IELTS Formal and Informal Writing Modules

Difference Between Formal & Informal Style

We have observed, many students face problem while differentiating between Formal and Informal way of Writing in IELTS exam.

In this post we guide you in detail for your better IELTS Test Preparation.

The main difference between the Formal and Informal writing styles are very simple to understand as it directly relates to the use of vocabulary. Informal words are the ones that we use in our daily conversation and formal words are those that are confined to contracts, business letters, books and essays. Therefore, if the writing requires formal writing – avoid using the informal vocabulary. Similarly, if the writing task requires you to use Informal Writing, for instance “Letter to a friend”, avoid using formal “Heavy’ or “Fancy” words.




Informal and Formal Vocabulary Example: 

It is also important to understand that in Formal Writing you should avoid words like “I”, “You” and “We”, unless you are about to give an opinion. For Instance, in an essay you should avoid writing “You would find it difficult to get the job without a proper experience”, but you should write it like “One would find it difficult to get the job without a proper experience” or you can also write “Finding a job without a proper experience would be rather difficult”.

Formal	Informal
Inform me	Let me know
Cancel	Drop
Contact	Get in touch
Obtain	Get
Apologise	Say sorry
Postpone	Delay
Request	Ask for
Compensate	Make up
Establish	Set up
Discover	Find out
Handle	Deal with
Investigate	Check up on
Tolerate	Put up
Increase	Go up
Children	Kids
Many / Much	A lot of
Many / Much	Heaps of
Enquire	Ask
Reserve	Book
Verify	Check
On behalf of	From
Receive	Get
Provide	Give
Assist	Help
Give my Regards to	Say Hello to

Practicing in correct direction is a key to Success. 

Through our blog we try and help you to avoid silly mistakes and achieve higher bands in your IELTS Exams.