Elements of Academic English: Formality Flashcards
Formal language
Language appropriate for professional or academic settings
Why use formal language?
If you use casual language, the message is seen as casual. When you use serious language, the message is seen as serious.
Do’s: language
Use clear and accurate language
Do’s: Strong verbs
Use strong verbs. For example:
Weak: Previous studies said…
Strong: Previous studies indicate…
Do’s: Specific nouns
Use specific nouns. For example:
Vague: One thing that automated writing feedback adds…
Specific: One benefit of automated writing feedback is…
Do’s: Signposting language
Use phrases or words to guide the reader through the content of your text by using connections, linking phrases and paragraphs to one another and transition clearly from one topic to the next.
Do’s: Respectful of rules
Be respectful of rules by minding your grammer, sticking to APA rules and following the assignment.
Don’ts: Conversational language
Don’t use conversational language.
- You cannot use second person pronounses (you, your, yours).
- You may also not use slang (e.g. cool), colloquial phrases (spreektaal, e.g. give it a shot) and don’t use chlichés (e.g. actions speak louder than words).
- You may also not use contractions (e.g. don’t, didn’t, shouldn’t, can’t). Instead, write the whole word (e.g. does not, did not, schould not, cannot).
- Don’t use nonstandard English, don’t ask rethorical questions and don’t put coordinating conjunctions (e.g. but, so, and, or) at the start of sentences.
Don’ts: Generic ‘‘we’’
Don’t use the generic ‘‘we’’, like: we as humans, we often spend hours, etc.
Don’ts: Literary devices
Don’t use things like metaphors, sarcasm and hyperbole.
Is formal language difficult language?
No, formal language does not have to be difficult.
Neutral words like understand, include and example are allright. Sentences should also be short and complete, not too long and complicated.
Also mind that you are clear, accurate and respectful of the rules.
