Thursday, June 23, 2011

Style in Writing - Basic Guide to Writing

FORMAL STYLE is characterized by:

1.) formal expressions, advanced vocabulary, longer sentences
E.g. Taking everything into consideration, it can be said that the facilities offered are of poor quality.
2.) formal linking words and devices (i.e. Nevertheless, Consequently, However, In addition, etc)
E.g. Cell phones are extremely useful for people who travel frequently. However, they can be dangerous.
3.) no use of short forms (i.e. I'm, he's been, there's ...)
E.g. I would be grateful if... (Instead of: I'd be grateful if...)
4.) impersonal tone (i.e. use of the passive, no description of feelings)
E.g. Late this evening, 20-year-old Tom McKinley was pulled to safety after being trapped under debris for more than twenty hours.
5.) factual presentation of the information
E.g. The City Hall, constructed in the late 1800s, was seriously damaged by fire in 1907.



INFORMAL STYLE is characterized by:

1.) everyday/colloquial expressions, vocabulary and idioms E.g. I thought I'd drop you a line..Thanks a million..., etc 2.) frequent use of short forms
E.g. I won 4 be able to come to your party as I'll be away on a business trip.
3.) informal phrasal verbs E.g. Nelly takes after her father. She's
4.) simple linking words and phrases (i.e. but, so, and, because, etc)
E.g. It rains a lot here, so you'd better take an umbrella with you.
5.) shorter sentences
E.g. Thanks a lot for the invitation. I'd love to come.
6.) personal tone (the use of first person) (I/We)
E.g. We've got great news. Г ve found a new job.
7.) descriptive tone (use of adjectives/adverbs for vivid description)
E.g. It was a bitterly cold winter evening.

SEMI-FORMAL STYLE is characterized by:

1.) the use of less colloquial language E.g. Thank you very much for your letter. {Instead of: Thanks a million for your letter.)
2.) less frequent use of short forms, phrasal verbs and idioms E.g. I am writing to request information about... (Instead of: I thought I'd drop you a line to ask about...)
3.) a polite, respectful tone E.g. I was wondering if you had ... {Instead of: Do you have...)
 

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