1. CREATED BY KATHRYN REILLY Formal Language

2. Formal Language Basics What is formal language?  Formal language refers to words used in academic or professional settings. These words tend to be more polite and conventional. When should a writer use formal language?  In academic papers (since these papers are being evaluated, formal language is expected)  In professional documents such as resumes and memos (which others will read and evaluate)

3. Know the Audience If the text (paper, resume, letter, memo…) will be read and evaluated by someone else, then formal language should be used. Use formal language if the document will be read by:  A teacher  A (potential) boss  An evaluator  A professional (doctor, lawyer, government employee…)

4. Converting Informal to Formal Language Spell out contractions  Haven’t  have not  He’ll  he will  What’s  what is Modify conversational English to polite English  What’s up?  How are you?  You want to…  Would you like to…

5. Converting Informal to Formal Language Replace first (I) and second (you) personal tenses with third person, or omit them completely:  You should always complete your homework.  One should always complete his or her homework.  Do you think Shakespeare was a great writer?  Who believes Shakespeare was a great writer?  Many people believe Shakespeare was a great writer.  Shakespeare was a great writer.  I think that school uniforms should be banned.  School uniforms should be banned.

6. Converting Informal to Formal Language Eliminate clichés, slang and colloquial phrases:  Clichés  Shakespeare was a tried and true writer  Shakespeare was an outstanding writer.  Slang  Shakespeare made a ton of bread writing plays  Shakespeare earned a good living writing plays.  Colloquial phrases:  I’d give my arm for an A  Earning an A would be rewarding.  There is kind of a difference between these literary villains  A difference exists between these literary villains.