It can sometimes be difficult to discern the differences between informal and formal language, which so often comes down to a single case of word choice or order, small syntactical adjustments, tense, etc. Thus, we may consider the differences between these two styles in term of generalizations, some of which we will consider below.
Contractions: Formal language generally doesn't contain contractions, while informal language does.
Informal: You shouldn't walk the dog tonight if there's a thunderstorm.
Formal: You should not walk the dog tonight if there is a thunderstorm.
Voice: Formal language often assumes the passive voice (commonly seen in scientific and academic writing), while informal language takes on the active voice. This also relates to the usage of particular pronouns. Formal language avoids using the "I" or "We" perspective, while informal language frequently adopts such a point of view.
Informal: We brought deviled eggs and a salad to the potluck.
Formal: Deviled eggs and salad were brought to the potluck.
Colloquialisms: At the risk of sounding redundant, formal language does not use "informal" phrases (like colloquialisms or slang), while informal language does.
Informal: Hey! What's up with you?
Formal: Hello. How are you doing?
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