by Sentenceworks
Vocabulary
Vague Terms
Ensure you do not use “etc.” or “and so on__” (or other similar non-specific terms) when giving examples.
Because its purpose is to communicate information, formal writing should have a tone of certainty. Vague terms like “and so forth” and “ and the like” leave too much up to the reader’s imagination. Examples should be clear and precise, leaving the reader with the understanding the author is knowledgeable. When introducing examples by using “such as” or “like”, give a few specific examples, and then end the clause.
Incorrect: Early North American colonists were often victim to diseases such as cholera, smallpox, typhoid, etc.
The term, “etc.”, should be removed from this sentence to help create a tone of certainty. The ending should read: …diseases such as cholera, smallpox and typhoid.
Incorrect: The professor recommends we increase our understanding of Elizabethan literature by studying authors such as Shakespeare, Marlow, blah blah blah.
“Blah blah blah” creates a very informal tone in this sentence. By re-writing the examples as simply, “Shakespeare and Marlow”, it creates a tone of certainty (i.e. these two specific writers will increase an understanding of Elizabethan literature) and makes the sentence more formal.
Inappropriate Words or Phrases
Avoid using any words or phrases which might be considered common or offensive.
Curses, slang words and socially unacceptable words should not be used in formal writing. The tone of formal writing should be kept consistently calm so the reader can concentrate on the information being conveyed. Even words such as “darned” and “heck” will interfere with the formal tone. Day-to-day terms should be replaced with Latin or scientific terms (e.g. pee = urine).
Incorrect: In ancient Rome, sidewalks were raised so pedestrians could avoid the horse poop.
While the term, “poop”, is not likely to be considered offensive, formal writing standards would have the word replaced with “droppings” or “faeces”.
Incorrect: The class would be interesting except for that damned Shakespearean poetry.
“Damned” should be removed from this sentence as it is an unnecessary word which may offend a reader, or sway the reader’s opinion unnecessarily.
Exception:
Some words may be acceptable if used in the proper context.
Correct: Medieval society believed those involved in witchcraft would be damned to hell.
The phrase, “damned to hell”, is acceptable in this context. However, one might use the synonym, “condemned”, to prevent any confusion on the reader’s part.