11 Examples of Formal and Informal Sentences

We talk about formal and informal tones a lot in writing. It would help to go through a few examples to see where the major differences lie between a “formal” sentence and an “informal” one. This article will explain those differences.

Some good examples of formal and informal sentences include “that’s unfortunate” and “that sucks,” “he is attractive” and “he’s fit,” and “I’m short on funds” and “I’m broke.” Each form comes with a formal sentence and a colloquial one, which is more common in spoken English.

That’s Unfortunate / That Sucks

“That’s unfortunate” is a formal way to show that something has not gone according to the original plan. If things go wrong, you can use this phrase. “That sucks” is an informal phrase, but it means the same thing. It shows that something has gone wrong.

Formal:

• That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry that you had to go through something like that, Riley.
• That’s unfortunate. Is there anything I can do that might make it easier for you?

Informal:

• That sucks! I can’t believe they thought they could get away with that! What are you going to do?
• That sucks! I’m so disappointed! I wish there was something we could do to get back at them.

He Is Attractive / He’s Fit

“He is attractive” is a formal way to recognize that someone is good-looking. You can use it when you want to accept this without taking it further. “He’s fit” is an informal alternative that’s very commonly seen in spoken English and is used between friends.

Formal:

• He is attractive, but I’m afraid you’re not allowed to go anywhere with him. Personal relationships are against the rules.
• I can see that he is attractive. I believe that’s superficial, though. Be careful with him.

Informal:

• He’s fit. There’s no doubt about that. I wonder if he’s noticed me yet!
• He’s fit! I wish I had been able to talk to him. I feel like he doesn’t even know I exist.

I’m Short On Funds / I’m Broke

“I’m short on funds” is a formal way to show that you’re low on money. It’s a great way of telling someone that you might need help paying for something. “I’m broke” is the informal variation, where “broke” means that you have no money to your name.

Formal:

• I’m short on funds at the moment. I’m afraid I won’t be able to dedicate much to this event.
• I’m short on funds, so I won’t be providing aid. I apologize if that’s created any problems for you.

Informal:

• I’m broke. I don’t have any money to pay for this, so I’m going to need you to cover the cost while I sort something out.
• Oh, I’m broke, actually. Sorry, I just assumed that you would have already expected that from me.

Please Find Enclosed / Share This Info

“Please find enclosed” is a formal phrase used to attach or share information about something. It’s commonly seen in formal emails or letters. “Share this info” is a much more informal way to show that you have something worth sharing.

Formal:

• Please find enclosed the information that we discussed earlier this week. It should all be present and accounted for.
• Please find enclosed a detailed list of all the reports that were sent out earlier.

Informal:

• Share this info when you get a chance, mate. I want everyone to see what’s going on around here.
• Okay, share this info for me. I have a lot more to say, and I need someone in my corner to help me say it.

I Cannot Stay For Long / I’ve Gotta Shoot

“I cannot stay for long” is a formal way to show that you’re busy. If you are at an event but have to leave soon, you can say this. On the other hand, “I’ve gotta shoot” is a much more informal way of saying the same thing. You can give a rough time frame of when you need to leave.

Formal:

• I cannot stay for long. I’m afraid I have a few ties that I need to follow up with before the end of the day.
• I cannot stay for long, but I’ll be here for a few more hours. I hope you’ve got a nice evening planned.

Informal:

• I’ve gotta shoot. As fun as this party has been, I can’t stick around! There are some things I need to sort out.
• I’ve gotta shoot in a moment. I’m sorry I couldn’t stick around for longer. I was having a blast.

I Look Forward To It / Sounds Good

“I look forward to it” is a great choice in formal English. It shows that you’re eager to find out what comes next in a business setting. “Sounds good” shows that you agree with something or look forward to something. It’s the informal variation of “look forward to it.”

Formal:

• I look forward to it. I hope you’ll keep in contact with me while you’re sorting these things out for us.
• I look forward to it. Let me know if there’s anything else you might need from me before we take this to the next stage.

Informal:

• Sounds good! I want to make sure we’re on the same page here! I’m glad you have my back on this.
• Sounds good to me! I knew I could count on you to get this sorted out! You’re a star.

That Was Good Work / Awesome Job

“That was good work” is a formal phrase. You can use it to show that you are impressed with someone’s ability or work capacity. “Awesome job” is a much more informal phrase that works well when you’re impressed with somebody you’re comfortable and familiar with.

Formal:

• That was good work, and I’m proud of you. I’ll recommend you to my supervisor when I see him next.
• That was good work. I knew you could do it. Thank you for offering your services to this team.

Informal:

• Awesome job! If there’s anything I can do to repay the favor, just let me know. I’m all ears.
• Awesome job, mate! You’ve done us all proud, and we’re certain you’re going to make it far in your future.

You Are Distressed / Stop Freaking Out

“You are distressed” is a formal way to show that you recognize someone is having a hard time. It allows you to try and calm them down after saying it. “Stop freaking out” is an informal phrase that assumes someone is having difficulty accepting something.

Formal:

• You are distressed, and I understand that. I’m afraid I’m going to have to get you to calm down, though. It’s not worth it.
• Please. You are distressed, and you need to see reason. There’s no point in you taking your rage out on others.

Informal:

• Stop freaking out! It’s not going to get you anywhere! Everyone is looking at you like you’re insane!
• Stop freaking out, Alex! Why do you think this is wise? People think you’re a freak right now.

She Is Difficult / She’s An Idiot

“She is difficult” is a simple formal phrase. It can relate to someone having a hard time working with someone else. “She’s an idiot” is harsher, but it’s a more informal way of giving a reason as to why someone might not be the best person to be around.

Formal:

• She is difficult to be around. I’m not sure where she learned these things, but it definitely wasn’t from me.
• She is difficult. I think you should give her the benefit of the doubt and help her figure some things out.

Informal:

• She’s an idiot. That’s for sure. I doubt you’re ever going to convince her to see reason.
• Oh, she’s an idiot. I thought you might have figured that one out already. Sorry that it took so long!

It’s A Pleasure To Meet You / Hey, How You Doing?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you” is a formal greeting. It’s very popular to use a phrase like this in business English when you’re meeting somebody for the first time. “Hey, how you doing?” is a common question informally. It is used no matter how many times you’ve met someone.

Formal:

• It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mack. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here. Let me know if there’s anything else you need.
• It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I’m so glad that I get the chance to work under your guidance.

Informal:

• Hey, how you doing? I feel like we haven’t had a chance to meet properly!
• Hey, how you doing? Is there anything you wanted to run me through before we begin?

Good Day / See Ya

“Good day” is a simple yet effective way to say goodbye to someone formally. You can use it when you know it is the last time you’ll be seeing them for the day. “See ya” (or “see you”) is a more informal phrase that is also used to say goodbye.

Formal:

• Good day! I hope you enjoy yourself for the rest of the evening.
• Good day to you! I’ll be here tomorrow if you come up with any new ideas.

Informal:

• See ya! I’m not sure if I’ll be around tomorrow. I’ll text you.
• See ya, buddy! It was fun talking with you!