Is “I want to go to Los Angeles” more formal than “I want to go to L.A.”?

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Igirisujin

2 July

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English (UK)
English (US)

@Suzuki54 I think the app works differently to the browser. I have noticed there are things I can't do in one or the other. 😅🤨

Of course, I remember you very well. I'm glad if my answers are helpful to you. 😊

Yes, in English, it's not really possible to have formal and informal words. People might use longer words in formal speech or writing, but that's also true in business, academic or technical speech and writing.

The Japanese culture of formality and informality is much less evident in English, except that close friends observe few rules. That is the same. 😆

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samusan1

2 July

English (US)

@Suzuki54 Maybe slightly! I wouldn't say there's a huge difference, however.

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Igirisujin

2 July

English (UK)
English (US)

@Suzuki54 We don't really have formality in English.

With strangers, bosses, elders, parents, etc. we may be more polite, use less jargon, use less colloquial language, avoid swearing, use good grammar, etc. but that's all. We don't have special words and so on.

This might also apply if you are giving a presentation to an audience or in an academic setting.

Where we get really informal is with close friends and family.

Although, Los Angeles is unabbreviated, it's just the place name, and L.A. is very well-known too, so neither is really 'formal'.

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Suzuki54

2 July

Japanese

@samusan1 Thanks so much for answering! I understand, thank you!!😆😆

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Suzuki54

2 July

Japanese

@Igirisujin Thanks so much for answering!!!!😆😆😆😆 So words wouldn't really make you sound formal! Grammar or language you use, that's what will make you sound formal or informal! I didn't know that! Thanks so much!!!!🙇🙇🙇

お久しぶりです、Igirisujinさん!! I'm so happy to see (or talk to?🤔😂) you again.😆😆😆 I sometimes see your answers on HiNative, but they don't let me like them anymore!😱🙀 But your answers on HiNative are still helping me a lot!!! いつもありがとうございます!!! Thanks so much for answering!!!!🙇😭😭😭

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