TEAS Ready🗣️ English and Language Usage · Knowledge of Language · Lesson 5 of 6 · 5 min
Formal vs informal language: match the reader
📧 "Hey prof, can u bump my grade?" might work in a text to a friend. To an instructor it can cost you.
💡 Key idea
Ask who will read it, then choose words that are clear, correct and as formal as that reader expects.
🧠 The idea
REGISTER is the level of formality in writing, and the right register depends on the AUDIENCE and purpose. FORMAL LANGUAGE uses complete sentences, standard grammar, precise words and a respectful tone. It avoids slang, contractions in very formal documents, abbreviations such as "u" or "thx," emojis and exclamation marks used for emphasis. Use it for instructors, employers, scholarship committees, lab reports, research papers and patient records. INFORMAL LANGUAGE is relaxed and personal, fine for texts, notes to friends or a casual blog. Formal does not mean wordy: "I am writing to request an extension" beats "I am reaching out at this point in time in order to request." In a lab report, keep the focus on facts and methods: "The solution was heated to 40 °C" rather than "We cooked it until it was super hot." On the TEAS, pick the choice that fits the stated reader and keeps the meaning.
✏️ Worked example
A student emails an instructor: "hey, gonna miss lab tmrw bc im sick, can i make it up??" Step 1: identify the reader: an instructor, so formal. Step 2: remove slang and abbreviations (gonna, tmrw, bc). Step 3: use complete sentences and a polite request. Revision: "Dear Professor Lane, I am ill and will not be able to attend lab tomorrow. May I schedule a makeup session? Thank you, Tara Ruiz."
📌 Takeaways
- Audience and purpose decide the register.
- Formal: no slang, text abbreviations or emojis; standard grammar.
- Formal also means concise, not padded.
✅ Check yourself
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is most appropriate for a scholarship application letter?
- I am committed to nursing and prepared for its demands.
- I have wanted to be a nurse forever, no joke.
- Nursing is my dream, so pick me!!
- I'm super into nursing and would totally rock this program.
Show the answer and rationale
Answer: A
The committed-and-ready sentence uses formal, precise language suited to a scholarship committee. The others rely on slang (super into, rock, no joke), exaggeration or exclamation marks, which sound casual and unprofessional.
Question 2 of 3
Which sentence fits the formal style of a lab report?
- The sample was placed in the centrifuge for ten minutes.
- We threw the sample in the spinner for like ten minutes.
- Then the sample went for a quick spin, about ten minutes or so.
- Our awesome sample got spun for ten minutes.
Show the answer and rationale
Answer: A
The first sentence is objective and precise, naming the equipment and time. The others use casual words (threw, spinner, like, awesome) and vague phrasing that do not belong in a scientific report.
Question 3 of 3
A student is writing a text message to a close friend. Which choice is appropriate for this audience?
- Dear Sir or Madam, kindly expect my arrival at six.
- To whom it may concern: I shall arrive at the library at six o'clock.
- Please be advised that I will be present at the library at six.
- Heading to the library at 6, want to meet there?
Show the answer and rationale
Answer: D
A text to a close friend calls for informal, friendly language, so the short casual question fits. The other choices use stiff business phrasing (To whom it may concern, Dear Sir or Madam, Please be advised) that is wrong for this reader.
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