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Writing style and formality

The writing style includes four characteristics:

  1. formality
  2. language complexity
  3. objectivity, and
  4. depth of information.

The purpose you are trying to achieve, the needs of the readers, your relationship with the reader, and the type of document all affect the style in which you write. Style is a strategy for effective writing, not a goal.

In this article, we will tackle the formality.

Formality means (1) the degree to which you pay attention to the actual and assumed standard conventions of English, (2) the degree to which you use common words instead of colloquial and idiomatic words, (3) the level of objectivity, and (4) ) ) the level of intimacy you assume with the reader. Writing formally does not mean using “fancy” language and big words.

The levels of formality, sometimes called linguistic registers, can be interpreted as follows.

Intimate (less formal): This is how you talk or write to your best friends or your partner. Intimate language relies heavily on shared experiences, assumes understanding of common themes, and does not reflect the standard conventions of English grammar or sentence structure. It is also based on shared definitions of what words and expressions mean, and those meanings may be different or more specific meanings used by the general public. Because intimate language is so dependent on the relationship with the other person, and because intimate language implies social and emotional closeness, avoid intimate language except when speaking or writing to people in your closest relationships.

Casual: This is how you talk or write to people you casually associate with. Friends and family can fall into this category, as can many acquaintances. Although this linguistic register has been described as “friendly” language, we can also use casual language in hostile circumstances. Informal language depends to some extent on shared experiences, common interests, and similar personalities with the other person. Word usage is often idiosyncratic (ie, jargon) and dependent on shared experiences.

Social: This is how you speak or write to people you meet in social situations, such as when talking to a store clerk or being introduced to a friend of a friend. It is based on widely accepted definitions of words, common but respectful ways of addressing the other person, and standard English conventions, although not as rigorously as more formal registers. Does not rely on shared experiences, but may use idioms common to a particular community or culture. Social language is appropriate for most social encounters. In fact, social language implies membership in a particular community or general culture and is appropriate if you are trying to establish yourself as a member of a particular social community.

Formal: The formal language rigorously follows the conventions of Standard English and is based on widely accepted definitions of words. Tends to avoid personal opinions, feelings, and private life experiences. Also avoid idiomatic language. Unlike less formal language styles, formal language does not assume that the reader has shared experiences, understands the issues and issues, or has any social connection with the writer or speaker. Generally, this is the level of formality for public deeds, published or for people with whom you have no social relationship. This is the most acceptable level for most published or widely circulated documents, commercial documents, and academic documents.

Professional: Here the word professional it does not mean formal and commercial. It means writing specifically for a particular profession. Professional documents are, for all practical purposes, social documents. However, the social group is a specific and specific group of readers in a professional field. Members of this group share a common professional language with specific words and expressions, often referred to as jargon, and specific expertise in a field of study. Unlike social language, understanding does not depend on shared experiences in a community or social group. Rather, understanding depends on shared expertise and experience within a particular professional field. Like formal language, professional language pays close attention to language conventions.

This examination of formality levels is useful for two reasons. (1) It can help you select and use the appropriate level. Using the wrong level will create a conflict with your reader. If you use a level that is too intimate, you presume a level of intimacy that the reader does not share. If you use a level that is too formal, you may be perceived as an arrogant and condescending outsider. In either case, you damage the relationship with the reader that you need to achieve your goals. (2) Understanding various levels of formality will help you gauge the effectiveness of your communications, make adjustments, and become flexible in your communication style.

Although the levels of formality address the use of words, nothing about formal or professional writing indicates that it is better to use longer and more esoteric words. In fact, if certain words are not common to your target audience, or if you are unsure how they are used, you risk damaging your communication and credibility.

In business, school, and most professional settings, effective writing stays firmly within the formal level unless you have a very specific and considered reason for using a different level.

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