1. Cooperative Online Writing Lab Bluefield College COWL, 2005 Word Choice: Appropriate Language

2. Stay away from jargon. What is jargon? Jargon is a specialized language used among members of a trade, profession, or group. Examples of jargon and their alternate words are in parenthesis: commence (begin), components (parts), endeavor (try), exit (leave), facilitate (help), factor (cause), indicator (sign), optimal best (best), parameters (boundaries, limits), prior to (before), utilize (use), viable (workable). Bluefield College COWL, 2005

3. Avoid showy language. Showy  Pre-owned automobile  Economically deprived  Strategic withdrawal  Chemical dependency  Downsize  Correctional facility Plain English  Used car  Poor  Retreat or defeat  Drug addiction  Lay off  Prison

4. Bluefield College COWL, 2005 Avoid obsolete, archaic, and invented words. Obsolete words are out-dated words. Archaic words are old words that are still used, but only in special contexts such as literature or advertising. Although dictionaries may list obsolete or archaic words, they still are not appropriate for current use.

5. Bluefield College COWL, 2005 In most contexts, avoid slang, regional expressions, and nonstandard English. A few words that are considered slang:  Cool  Neat  Wicked  Awesome Examples of regional expressions and their corrections in white:  Cut on the lights Turn on the lights  Going down the tubes Waste  Gross you out Disgust you

6. Bluefield College COWL, 2005 Avoid sexist language. Inappropriate:  Chairman  Congressman  Fireman  Mankind  Salesman  Weatherman Appropriate:  Chairperson  Representative, legislator  Firefighter  People, humans  Salesperson  Weather forecaster, meteorologist

7. Bluefield College COWL, 2005 It’s your turn. Correct each sentence. In Nicaragua, the most economically deprived neighborhood actually lived in the dump. In Nicaragua, the poorest neighborhood lived in the dump. The meeting commenced as the leader cut the lights on and off. The meeting began as the leader turned the lights on and off.

8. More Practice The boxing match betwixt Brian and John was competitive. The boxing match between Brian and John was competitive. Policemen and firemen are heroes. Police officers and firefighters are heroes. Bluefield College COWL, 2005

9. Choose an appropriate level of formality. Click mouse to receive tips.  Consider both your subject and your audience.  For most college and professional writing, some degree of formality is appropriate.  Informal writing is for private letters, e-mail, articles in popular magazines, and business correspondence between close associates.  Contractions (don’t, I’ll) and colloquial words (kids, buddy) are considered informal.

10. Choose if the samples are formal or informal. Find clues that tell you this. Dear Grandma, The weather has been awesome. I can’t believe it’s spring. My classes are getting pretty tough. Exams are in two weeks. Audience Slang ‘s Simple sentences Bluefield College COWL, 2005

11. Mr. Phillips: I must address the topic discussed in our last meeting. The information I gathered was relevant at the time; however, the data has changed since a new research report was released. The company cannot rely on old reports. I will gather updated information immediately. Two words Audience Complex sentence Another Sample Bluefield College COWL, 2005

12. You now know what is appropriate when writing!

13. Need More Assistance? Stop by the Writing Center or Come back to COWL again and again! We Mooove fast to help you! Bluefield College COWL, 2005