When speaking English in casual settings, using informal language helps you sound more natural and approachable. Informal English is common among friends, family, and colleagues in relaxed environments. Here are some tips and examples to help you incorporate it into your conversations.
1. Use Contractions
In informal English, contractions are widely used to make speech sound more fluid and conversational. For example:
- Formal: I cannot believe it!
- Informal: I can’t believe it!
Other examples include won’t (will not), she’s (she is), and we’re (we are).
2. Incorporate Slang and Colloquialisms
Slang adds a local or cultural flavour to your speech, though it’s important to use it appropriately. For instance:
- British English: I’m knackered! (I’m very tired.)
- American English: That’s awesome! (That’s amazing.)
- Australian English: No worries! (It’s okay or not a problem.)
Be sure to pay attention to context, as some slang can be specific to particular regions or age groups.
3. Drop Formal Greetings
In casual conversations, swap formal phrases for more relaxed ones. For example:
- Formal: Hello, how are you?
- Informal: Hiya, how’s it going?
Similarly, instead of It was a pleasure meeting you, you could say, Nice to meet you!
4. Use Abbreviations
Native speakers often shorten phrases in informal contexts. For example:
- Gonna instead of going to
- Wanna instead of want to
- Lemme instead of let me
For instance:
- Formal: I am going to call you later.
- Informal: I’m gonna call you later.
5. Add Fillers and Informal Expressions
Informal English often includes fillers like you know, like, and sort of to give speakers time to think or make their tone softer. For example:
- I was, like, so confused, you know?
Other casual expressions, such as to be honest or basically, are also commonly used.
6. Use Casual Vocabulary
Swap formal words for simpler alternatives:
- Formal: I apologise for being late.
- Informal: Sorry I’m late.
- Formal: I require assistance with this task.
- Informal: Can you help me out with this?
7. Relax Sentence Structure
In informal speech, people often simplify grammar. For example:
- Formal: It is a book that I have been meaning to read.
- Informal: It’s a book I’ve been meaning to read.
8. Add Humour or Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are more common in informal contexts:
- Give up instead of surrender
- Figure out instead of determine
For example:
- I’ve finally figured out how to solve this problem!
While informal English is fantastic for casual conversations, it’s important to recognise when it’s appropriate. Avoid using it in formal or professional situations unless the tone calls for it. With practice, you’ll find a comfortable balance and sound more fluent and natural in your speech.
Go ahead and give it a go—you’ll be chatting like a native in no time!
Have go at the quiz to test your knowledge of casual English below:
Test your understanding of casual English with this quick quiz!
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