Which of the following is a characteristic of informal language?no contractionsa conversational tonea serious tonestandard English

Answer

The characteristic of informal language among the options provided is a conversational tone.

Informal language is typically used in casual or familiar settings and is often associated with everyday communication. In contrast to formal language, informal language embraces a relaxed style that mimics spoken conversation. Such language often includes colloquialisms, slang, and idiomatic expressions, which contribute to a friendly and approachable tone.

The other options, "no contractions," "a serious tone," and "standard English," are characteristics of formal language. Formal language avoids contractions (e.g., using "do not" instead of "don't"), maintains a serious tone suited for professional or academic contexts, and follows the rules of standard English more strictly. Thus, the hallmark of informal language lies in adopting a conversational tone that encourages openness and ease of communication.