purchase, help and assist, find out and discover. Write the everyday word on one side of a card and the formal partner on the other, then test yourself in both directions. A good exercise is to take a short message to a friend and rewrite it as a formal email, then do the opposite. Review the cards again after a day and after a week.
Register means choosing the right level of formality for the situation. Formal words are not better English; they are just right for official situations like job applications, complaints, reports and exams. With friends, formal words can sound cold or even funny: I shall purchase the tickets sounds strange in a text message. Most daily English sits in the middle: polite, but simple. For ready-made email language, see business email phrases.
There are also differences between British and American English. Cheers and mate are mainly British and Australian; awesome and you guys are more American, although both are now heard everywhere. British English often writes enquire and apologise; American English writes inquire and apologize. Contractions (I'm, don't, we'll) are normal in speech and friendly emails, but full forms are safer in formal writing. For slang words used with friends, see common English slang.
Use the words: speaking and writing tasks
- Rewrite this text message as a formal email to a hotel: Hi! Wanna book a room for 2 nights next week. Can you tell me the price? Cheers.
- Make ten flashcards with an everyday word on one side and its formal partner on the other (buy and purchase, help and assist), and test yourself.
- Write a short formal email asking for information about a course. Use inquire, require, regarding and I look forward to hearing from you.
- Tell a friend about a problem at work in an informal way using sort out, put off and a bit. Then explain the same problem formally to a manager.
- Find an official letter or notice in English and underline every formal word. Then say each sentence again in everyday English.
Common mistakes
Hello Sir, I want to ask about the job.
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to inquire about the position.
In a formal email to someone you do not know, start with Dear Sir or Madam or Dear plus their title and surname. Hello Sir is not used in English emails, and I want can sound too direct.
I look forward to hear from you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
In look forward to, the word to is a preposition, so it is followed by an -ing form.
I wanna apply for the marketing position.
I would like to apply for the marketing position.
Wanna and gonna show how people speak quickly. They are fine in casual texts, but never in formal writing.
I want my money back now.
I would like to request a refund, please.
In formal complaints and requests, I would like and request sound polite and firm. I want plus now sounds rude in most situations.
Texting a friend: I shall purchase the tickets and inform you.
Texting a friend: I'll buy the tickets and let you know.
Very formal words sound cold or funny with friends. Use everyday words and contractions in casual messages.
Practice quiz
10 questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why.
1. Which is the formal word for buy?
2. Choose the best ending for a formal email.
3. We had to ___ the meeting until next week. (informal)
4. The formal word for enough is ___ .
5. Choose the correct sentence.
6. Which word is informal?
7. The formal verb for look into is ___ .
8. Please arrive 10 minutes ___ your interview. (formal)
9. In British English, a friend might say ___ to mean thanks.
10. Which sentence is most suitable for a formal letter?
0 of 10 answered
Show all answers
- purchase
- Kind regards, Ali
- put off
- sufficient
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- stuff
- investigate
- prior to
- cheers
- We will resolve the problem as soon as possible.
See what the B2 English course covers, or test your level first.
People also ask
What is the difference between formal and informal English?+
Formal English is used in official situations like job applications, reports, legal texts and emails to people you do not know. It uses longer words, fewer contractions and no slang. Informal English is used with friends and family and uses short words, phrasal verbs and contractions.
Are phrasal verbs informal?+
Many phrasal verbs are informal or neutral, such as find out, put off and sort out, and they are very common in speech. In formal writing, a one-word verb often sounds better: discover, postpone, resolve. But some phrasal verbs, like carry out and set up, are fine in formal English too.
Is it rude to use informal English at work?+
Not usually. Most workplace conversation and many internal emails are fairly informal and friendly. Use more formal language with clients, senior people you do not know well, and in official documents such as contracts and complaints.
Is okay formal or informal?+
Okay (or OK) is informal to neutral. It is fine in conversation and in most work emails, but in formal letters and essays, words like acceptable, satisfactory or fine are safer.
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