keep it informal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it informal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to maintain a casual or relaxed tone in their communication or writing. Example: "When you write your email to the team, remember to keep it informal so everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He did his best to keep it informal and jokey but he was finding it harder and harder to pick someone out who would ask him a tame gimme.

The Guardian

4. Most importantly, keep it informal -- have fun and let your audience have fun.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The idea is that we keep it as informal as possible, lots of food and booze and happy conversation about the state of the industry, the state of your startup, and the state of gay rights legislation for good measure.

TechCrunch

Keep it fairly informal at the start.

WikiHow

Rob Heath, a drummer and an informal historian of the studio space, said, "We keep it really loose".

The New York Times

Keep It Simple: Creating an Informal Community Isn't That Hard.

Science Magazine

Germans distinguish between the informal you and the formal one, so be sure to keep it in mind.

WikiHow

However, because it is usually covert and informal with no records kept, it is extremely hard to identify and quantify".

BBC

Whether such an effort to expand tourism could succeed is an open question, and some scientists say that because of the fragility of the recovering landscape it's best to keep an informal lid on the number of visitors by holding off on such promotions.

The New York Times - Travel

It's a big mistake to think that top-down communication will keep the informal interactions positive.

Huffington Post

We try to keep that informal aspect through necessity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

During brainstorming sessions, "keep it informal" to encourage free-flowing ideas and creativity. A relaxed setting can help participants feel more comfortable sharing unconventional thoughts without fear of judgment.

Common error

Avoid using slang or overly casual language in professional settings where clarity and respect are paramount. While "keeping it informal" can foster rapport, maintaining a level of professionalism ensures your message is taken seriously and avoids misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

"Keep it informal" functions as an imperative phrase, typically used to advise or instruct someone to maintain a casual and relaxed approach in their interactions or communications. As Ludwig AI underlines, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

13%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep it informal" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to advise maintaining a relaxed and approachable demeanor. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for encouraging open communication and fostering a friendly environment. It finds frequent use in News & Media, Wiki and Science, demonstrating its versatility across contexts. While highly useful in casual settings, it is important to avoid excessive informality in professional scenarios. Alternatives such as "maintain a casual atmosphere" or "adopt a relaxed tone" can also be employed to achieve similar communicative goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a relaxed tone

Highlights the tone or style of communication, specifically.

maintain a casual atmosphere

Focuses on the environment or setting rather than the specific action of keeping something informal.

stay relaxed

Emphasizes a general state of being, rather than a directed action.

avoid formality

Focuses on the absence of formality rather than actively maintaining informality.

be approachable

Highlights the intended effect on others, emphasizing accessibility and openness.

foster a relaxed environment

Emphasizes the creation of a relaxed environment.

cultivate informality

Suggests a more deliberate and ongoing effort to create an informal atmosphere.

promote a laid-back style

Focuses on promoting a specific style or manner that is relaxed and unhurried.

keep it simple

Suggests focusing on ease and clarity, which can contribute to informality.

make it friendly

Highlights friendliness as a key aspect of informality.

FAQs

How can I "keep it informal" in a professional email?

To "keep it informal" in a professional email, use a friendly tone, avoid overly formal language, and focus on clear and concise communication. Consider using a conversational style and addressing the recipient by their first name, if appropriate. Be mindful of your audience and the context of the email.

What does it mean to "keep it informal" in a meeting?

To "keep it informal" in a meeting involves creating a relaxed and open atmosphere where participants feel comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions. This can be achieved through casual conversation, a less structured agenda, and encouraging active participation from everyone involved.

What's a suitable alternative to "keep it informal"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "adopt a relaxed tone", "maintain a casual atmosphere", or "avoid formality" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to "keep it informal"?

It's appropriate to "keep it informal" in situations where you want to foster a friendly and approachable environment, encourage open communication, or reduce stress and tension. This can be beneficial in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and casual conversations with colleagues or clients.