Formal versus Informal Tone
Just like there are formal and informal social situations, for which you dress accordingly, language can be formal or informal. It is important that when you write an academic essay, your tone is formal.
There are several guidelines that can help you.
There are several guidelines that can help you.
- Cambridge Dictionary suggests:
- avoiding contractions
- using words with Latin & Greek origins
- This engVid post compares lists of informal v formal examples side by side.
- Pronoun Use
- 1st/ 2nd person is informal
- 3rd person is formal
- Asking the reader questions: Tell, don't ask.
- It is more formal and preferable to write a statement.
- Academic Vocabulary
- Use a variety of reporting verbs
- Use a variety of transition words
- Academic Vocabulary List
- Academic Vocabulary List II
- Prescriptive v Descriptive
- Prescriptive grammar is formal
- For example, "If anyone asks for my e-mail give it to him/her."
- Descriptive grammar is informal
- For example, "If anyone asks for my e-mail give it to them."
- Prescriptive grammar is formal