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Phonaesthetics & Reference GuideSeptember 28, 2026•11 min read

50 Formal English Alternatives to Informal & Casual Words (Upgrade Your Writing)

Informal English is perfect for texting friends and casual conversation, but using casual verbs like 'look into', 'get', 'deal with', or 'give up' in formal reports, cover letters, and university essays makes writing sound conversational and weak. By replacing common casual words with precise formal alternatives, you immediately elevate the tone, authority, and persuasive power of your prose. Here is our comprehensive reference curriculum of 50 essential vocabulary upgrades across five categories.

1. Everyday Casual Verbs Upgraded to Professional Equivalents (10 Pairs)

Basic conversational action verbs elevated to precise corporate and academic standards.

getvsobtain / acquire
Pair #1

get

Informal verb used in colloquial speech for receiving, buying, or collecting.

Example:“I need to get a visa before traveling to London next week.”

obtain / acquire

To come into possession of something through effort, formal process, or purchase.

Example:“Applicants must obtain a valid transit visa prior to international departure.”
Memory Trick:In academic papers and executive emails, replace 'get' with 'obtain', 'acquire', or 'receive'.
helpvsfacilitate / assist
Pair #2

help

Common casual word meaning to make it easier for someone to do something.

Example:“The software helps people organize their daily schedules.”

facilitate / assist

To make an action or process easy or easier; to provide professional support.

Example:“The platform facilitates streamlined task delegation and schedule management.”
Memory Trick:'Help' describes simple personal aid; 'facilitate' describes enabling complex systems.
askvsinquire / solicit
Pair #3

ask

Standard conversational verb to request information.

Example:“Did you ask the manager about the revised policy?”

inquire / solicit

To seek information formally; to petition or ask for contributions or feedback.

Example:“The committee will formally inquire into the regulatory adjustments.”
Memory Trick:Use 'inquire' when seeking facts; use 'solicit' when asking for opinions or bids.
startvscommence / initiate
Pair #4

start

Basic verb meaning to begin an activity or period of time.

Example:“The meeting will start right after lunch at 2 PM.”

commence / initiate

To begin formally or officially; to set an important process in motion.

Example:“Proceedings will commence immediately following the keynote address.”
Memory Trick:Ceremonies, proceedings, and fiscal periods 'commence'; projects and actions are 'initiated'.
stopvscease / terminate
Pair #5

stop

Everyday word for halting an action or movement.

Example:“They decided to stop working together on the campaign.”

cease / terminate

To come or bring to an end; to officially end a contract or operation.

Example:“Both parties agreed to terminate the partnership agreement mutually.”
Memory Trick:Agreements and subscriptions 'terminate'; hostilities or legal actions 'cease'.
givevsprovide / furnish
Pair #6

give

Generic verb meaning to hand over or supply something.

Example:“Can you give me the latest sales numbers?”

provide / furnish

To make available for use; to supply necessary materials or information.

Example:“Kindly furnish the committee with the quarterly revenue figures.”
Memory Trick:In formal correspondence, use 'provide details' or 'furnish documentation'.
buyvspurchase / procure
Pair #7

buy

Casual everyday verb for paying money in exchange for goods.

Example:“We need to buy new monitors for our developers.”

purchase / procure

To acquire goods or services formally, especially in commercial supply chains.

Example:“The enterprise IT department will procure high-resolution display units.”
Memory Trick:Individuals 'buy' groceries; corporate organizations 'procure' equipment.
makevsmanufacture / generate
Pair #8

make

Overused generic word meaning to create, construct, or form.

Example:“This factory makes automotive components for foreign cars.”

manufacture / generate

To produce goods industrially; or to produce power, data, or financial return.

Example:“The facility manufactures precision automotive components for international export.”
Memory Trick:Use 'manufacture' for physical products and 'generate' for reports, ideas, or revenue.
keepvsretain / preserve
Pair #9

keep

Basic verb meaning to continue having or holding something.

Example:“The company wants to keep all its talented designers.”

retain / preserve

To continue to maintain, hold in possession, or protect from decay or loss.

Example:“The management strives to retain top-tier creative talent through incentive bonuses.”
Memory Trick:Organizations 'retain' personnel and records; historians 'preserve' cultural heritage.
checkvsverify / inspect
Pair #10

check

Informal verb for looking at something to see if it is correct or present.

Example:“Please check if the bank account number is right.”

verify / inspect

To establish the truth, accuracy, or quality of something by formal examination.

