Formal Punctuation

Exclamation Marks

Avoid using exclamation marks in formal writing.

Formal writing is considered a means of communicating information, and is kept rather boring so that communication is not interrupted in any way. Exclamation marks impart an excitement, which may distract the reader from the information. Generally, exclamation marks are not used in formal writing, as they are seen to concentrate on the emotion rather than the information. Use of an exclamation mark might also imply a lack of professionalism on the writer’s part.

Incorrect: Global warming will be the downfall of mankind!

While most people would consider this sentence to be worthy of an exclamation mark, formal writing should be used solely to impart information. In order that the reader take the author seriously, the exclamation mark should be removed and replaced with a period.

Incorrect: The author believes her professor to be entirely wrong!

Strong emotions are likely to distract the reader from the information being imparted, rather than convincing them of a point. The exclamation mark should be replaced with a period, and the statement supported with facts rather than emotion.

Bullets

Don't use bullets to emphasise a list in your formal writing.

Bullets may be appropriate for business writing, brochures, and websites, where the goal is to visually attract the eye to a certain section of the text. This card is an example of “visually attractive” writing, where one may stop to read this paragraph, or one may just scan for the pertinent information.

Just as there is no rush to eat a formal dinner, there is no rush to read formal writing; it is meant to be a slow, contemplative process. Formal language involves full sentences and proper punctuation, without pictures or drawings (although, diagrams may be appropriate). Lists may begin with a colon, and involve many commas or semi-colons. Should a list get too long, consider re-writing it into separate sentences or paragraphs.

Incorrect: Home builders must consider:

Cost of planning

Cost of materials

Cost of labour

Cost of maintenance

This arrangement is great for a quick reminder of what a home builder should remember, but should be written as a full sentence when used in a formal piece:
Correct: Home builders must consider the cost of planning, materials, labour and maintenance.
or
Correct: Home builders must consider the cost of planning, materials and labour; the cost of maintaining the building site must also be included.