Using formal language in writing is an essential part of learning to write well because it allows writers to take objective approaches to explaining ideas. This is helpful when trying to eliminate bias and reduce the influence of personal opinion. Unfortunately, most of us don’t regularly engage in formal language when we speak and interact with others. This is why report writing is often challenging for young writers. In addition to avoiding opinions, sticking to formal language means adhering to a few other guidelines.
FORMAL LANGUAGE GUIDELINES
1. Avoid contractions and abbreviations.
This means that words like can’t and didn’t should not be used, as well as std. for standard. Mr., Mrs., and Dr. when identifying a person are acceptable. For example Dr. Henry Joseph and Mrs. Susan Telesford.
2. Avoid two-word verbs.
There are many verbs in English that are made up of two words. For example: give away, bump into, knock over, pick up, take back. These are considered informal language and should not be used. Instead, replace these verbs with single words that mean the same thing. Here are some examples, but note that the exact substitute will depend on the context.
| Two-word Verb | Single-word Verbs |
| give away | distribute |
| bump into | collide |
| knock over | overturn |
| pick up | retrieve |
| give back | return |
3. Use more complex sentence structure.
One of the things with formal language is that it moves beyond the simple sentence to include more complex sentence formats. Consider the following three sentences:
– Kai kicked Yves on his leg.
– Then ran back into the classroom.
– Yves ran after Kai.
Consider the following sentence which combines all three:
– After Kai kicked Yves on his leg, Kai ran back into the classroom with Yves right behind him.
4. Use reported speech.
Speaking is often part of the interaction young writers must report on, and they should never leave out what participants in the situation say. However, reporting speech has a particular format.
– DIRECT: “Leave me alone,” Jordan said to Kyle.
– INDIRECT: Jordan told Kyle to leave him alone.
Notice the changes in the verbs and pronouns.
5. Consider using passive voice when trying not to give judgement or opinion.
This one is a little tricky because for reports it is often useful to identify who did an action. Passive voice avoids stating who did the action.
– Carlos pushed Michael, causing him to break his leg when he fell.
– Carlos pushed Michael, and when Michael fell, his leg broke.
The first sentence creates blame on Carlos and suggests that the writer believes it was Carlos’ fault Michael broke his leg. The second sentence only reports the facts as they happen, with no judgment. The passive voice helps make the second sentence opinion free.
Some of these strategies require students to understand additional concepts, so feel free to gather information from textbooks and online resources to help you get the message across.
