Formal and Informal Verbs
formal and informal verbs
choosing the right Style of communication
An email to a client, a presentation delivered to your team, or a chat via an instant messaging application – all of these forms of communication require another tone and style. It is so because the tone and style of your message shapes how it is received and how you’re perceived. Using the right level of formality shows social awareness, builds trust, and helps you communicate more effectively.
Let’s say you’re writing to your manager. Would you say, “Hey, just wanted to check if we’re still good for the meeting?” or “I’m writing to confirm whether the meeting will proceed as scheduled”? Well, in fact, both are fine 🙂 In different contexts, though. This is what we’re going to explore in this article. We will also provide you with a list of 40 common formal verbs with their informal equivalents.
In English, the level of formality is often linked to the origin of the words used. Did you know that formal English frequently draws on Latin and Greek roots? These words tend to sound more abstract and sophisticated. Informal English, on the other hand, often comes from Anglo-Saxon origins and is short, direct, and concrete. In the past it was used by simple, uneducated people who did not belong to the royal family or entourage (BTW, “entourage” comes from French, is pronounced more like a French word than an English one, which lends it a sense of sophistication). Knowing this distinction, you may better understand why some words feel “more serious” or “more casual.”
Language Style Guide
| Style | Common Contexts | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | Official emails, reports, academic writing, technical writing, reference books | Longer sentences, passive voice, sophisticated vocabulary, no contractions |
| Semi-Formal | Emails to coworkers, presentations, customer service | Mix of formal and everyday vocabulary, polite tone, some contractions |
| Informal | Chats with friends, social media posts, casual emails | Contractions, phrasal verbs, slang, idioms, direct and personal tone |
If you need to learn Academic English, check our offer of courses: https://learner.com.pl/kursy-angielski-online/#angielski-akademicki .
Here are 40 examples of verbs in their formal and informal versions. If you find the topic interesting and useful, let us know! We won’t stop at these 40 examples. Contact us with your suggestions, writing at: biuro@learner.com.pl
Formal vs Informal Verbs
| Formal | Informal |
|---|---|
| adjudicate | judge |
| advocate | support, encourage |
| apologise | say sorry |
| acquire | get |
| assist | help |
| clarify | clear up |
| collaborate | work together |
| commence | start / kick off |
| comprehend | get / understand |
| conclude | finish |
| demonstrate | show |
| depart | leave |
| dispose (of) | get rid of |
| endeavor | try |
| encounter | run into |
| exchange | swap |
| facilitate | help / make easier |
| indicate | show / point out |
| inform | tell |
| inquire | ask about |
| investigate | look into |
| maintain | keep |
| notify | let know |
| obtain | get |
| omit | skip |
| pledge | promise |
| postpone | put off |
| purchase | buy |
| recapitulate | recap |
| rectify | fix |
| reimburse | pay back |
| request | ask |
| require | need |
| reside | live |
| resign | quit |
| respond | answer |
| terminate | end |
| treat | deal with |
| utilize | use |
| verify | check |
Source: Michael McCarthy, Felicity O’Dell, Academic Vocabulary in Use
Have you noticed how many phrasal verbs are there in the column with informal verbs? They are definitely worth learning; however, remember to use them in the right context.
Basic information about phrasal verbs has been covered in this article: https://learner.com.pl/blog-czasowniki-zlozone/ .
Since practice makes perfect, from time to time try changing formal messages into informal ones. For example, as below:
- We would like to request additional information regarding your services.
→ Can we ask for more info about what you offer? - I will commence the presentation at 11:00 sharp.
→ I’ll start the presentation at 11:00. - They informed us of the price change yesterday.
→ They told us the price changed yesterday. - Please utilize the attached form to submit your response.
→ Just use the attached form to send your answer. - The team will investigate the issue further.
→ The team will look into the problem more. - I apologise for any inconvenience caused.
→ Sorry for the trouble. - She resides in a quiet suburb of the city.
→ She lives in a quiet area outside the city.
If you want to improve your ability to write and speak in a formal style, we suggest exploring these resources:
- academic journals and research papers from disciplines like medicine, law, economics, or psychology — they offer clear examples of formal tone and vocabulary.
- branch-specific magazines — useful for observing industry-appropriate formal expressions, such as those used in logistics, HR, HSE or different medical specialisations (Are you interested in logistics? Check this article: https://learner.com.pl/blog-transport-lotniczy/ )
- professional reports and official documents, including white papers, government publications, and policy briefs. If your team delivers formal presentations or writes analytical reports on a daily basis, consider arranging a workshop for them so that their communication in English is not only lexically rich and grammatically correct but it is also well-suited to the context
- interviews with experts (e.g. panel discussions, or conference talks) — this helps you get used to formal spoken English.
The more aware you are of tone and formality, the more confident and flexible your communication will be. Whether you’re writing to or talking with a professor, your boss, or your best friend, selecting the appropriate words may determine your communicative success.
Stay curious!
Learner Team