Example:“Please verify the international wire transfer details before authorization.”
Memory Trick:Use 'verify' for data, facts, and identities; use 'inspect' for physical machinery.

2. Phrasal Verbs Upgraded to Single-Word Academic Verbs (10 Pairs)

Phrasal verbs sound informal; replacing them with single Latinate verbs immediately elevates prose.

look intovsinvestigate / examine
Pair #1

look into

Conversational two-word phrasal verb meaning to explore or check a matter.

Example:“The HR team will look into the complaint tomorrow.”

investigate / examine

To carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine facts.

Example:“The audit committee will investigate the accounting discrepancy thoroughly.”
Memory Trick:Academic and legal papers strictly favor 'investigate' or 'examine' over 'look into'.
put offvspostpone / defer
Pair #2

put off

Casual phrasal verb meaning to delay an appointment or event.

Example:“They put off the conference because of heavy storms.”

postpone / defer

To cause or arrange for something to take place at a time later than originally scheduled.

Example:“Organizers decided to postpone the international symposium due to weather warnings.”
Memory Trick:Meetings are 'postponed'; taxes and university admissions are 'deferred'.
call offvscancel / rescind
Pair #3

call off

Casual phrasal verb for deciding that an organized event will not happen.

Example:“The union called off the strike after talks.”

cancel / rescind

To officially decide that an event will not take place; or to revoke a decree or offer.

Example:“The labor board officially rescinded the strike notice following negotiated settlements.”
Memory Trick:Events are 'canceled'; offers, laws, and official policies are 'rescinded'.
find outvsascertain / discover
Pair #4

find out

Common casual expression for learning a fact or getting information.

Example:“We need to find out why the customer cancelled the order.”

ascertain / discover

To find something out for certain; make sure of facts through inquiry.

Example:“The investigative team sought to ascertain the root cause of the client's churn.”
Memory Trick:'Ascertain' signifies scientific and rigorous determination of facts.
point outvsindicate / highlight
Pair #5

point out

Conversational phrase meaning to bring attention to a detail.

Example:“The teacher pointed out the mistakes in my essay.”

indicate / highlight

To show, direct attention to, or emphasize an important aspect or trend.

Example:“The statistical review highlights several critical trends in consumer spending.”
Memory Trick:In academic literature, use 'The researcher indicates...' or 'The study highlights...'.
set upvsestablish / configure
Pair #6

set up

Multipurpose phrasal verb for building, founding, or organizing.

Example:“He wants to set up a new venture in Dublin.”

establish / configure

To set up an organization or system on a firm basis; or to adjust technical settings.

Example:“The founders intend to establish a European operational headquarters in Dublin.”
Memory Trick:Institutions are 'established'; networks, software, and hardware are 'configured'.
deal withvsaddress / manage
Pair #7

deal with

Vague casual phrase for handling a problem or interacting with someone.

Example:“How will our team deal with the new tariff rules?”

address / manage

To think about and begin to deal with a burden or issue with deliberate strategy.

Example:“The board must decisively address the emerging regulatory trade barriers.”
Memory Trick:Replace 'deal with' in essays with 'address', 'resolve', or 'grapple with'.
go upvsescalate / increase
Pair #8

go up

Casual phrase for describing rising numbers, prices, or conflicts.

Example:“Fuel prices are going up everywhere this month.”

escalate / increase

To rise or expand in amount, degree, or intensity in a measurable manner.

Example:“Fuel expenditures have escalated dramatically across commercial logistics fleets.”
Memory Trick:Quantities 'increase' or 'surge'; tensions and conflicts 'escalate'.
go downvsdecrease / decline
Pair #9

go down

Casual phrase for falling levels, temperatures, or profits.

Example:“Their stock profits went down by twenty percent.”

decrease / decline

To become smaller, fewer, or less; or to gradually become weaker.

Example:“Quarterly operating margins declined by twenty percent year-over-year.”
Memory Trick:Use 'decline' for trends and health; use 'decrease' or 'diminish' for quantifiable metrics.
bring aboutvsprecipitate / induce
Pair #10

bring about

Casual phrasal verb meaning to cause something to happen.

Example:“The scandal brought about the resignation of the mayor.”

precipitate / induce

To cause an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable, to happen suddenly.

Example:“The disclosure of fiscal irregularities precipitated the executive's abrupt resignation.”
Memory Trick:Sudden economic or political shocks 'precipitate' crises.

