Formal Language

When writing formally, one should avoid using:

• Academic language

• Contractions and phrasal verbs

• Objective tone

• Third-person pronouns

Answer explanation

Avoid contractions (e.g., didn't, won't, can't, they're, etc.); instead, write: did not, will not, cannot, they are, etc.

Trade phrasal verbs for academic words (e.g., use cancel instead of call off).

How could the sentence above be written to produce a formal style and tone?

• One should not register for classes yet.

• You don't need to register for classes yet.

• You shouldn't register for classes yet.

Answer explanation

When writing formally, refrain from using first-person (e.g., I or me) or second-person (e.g., you) pronouns.

Also, do not use contractions.

How could the sentence above be written to produce a formal style and tone?

• LHS comes up with dual enrollment classes.

• Lemoore High School offers dual enrollment classes.

• LHS puts forward dual enrollment classes.

Answer explanation

When writing formally, do not use abbreviations.

How could the sentence above be written to produce a formal style and tone?

• You would think more scholarships would be available online.

• I believe more scholarships are available online.

• One assumes more scholarships are available online.

How could the sentence above be written to produce a formal style and tone?

• One can assume that students enjoyed the dance.

• I'm assuming students enjoyed the dance.

• Students, I'm sure, had fun at the dance.

How could the sentence above be written to produce a formal style and tone?

• One should enjoy high school while one can.

• You should enjoy high school while you can.

How could the sentence above be written to produce a formal style and tone?

• They'll play football for San Diego State University.

• They will play football for SDSU.

• They will play football for San Diego State University.

What should replace "come out" to make the sentence more formal?

• get out

• break free

• emerge

It was ...................to my attention that several recent deliveries contained broken parts.

Which of the following is a characteristic of formal language?

• Use of slang

• Use of contractions

• Use of passive voice

• Use of first-person pronouns