Style & Grammatical Concerns
Now that you understand the importance of audience, it is important to understand the difference between formal and informal language. Informal language we use on a daily basis: on Facebook, texting, talking to friends, even talking in a comfortable classroom. However, college is different. In college, you are expected to know how to speak and write formally using academic language. This can be difficult if you're not used to it. Therefore, the following general rules will help.
FSE (Formal Standard English)
FSE is a mode of writing that contains a formal tone. Think of it as a formal dinner...you wouldn't lick your knife while eating in front of the Queen of England. Just like at the formal dinner table, rules and etiquette govern what you do and do not do in writing. You use formal language when speaking or writing to a potential employer, the college president, or on a scholarship application. This is the same type of language expected in academic and business writing.
FSE includes the following considerations:
- Avoid contractions (i.e. use do not instead of don't)
o You can set your grammar check to catch these. In your word processing program, set your grammar checker to search for style in addition to grammar. You can view what is included in the style check by clicking on "settings" and viewing the checked items. You can make other changes that include using a comma before 'and' and checking for clichés and fragments.
- Avoid clichés, slang, and idioms.
o Although these are useful when communicating with your friends, they are informal and are not specific enough for complete descriptions. They also do not always hold true meaning. Think of the phrase "it takes my breath away." Can that really happen? You may have a faster heart rate and you may hold your breath for a moment during a stressful or exciting moment, but nothing can reach in your throat and grab your breath—it is intangible. The phrase is also overused. Instead of using clichés, think about what you really mean and use specific details to describe what you really think.
- Avoid second person and first person plural pronouns (more on this is coming up in "Point of View")
o Another form of second person is the command form. For example, sentences that do not have a direct subject are written in command form (e.g. "Close your eyes and imagine your favorite spot." This command form should also be avoided. You do not want to tell your reader what to do.
o If you have difficulty using punctuation, apostrophes, and other mechanical issues, then I suggest that you study the Purdue Online Writing Lab and complete as many practice activities as you can throughout the course.
- Avoid abbreviations
o Every day we use abbreviations in our speech and in our personal writing; however, in formal writing it's important to write these words out for clear communication. Some examples include info (information), net (Internet), and 'til (till is not an abbreviation, but people often use it instead of 'til—avoid both--spell out until). Watch for other common abbreviations and write them out.
- Avoid the following vague words:
o really, a lot, cool, so, you, your (etc.), very, get, way, much, sort of, kind of, and other non-descript words. These words are too informal to be used in a college essay. You could use your thesaurus on your computer to replace them—make sure, however, that you pick a word you understand rather than choosing a word that looks impressive.
In general, remember your audience. You are writing to an authority figure, and your language should represent this audience. You may have difficulty understanding why this is necessary, but think about your future and how some day you may be asked to write or speak to an important client or give a presentation to your boss. If the only language you know is informal, then the presentation or report may not go over very well in that environment. Learning how to use formal language now will help you cope in such a situation and in the working environment in your future.