Formal Grammar and Style for writing better texts.pptx

Formal Grammar and Style
On the following slides are some
nonvocabulary-related recommendations
for maintaining a formal academic writing
style.

Avoid contractions
Export figures won’t improve until the
economy is stronger.
Export figures will not improve until the
economy is stronger.

Use the more appropriate formal negative
forms.
not … any - no
not … much - little
not … many - few

The analysis didn’t yield any new results.
The analysis yielded no new results.
The government didn’t allocate much
funding for the program.
The government allocated little funding for
the program.
This problem doesn’t have many viable
solutions.
This problem has few viable solutions

Limit the use of “run on” expressions, such
as “and so forth” and “etc.”.
These semiconductors can be used in robots,
CD players, etc.
These semiconductors can be used in robots,
CD players, and in a number of other things.

Avoid addressing the reader as “you”
(except, of course, if you are writing a
textbook).
You can see the results in table 1.
As shown in table 1

Limit the use of direct questions.
What can be done to lower costs?
The question arises what could be done to
lower costs.

Do not overstate the argument by using
expression like:
It is obvious that…
It is clear that….
The evidence proves….

Instead use expressions like:
The data reflects the fact that…….
These findings support this writer’s view..
The results suggest that…….

Avoid the use of expression such as I
think/I believe, unless your own views have
been specifically asked for, and use
expressions like these:
It is believed…
Many researchers have noted…
Some writers have stated…
The research suggests….
The evidence indicates…..

Use a passive form. This sounds more
formal and detached.

Use linking words and expressions
however
nevertheless
in contrast
firstly, secondly, etc

Avoid overusing ‘get’
Get some money
Withdraw some money.
Get a car
Purchase a car
Get better at math.
Improve at math.

Avoid overusing phrasal verbs (verb +
preposition)
Find out = discover
Go up = increase
Come out = emerge

Avoid words that are on ‘the list’
good/bad
Nice
huge
thing (including anything, something, etc.)
a lot of/ lots of
big/small
very/really
…

Questions?
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Formal Grammar and Style for writing better texts.pptx

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