A Comparative Study of Formal and Informal English Used by Secondary School Students

Abstract

English is widely used by secondary school students in both academic and social contexts, requiring them to understand the distinction between formal and informal language. This study examines the differences between formal and informal English among secondary school students, focusing on vocabulary, grammar, contractions, abbreviations, slang, politeness, and online communication. A descriptive research design was adopted to examine students’ use and understanding of both forms of English. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify common patterns in students’ language use. The findings indicate that students generally use formal English in written assignments, examinations, classroom presentations, and communication with teachers, while informal English is more common in conversations with peers, family members, and social media interactions. The study further reveals that students frequently use contractions, abbreviations, slang, and digital expressions in informal communication. The study concludes that both forms are important and recommends teaching students when and how to appropriately use formal and informal English.