3. Casual Adjectives Upgraded to Precise Academic Descriptors (10 Pairs)

Replace tired, overused adjectives like 'good', 'bad', 'big', and 'small' with nuanced vocabulary.

a lot ofvssubstantial / numerous
Pair #1

a lot of

Overused informal phrase denoting a large quantity or degree.

Example:“There were a lot of complaints regarding the delayed shipment.”

substantial / numerous

Of considerable importance, size, or worth; great in number.

Example:“Customer service received numerous complaints concerning transit delays.”
Memory Trick:For countable items use 'numerous' or 'myriad'; for uncountable volume use 'substantial'.
goodvsexemplary / advantageous
Pair #2

good

Extremely generic positive evaluation lacking specific meaning.

Example:“He gave a good presentation to the clients.”

exemplary / advantageous

Serving as a desirable model; or providing an advantageous or profitable circumstance.

Example:“She delivered an exemplary presentation that garnered unanimous client approval.”
Memory Trick:For conduct and work use 'exemplary'; for financial or strategic benefit use 'advantageous'.
badvsdetrimental / adverse
Pair #3

bad

Generic negative descriptor that weakens academic arguments.

Example:“Pollution has bad effects on wildlife.”

detrimental / adverse

Harmful or damaging; preventing success or development; unfavorable.

Example:“Industrial effluent exerts adverse consequences on riverine ecological diversity.”
Memory Trick:Use 'adverse' for weather, reactions, and conditions; use 'detrimental' for effects on health.
bigvssubstantial / monumental
Pair #4

big

Basic physical descriptor inappropriately applied to abstract concepts.

Example:“This will be a big challenge for our company.”

substantial / monumental

Of considerable importance, value, or monumental historical significance.

Example:“Navigating international antitrust legislation presents a substantial challenge.”
Memory Trick:Replace 'big' with 'substantial', 'formidable', 'extensive', or 'monumental'.
smallvsnegligible / marginal
Pair #5

small

Elementary size descriptor that lacks numerical or statistical precision.

Example:“There was only a small difference between the two test results.”

negligible / marginal

So small or unimportant as to be not worth considering; close to the limit.

Example:“The statistical variance between the control and trial cohorts was negligible.”
Memory Trick:In science and economics, a small difference is 'negligible' or 'marginal'.
cheapvseconomical / cost-effective
Pair #6

cheap

Informal adjective often implying inferior or flimsy quality.

Example:“This is a very cheap way to generate backup solar power.”

economical / cost-effective

Giving good value or return in relation to money or resources invested.

Example:“Photovoltaic cells provide an exceptionally cost-effective renewable energy solution.”
Memory Trick:'Cheap' implies low quality; 'economical' or 'cost-effective' implies smart financial value.
richvsaffluent / prosperous
Pair #7

rich

Everyday word for possessing large sums of money.

Example:“Only rich families could afford private tutors in the past.”

affluent / prosperous

Having a great deal of money; wealthy; flourishing financially.

Example:“Private educational tutors were historically patronized primarily by affluent households.”
Memory Trick:Sociologists describe wealthy demographics as 'affluent' and societies as 'prosperous'.
poorvsimpoverished / underprivileged
Pair #8

poor

Everyday word denoting lack of money or substandard quality.

Example:“The charity builds free schools for poor children in rural areas.”

impoverished / underprivileged

Made poor; reduced to poverty; lacking the standard rights or economic opportunities.

Example:“The foundation constructs learning centers for underprivileged children in rural districts.”
Memory Trick:Academic papers prefer 'underprivileged', 'socioeconomically disadvantaged', or 'impoverished'.
hardvsarduous / formidable
Pair #9

hard

Conversational descriptor for difficult tasks or solid textures.

Example:“Completing a doctoral thesis is very hard work.”

arduous / formidable

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring to accomplish.

Example:“Drafting a doctoral dissertation is an arduous intellectual endeavor.”
Memory Trick:Tasks and journeys are 'arduous'; obstacles and opponents are 'formidable'.
easyvsstraightforward / accessible
Pair #10

easy

Casual word meaning requiring little effort.

Example:“The installation instructions are very easy to follow.”

straightforward / accessible

Uncomplicated and easy to do or understand; easily understood or appreciated.

Example:“The software documentation provides straightforward, accessible guidance for developers.”
Memory Trick:Processes are 'straightforward'; materials designed for general comprehension are 'accessible'.

