Informal writing is usually one in the scribbling stage. This kind of writing is seen in writing journal entries or answering questions. Blogs and other online entries are also often written in a conversational, more informal style. It’s, effectively, how people write to their friends and families. The recipient might tolerate some grammar and spelling mistakes.
The main features of informal writing include the following:
- Informal writing resembles a spoken conversation. Therefore, it may include figures of speech, slang, asides, or broken syntax.
- Informal writing is often highly conversational in style. The writer frequently uses the first person and directly addresses the reader using the second person.
- As in conversations, both paragraphs and sentences tend to be shorter in informal writing. This is particularly true in writing for the Internet. The writer may also use an ellipsis (…) or incomplete sentences to make the points.
- Words may be abbreviated or shortened in informal writing. Therefore, one will see abbreviations and contractions (for instance, doesn’t, it’s, etc.) used much more in this approach.
- In informal writing, the writers often demonstrate more empathy toward the reader. For example, they may explain a more complicated thought more clearly. This is associated with the more personal style in informal writing that’s more suited to conveying emotions.
Here’re some effective ways to improve informal writing:
- The writer should try to use informal linking phrases and words such as “by the way,” “so,” and “anyway.”
- Rather than saying something such as “I can’t believe it,” the writer can drop the “I” and write, “can’t believe it!”
- Informal writing in emails and letters generally begins with a greeting phrase. When writing to a friend, the writer can start with “Hi (name)” instead of “Dear (name).” It’s important to include a comma after the greeting phrase.
- To mention that something is exciting or important, the writer can end the sentence with an exclamation mark.
- Another effective way to make the writing both natural and informal is to keep the ideas clear. The writer may even use basic lines with just two or three words, such as “Miss you tons.”
- Using expressions is a fun and easy way to make the writing informal. The writer can use “What’s up?” instead of “Hello.”
- Phrasal verbs are powerful multipurpose words that can be found in all areas of English communication. The writer can use a more common verb like “take off” instead of “depart.”
