Last week, Sarah, an English learner, typed “unformal” in her assignment and her teacher immediately corrected her.
She wondered, “Is informal the same as unformal?” This confusion is common among ESL students, writers, and professionals.
People often type unformal or informal when learning English because they want to know which spelling is correct.
If you’ve ever struggled with this, you’re not alone. Getting it wrong can make your writing look careless.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything from the origin of the word to everyday examples, so by the end, you’ll always know when to use informal—and never unformal again.
Quick Answer
Informal is the correct word.
- ✅ Example: He prefers an informal chat with his friends.
- ❌ Example: He prefers an unformal chat with his friends.
Unformal is a common misspelling. It’s not standard English.
Key points:
- Informal = casual, relaxed, friendly.
- Unformal = incorrect, avoid in writing.
Synonyms & related terms: casual, colloquial, relaxed, familiar, everyday language.
The Origin of Unformal vs Informal
The word informal comes from Latin: in- (not) + formalis (according to form).
It has been used since the 15th century to describe casual or relaxed communication.
Unformal, on the other hand, is a modern misformation influenced by “unusual” or “uncommon.”
It never became standard English.
Historical usage:
- 1400s: informal starts appearing in texts describing speech or behavior.
- 1900s: informal vs formal distinctions became crucial in professional writing.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both UK and US English use informal.
There is no accepted unformal in either variety.
| Variant | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Informal | ✅ Correct | ✅ Correct |
| Unformal | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect |
Even in global English, informal is always safe.
Related entities: formal vs informal, casual vs formal, language style differences.
When Should You Use Informal?
Emails & Messaging
Use informal for casual emails or chats:
- Example: Hey Alex, are you free for coffee?
- Not acceptable: Hey Alex, are you free for unformal coffee?
Social Media Posts
Informal style works well for posts:
- Example: Can’t wait for the weekend!
- Synonyms: casual, conversational, friendly tone.
Professional Writing
Only use informal in quotes or when describing relaxed scenarios.
Tip: Always match tone with audience.
Common Mistakes with Unformal or Informal
- Typing unformal instead of informal.
- Confusing informal with formal.
- Using in formal (incorrect spacing).
Examples:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| unformal chat | informal chat |
| in formal style | informal style |
| unformal writing | informal writing |
Synonyms & related terms: casual, colloquial, everyday language, familiar, relaxed.
Informal in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- Informal: “Hey Sam, just checking if you’re free tomorrow.”
- Formal: “Dear Mr. Smith, I am confirming our meeting schedule.”
Social Media:
- Informal: “Can’t wait for the concert tonight!”
- Avoid: “unformal” – not standard.
News & Articles:
- Quotes often use informal language to show real speech.
Academic & Professional Writing:
- Stick to formal, unless quoting casual speech.
Unformal or Informal – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows:
- Informal: 95% of searches
- Unformal: mostly beginner ESL queries
Top countries searching for “informal”:
- United States
- India
- UK
- Canada
- Australia
Insights:
- “Unformal” appears only in beginner learning contexts.
- “Informal” dominates in professional and global contexts.
Comparison Table – Keyword Variations
| Keyword | Correct? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Informal | ✅ Yes | Standard and correct |
| Unformal | ❌ No | Common misspelling, avoid usage |
| In formal | ❌ No | Incorrect separation of words |
| Casual | ✅ Yes | Synonym, informal style |
| Colloquial | ✅ Yes | Informal, conversational style |
| Relaxed | ✅ Yes | Informal tone |
| Familiar | ✅ Yes | Friendly, everyday speech |
FAQs
Q1: Is unformal a real word?
A: No. Use informal for correct spelling.
Q2: Can I use unformal in emails?
A: Avoid it. Informal is correct for casual emails.
Q3: What is the opposite of informal?
A: Formal, used in professional or academic writing.
Q4: Is informal the same in UK and US English?
A: Yes, spelling and usage are identical worldwide.
Q5: Are casual and informal the same?
A: Mostly yes, casual is a synonym for informal.
Q6: Why do learners type unformal?
A: Influence from “un-” prefix words like unusual or uncommon.
Q7: Can informal be used in professional writing?
A: Only in quotes or casual speech scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Always use informal, never unformal.
It works for casual chats, social media, emails, and quotes.
Understanding formal vs informal styles ensures writing is clear, professional, and audience-appropriate.
For ESL learners, focusing on in- prefix rules prevents mistakes.
Use informal, embrace casual synonyms like colloquial, casual, or relaxed, and your writing will always be correct.
Bryan A. Garner is a renowned grammar expert, lexicographer, and author at Grammiffy, where he makes English rules easy to understand for learners and writers of all levels.
With a focus on clarity, proper usage, and effective communication, Bryan helps readers master grammar, style, and everyday writing with confidence.
