From http://www.word-mart.com/html/formal_and_informal_writing.html
Here's a list of some of the main differences between informal and formal writing:[Below is part of that list.]
Informal: May use colloquial words/expressions (kids, guy, awesome, a lot).
Formal: Avoid using colloquial words/expressions(substitute with
children, man/boy, wonderful, many.
Informal: May use contractions (can’t, won’t, shouldn’t).
Formal: Avoid contractions (write out
full words – cannot, will not,
should not).
Informal: May use first, second, or third person.
Formal: Write in third person (except in business letters where first person may be used).Informal: May use clichés (loads of,
tons of, conspicuous by absence, the cat's pajamas, )
Formal: Avoid clichés (use many, was absent)Informal: May address readers using second person pronouns (you, your)
Formal: Avoid addressing readers using second person pronouns (use third person instead) Informal: May use abbreviated words (photo, TV, etc.)
Formal: Avoid using abbreviated words (use full versions– such as photograph, television, etc.)
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