4. Casual Transition Words Upgraded to Academic Linkers (10 Pairs)

Sentence linkers that create logical cohesion and flow between paragraphs in formal essays.

butvshowever / nevertheless
Pair #1

but

Coordinating conjunction best reserved for informal sentence joining.

Example:“The idea was good, but it failed during execution.”

however / nevertheless

Formal conjunctive adverbs indicating contrast or concession between independent clauses.

Example:“The concept was conceptually sound; however, operational execution proved deficient.”
Memory Trick:Start formal sentences with 'However,' followed by a comma, rather than starting with 'But'.
sovsconsequently / therefore
Pair #2

so

Conversational causal connector overused in spoken English.

Example:“It rained all day, so the sports match was called off.”

consequently / therefore

Formal adverb expressing a logical consequence or deduction.

Example:“Severe precipitation persisted throughout the day; consequently, the tournament was rescheduled.”
Memory Trick:Use 'Consequently,' to show a direct causal outcome of a preceding fact.
alsovsfurthermore / moreover
Pair #3

also

Simple additive conjunction.

Example:“Also, the new smartphone model has a much better camera.”

furthermore / moreover

In addition; besides what has already been said; introducing a point of greater importance.

Example:“Furthermore, the revised hardware architecture incorporates superior thermal dissipation.”
Memory Trick:'Moreover' and 'Furthermore' signal an escalating, highly convincing additive point.
anywayvsnevertheless / notwithstanding
Pair #4

anyway

Colloquial filler used to return to a topic or dismiss a counterargument.

Example:“It was risky, but they did it anyway.”

nevertheless / notwithstanding

In spite of that; nevertheless; formal preposition or adverb denoting concession.

Example:“While commercial risks were evident, the enterprise proceeded with the investment notwithstanding.”
Memory Trick:Never write 'anyways' or 'anyway' in formal essays; use 'Nevertheless,' or 'Regardless,'.
in the endvsultimately / eventually
Pair #5

in the end

Conversational phrase meaning finally or after much time.

Example:“In the end, both companies agreed on the contract terms.”

ultimately / eventually

Being the best or most extreme example of its kind; in the final analysis.

Example:“Both commercial entities ultimately arrived at an equitable contractual consensus.”
Memory Trick:'Ultimately' implies a conclusive verdict reached after thorough analysis.
aboutvsapproximately / regarding
Pair #6

about

Colloquial estimation word or preposition denoting subject matter.

Example:“About five hundred people attended the annual trade expo.”

approximately / regarding

Used to show that something is almost, but not completely, accurate; or concerning.

Example:“Approximately five hundred delegates attended the annual international symposium.”
Memory Trick:For numbers use 'approximately'; for subject topics use 'regarding' or 'concerning'.
totallyvscomprehensively / entirely
Pair #7

totally

Slang and colloquial adverb of degree often used for exaggeration.

Example:“I totally agree with your argument on climate policy.”

comprehensively / entirely

Completely; fully; in a way that includes all or nearly all aspects of something.

Example:“The audit committee comprehensively endorsed the proposed regulatory reforms.”
Memory Trick:Avoid 'totally' in academic papers; replace with 'entirely', 'comprehensively', or 'wholly'.
reallyvssubstantially / considerably
Pair #8

really

Informal conversational intensifier that adds little precise meaning.

Example:“This will really help our quarterly sales figures.”

substantially / considerably

To a great or significant extent; noticeably.

Example:“This strategic partnership will considerably bolster our international market penetration.”
Memory Trick:Cross out 'really' in formal writing and replace it with 'considerably', 'profoundly', or 'substantially'.
maybevsperhaps / plausibly
Pair #9

maybe

Informal adverb of possibility that sounds hesitant and indecisive.

Example:“Maybe the survey results are wrong.”

perhaps / plausibly

Used to express uncertainty or polite possibility in intellectual discourse.

Example:“Perhaps the survey discrepancies stem from sampling biases within the control cohort.”
Memory Trick:'Perhaps' and 'It is plausible that' project academic poise without conversational casualness.
likevssuch as / for instance
Pair #10

like

Informal preposition heavily overused in spoken conversation to introduce examples.

Example:“Renewable sources like wind and solar are getting cheaper.”

such as / for instance

Prepositional phrases correctly introducing illustrative examples or categories.

Example:“Renewable energy modalities, such as wind and solar photovoltaics, are increasingly viable.”
Memory Trick:In formal writing, use 'such as' to list examples of a category; use 'like' only for physical resemblance.

