修辞学课件formalandinformalwords.ppt

How to Avoid Colloquial Words in Formal Writing Anybody, anyone – Anyone and its variants are more formal than anybody and its variants. This is because the word body derives from German whereas the word one derives from Latin. I didnt see anybody. I saw no one. Introduce, present – Present is more formal than introduce. It is also more respectful to the person presented. The queen was introduced. . . . The queen was presented. . . . Kid – Whether a verb or noun, kid is not appropriate in formal writing. Replace kid with child or joke. I saw a kid on a skateboard. I saw a child on a skateboard. I’m kidding! I am joking! On the other hand – On the other hand is a very common phrase when adding a new and different fact to a statement, but should be avoided in extremely formal English. You sometimes will need to use conversely or by contrast. On the other hand is particularly useful in everyday writing, though. The use of pretty as an adverb is not appropriate in formal writing. Replace it with relatively, fairly, or quite. Avoid contractions. Contractions dramatically reduce the formality of your composition. Depending on how formal you need to be, you may want to avoid all contractions or use fewer contractions in your writing than you would use in your speech. Cannot is preferable to can’t in formal contexts. Some contractions such as o’clock (for of the clock) are so commonplace that they are condemned in only the most formal writing. John, I’m looking for a job, and I’ve heard through the grapevine(means by which news is passed on from person to person) that you need a workhorse for your shop. Well, I’m the man of the hour, as I’ve got a lot to offer. I’m pretty hard-working, and I’m really good about being on time. I’m also used to working by myself. Anyway, tell me whether you want to get together for an interview, okay? Dear John, I understand that you are looking for a strong worker to assist you in your shop. I should appreciate consideratio