Formal and Informal English
Recognise and compare formal and informal uses of English, understanding that language choices vary based on audience, purpose and context
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Teaching Table
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“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?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Recognise and compare formal and informal uses of English, understanding that language choices vary based on audience, purpose and context
What to notice. 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)
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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
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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