ELA5, CSS, Sferrazza

Formal language should be used with all adults, and informal language can be used with your peer group. Most academic work should also be written in formal English. This means using proper grammar, more complex sentence structure, and formal vocabulary.

When you address your teacher or other adults in public settings, you need to use Mr./Ms./Mrs. and their last name. You usually do not use their first names. When you address a peer, you can use their first name or their nickname.

In informal language, people use slang, shortened forms of words, and text talk. Do not use this in formal settings. See the chart below for some examples of the differences.

Casual - Formal

my bad - I am sorry.

way sucks - It's terrible.

dunno - I don't know.

yeah - yes

nah - no

cuz - because

thx - thanks

gotta - have to

LOL -  That was very funny.