Formal and Informal English
Recognise and compare formal and informal uses of English, understanding that language choices vary based on audience, purpose and context
Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Does your child understand the difference between how they'd write a text to a friend versus a formal letter — and can they explain why the language would be different?
Recognise and compare formal and informal uses of English, understanding that language choices vary based on audience, purpose and context
Learning resources
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This concept
Check understanding
- Identify whether a spoken or written example uses formal or informal language (e.g., 'Dear Sir' vs 'Hey mate')
- Rewrite an informal sentence in a more formal way (e.g., change 'Can I have some?' to 'May I please have some?')
- Explain why formal language might be used in one situation and informal in another (e.g., a letter to the headteacher vs a note to a friend)
“Does your child understand the difference between how they'd write a text to a friend versus a formal letter — and can they explain why the language would be different?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Language
- Subject
- English
- Domain
- Vocabulary
- Age range
- Ages 7–10
Standards