Which sentence is more formal?
Key notes:
Formal writing is used for essays, business letters, and reports. The following types of informal language should be avoided in formal writing:
Contractions are not as informal as the other types, but they should be used sparingly in formal writing.
Compare the following sentences. The first is informal. The second is formal.
Informal: Yeah, ostriches can’t fly, but they’re amazing runners.
Formal: Though ostriches are flightless, they are remarkably adept runners.
Learn with an example
🔥Which sentence is more formal?
- On a date next week TBD, the library will close so that new computers can be installed.
- The library will close for one day next week so that new computers can be installed.
The first sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses abbreviated language (TBD).
The second sentence does not use abbreviated language, so it is more formal.
🔥Which sentence is more formal?
- The cruise will begin in Florida and will make stops in Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Bahamas.
- The cruise will begin in Florida, and it’ll make stops in Puerto Rico, Dominica, and the Bahamas.
The second sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses a contraction (it’ll).
The first sentence does not use a contraction, so it is more formal.
🔥Which sentence is more formal?
- A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun, casting a shadow on the earth.
- A solar eclipse occurs when the moon goes in front of the sun and leaves a shadow on the earth.
The second sentence is less formal. You can tell because it uses overly simple or imprecise language (goes, leaves).
The first sentence uses more precise language, so it is more formal overall.
let’s practice!
