Formal Language

 

When we speak to our friends and family, we use informal (casual) language that works well for expressing our experiences and emotions to those around us. However, when we write in a school setting, informal language can make our points confusing or unclear.

The following paragraph uses informal language, including slang, clichés and informal informal expressions :

Fake news sites have been blowing up all over the internet. The info on the sites is sketchy, but the sites bring in big bucks by getting a load of clicks. Well, schools should step up and teach about how to deal with internet sources. Schools are all about test scores but they totally blow off topics like media literacy, which is a huge thing nowadays. If schools could get with the program, everyone’s ability to pick out fake news would go up.

 

Here’s the same paragraph, rewritten with more formal, academic language:

Fake news sites have increased in number across the internet. The information on the sites is unfounded or incorrect, but the sites benefit financially by attracting high numbers of visitors. To solve this problem, schools should take responsibility for teaching about how to evaluate internet sources. Schools tend to focus on test scores but do not teach topics such as media literacy, which is an important skill for today’s students. If schools began focusing on internet source evaluation, everyone’s ability to detect fake news would increase.

Three types of language that should be avoided in academic writing are slang, clichés, and informal expressions. In most cases, our writing will be clearer if we avoid these types of language.

Slang

Slang is informal language that:

• Is used in casual situations
• Is only familiar to some groups
• Changes often
• May confuse readers who aren’t familiar with these terms

 

Slang Expression	Formal Equivalent
bucks	money
ride	car
fam	group of friends
busted	broken, in trouble, or unattractive (depending on your generation!)

 

Clichés 

Clichés are expressions that:

• Are overused
• Were originally clever but have become too common
• No longer hold much meaning
• Make writing sound lazy and vague

 

Cliché	Formal Equivalent
Step up to the plate	Take responsibility
Twenty-four Seven	Constantly
A full plate	A busy schedule
Don’t judge a book by its cover.	Readers should investigate this topic more deeply.

 

Informal Expressions

Informal Expressions are phrases that: 

• Often use multiple small, common words
• Take the place of a single, more specific word
• Make writing sound casual and vague

 

Informal Expression	Formal Equivalent
get a hold of	reach
go up	increase
find out	discover
go on about	discuss

 

Examples 

Avoiding slang, clichés and informal expressions will make your writing sound clearer, more academic and more professional.  

Informal: 

Choosing a major seems like a big deal to many students. 

Formal: 

Choosing a major feels intimidating to many students. 

Informal: 

Students shouldn't freak out about choosing their major. 

Formal:

Students shouldn't panic about chosing their major. 

Informal: 

Students should step up to the plate and look at what they are into. 

Formal: 

Students should accept the challenge of exploring their interests.