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Live tutoring Q & A Service Paper Review Reference Library Workshops Writing Fundamentals Program Writing Coach Program English Language Learner (ELL) Resources

Standard English and Formal Writing

What is Standard English and why do we need to use Standard English in our writing?

Formal and Informal Writing– What is the difference? How can we make our writing more formal?

Webster’s dictionary defines ‘amulet’ as…

vs.

Joseph Campbell in his book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, defines ‘amulet’ as…

What is concise writing?Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should

contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.

— William Strunk Jr.in Elements of Style

Make all your words work!

Ways to do thisGetting rid of redundancy in writing---Instead of “12 midnight”, use “midnight”Instead of “end result” use “result”Instead of “cooperate together” use

“cooperate.”

Trimming sentences further

Reducing Clauses to Phrases, Phrases to Single Words– Example:

Citizens who knew what was going on voted him out of office.

Knowledgeable citizens voted him out of office.

Phrases you can omitAs far as I'm concerned, there is no need for

further protection of woodlands. Write instead:

Further protection of woodlands is not needed.

Omit phrases like “at the present time,” “ as a matter of fact.”

Practice in Concise WritingPlease take turns to post a piece of writing

you think is wordy and we can offer you suggestions on how to make it more concise.

Who would like to post first?

Any remaining questions and concerns?Please voice any questions or concerns you

may have about concise writing or anything else this week.

Are you all clear about this week’s work?

Have a wonderful week!

--Mike