I.

Introductions

To master the English language, you need to know how and when to use formal and informal English.

As in any language, formal English is used in more serious situations, such as job interviews or writing
emails to a professional contact. You also use it when you're speaking to someone you don't know very
well.

Informal English is used in more casual and relaxed situations. You also use it with people you know
very well, such as family and friends.

II. Objective: at the end of the lesson, 90% of the pupils will be able to,
a. Differentiate formal and informal English,
b. Determine when to use formal and informal English in written discourse,
c. Saying polite and pleasant remarks.
III. Pre-test
Directions: Read each sentence and label it formal or informal. Write your answer on
the space provided.

___________________1. Allow me to check the availability of our rooms.

___________________2. How long will you be staying, sir?

___________________3. Sure. That sounds fun!

___________________4. Please take a seat.

___________________5. Hmmmm… Okay!

___________________6. Hey, Mikee! Need your help.

___________________7. So what have you been doin’ these days?

___________________8. Nope. Why?

___________________9. Good morning. I would like to make a reservation.

___________________10. Not much, just the usual stuff.

___________________11. Can you pass the potatoes please?

___________________12. I am having a very good day today.

___________________13. That movie was awesome!

___________________14. Are you going to the rehearsal dinner tonight?

___________________15. Dude! Where’s my car?

IV. Lesson proper

The most important piece of advice for an English learner is to get lots of input. But not all input is the same.
There are, roughly speaking, two basic types of English input: formal and informal.

Formal English is used when conducting business meetings, giving lectures, presenting proposals. We also used
it when phrasal verbs and contractions (e.g., request instead of ask for, cannot instead of can’t) would be
inappropriate.

Informal English is used in everyday conversations and in personal letters.

When we use it when we use it, pronunciation of words and phrases are often shortened and simplified (e.g., “I’m
going” “instead of” “I am going”).

When to use formal language When to use informal language

  Job interview
 When talking to the school principal  Text message
 Class essay  Journal writing
 Business letter  Friendly letter
 Jotting a note

You need to know formal English because you want to be able to read a book, give a business presentation or
write an official letter. You also need informal English because you want to be able to understand and
communicate with English speakers in everyday situations.

V. Activity 1:

https://www.havefunteaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/formal-vs-informal-worksheet.jpg
 Activity2:

A. Directions: Provide a possible informal equivalent for each of the following sentences that use formal
language.

Formal Informal

1. Excuse me, sir. May I ask for your help?

2. Could you tell me how to get to the nearest

hospital?

3. Thank you very much for your assistance.

4. I apologize for any inconvenience this incident may

have caused you.

5. You are welcome.

B. Directions: provide a possible formal equivalent for each of the following sentences that use informal
language.

Formal Informal

1. Has Jen given you a buzz yet?

2. Yup!

3. Great! The, let’s meet up later.

4. I’m gonna tag the others,

5. See ya!

Activity 3.

Directions: Answer the following questions. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which is suitable in greeting a teacher in a formal letter?

a. Hello, teacher
b. Dear Ms. Dela Cruz
c. Hey, Ma’am
2. Which can be used to address a friend in an e-mail?
a. To whom it may concern
b. Dear Ms. Mavic Diaz
c. Dearest Marivic
3. Which is a suitable for a business letter?
a. Thank you.
b. Thanks a bunch.
c. Big thanks.
4. Which is a suitable ending for a friendly letter?
a. See you real soon!
 b. I hope to meet you at your most convenient time.
c. Respectfully yours
5. Which is a not formal way of giving regards to someone.
a. I hope this letter finds you well.
b. Best regards
c. Love lots

VI. Post Test.

https://www.havefunteaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/is-it-formal-or-informal-worksheet.jpg

VII. References:

 Phoenix English This Way 5.

 https://www.havefunteaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/formal-vs-informal-worksheet.jpg
 https://www.havefunteaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/is-it-formal-or-informal-worksheet.jpg