5. Everyday Casual Nouns & Workplace Terms (10 Pairs)

Replace vague nouns with precise, domain-specific terminology for professional impact.

thingvsaspect / factor / parameter
Pair #1

thing

Extremely vague noun used as a placeholder for any object or concept.

Example:“Price is the main thing that influences buyers.”

aspect / factor / parameter

A particular part or feature of something; a circumstance that contributes to a result.

Example:“Cost remains the primary determinant influencing consumer purchasing patterns.”
Memory Trick:Ban the word 'thing' from essays; identify the exact concept: factor, variable, nuance, or parameter.
jobvsvocation / occupation
Pair #2

job

Common casual noun for paid work or employment.

Example:“She applied for a new software development job.”

vocation / occupation

A person's principal work or business, especially as a means of earning a living; career.

Example:“She submitted credentials for an engineering occupation within the aerospace division.”
Memory Trick:In formal resumes and applications, refer to 'professions', 'occupations', or 'vocations'.
bossvssupervisor / executive
Pair #3

boss

Informal colloquial term for a person in charge of a worker or organization.

Example:“I need to talk to my boss about taking time off.”

supervisor / executive

A person who oversees a person or activity; a person with senior managerial authority.

Example:“The employee submitted formal leave documentation to their direct supervisor.”
Memory Trick:Use 'supervisor', 'line manager', or 'executive leadership' in professional correspondence.
guy / personvsindividual / candidate
Pair #4

guy / person

Casual spoken terms for an unspecified human being.

Example:“He is the right guy for this programming project.”

individual / candidate

A single human being as distinct from a group, class, or family; an applicant.

Example:“The applicant demonstrated the requisite technical qualifications as an ideal candidate.”
Memory Trick:Academic and medical studies consistently refer to subjects as 'individuals' or 'participants'.
kidsvschildren / offspring / juveniles
Pair #5

kids

Informal, affectionate term for young human beings.

Example:“Too much screen time is harmful for young kids.”

children / offspring / juveniles

Human beings below the age of puberty; young persons in legal or demographic terms.

Example:“Excessive recreational screen exposure is detrimental to cognitive development in young children.”
Memory Trick:Never write 'kids' in an academic paper; use 'children', 'adolescents', or 'minors'.
problemvsimpediment / complication
Pair #6

problem

Generic overused word for any difficulty or obstacle.

Example:“Supply chain delays are a big problem for car factories.”

impediment / complication

A hindrance or obstruction in doing something; a circumstance that complicates a situation.

Example:“Logistical bottlenecks present a formidable impediment to automotive manufacturing output.”
Memory Trick:Replace 'problem' with 'impediment' (blocker), 'complication' (detail), or 'dilemma' (choice).
chancevsopportunity / probability
Pair #7

chance

Everyday word used interchangeably for luck, favorable occasion, or likelihood.

Example:“There is a good chance that we will win the tender.”

opportunity / probability

A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something; likelihood of an event.

Example:“There is a high statistical probability that our consortium will secure the government tender.”
Memory Trick:When referring to favorable circumstances, use 'opportunity'; for mathematical likelihood, use 'probability'.
answervsresolution / remediation
Pair #8

answer

Basic noun for a reply or solution.

Example:“What is the answer to our server crash issue?”

resolution / remediation

The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter; the act of correcting a fault.

Example:“The infrastructure engineering team devised a permanent remediation for server failures.”
Memory Trick:Questions have 'responses'; complex systemic breakdowns require 'remediations' or 'resolutions'.
dangervshazard / peril
Pair #9

danger

Common word for the possibility of suffering harm or injury.

Example:“Smoking near chemical tanks is a big danger.”

hazard / peril

A danger or risk; serious and immediate danger.

Example:“Open flames near volatile petrochemical storage tanks represent an acute occupational hazard.”
Memory Trick:Workplace, chemical, and environmental risks are formally classified as 'hazards'.
changevsmodification / transition
Pair #10

change

Generic word meaning the act or result of becoming different.

Example:“We made some changes to the software architecture.”

modification / transition

The making of a limited change in something; the process or period of changing states.

Example:“Engineers incorporated architectural modifications to improve database concurrency.”
Memory Trick:Minor alterations are 'modifications'; broad shifts between systems are 'transitions'.

Conclusion & Reflection

Mastering formal English is not about complicating your sentences with convoluted grammar; it is about choosing precise, accurate, and authoritative vocabulary. By systematically substituting these 50 everyday informal words with their professional counterparts, your college essays, research papers, and corporate communications will immediately command greater respect and engagement.

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