Academic Writing: Formal Tone: Dressing Your Words in a Scholarly Suit
Imagine your academic writing as attending a formal dinner. You wouldn’t show up in jeans and a t-shirt, right? Similarly, academic writing requires a specific dress code – a formal tone that reflects the seriousness and professionalism of scholarly discourse.
What is Formal Tone?
Formal tone is the style of language used in academic writing. It is characterized by:
- Objectivity: Avoiding personal opinions or emotions.
- Precision: Using specific and accurate language.
- Complexity: Employing longer sentences and more sophisticated vocabulary.
- Impersonality: Avoiding contractions, slang, and first/second person pronouns (I, we, you).
Why Use Formal Tone?
- Credibility: Formal tone lends credibility and authority to your writing.
- Clarity: It helps you communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
- Professionalism: It demonstrates respect for your audience and adherence to academic conventions.
How to Achieve Formal Tone:
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Avoid Contractions:
- Instead of “can’t,” use “cannot.”
- Instead of “don’t,” use “do not.”
- Instead of “it’s,” use “it is.”
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Avoid Slang and Colloquialisms:
- Instead of “kids,” use “children.”
- Instead of “cool,” use “interesting” or “impressive.”
- Instead of “stuff,” use “things” or “materials.”
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Minimize First/Second Person Pronouns:
- Instead of “I think,” use “This essay argues” or “The research suggests.”
- Instead of “You can see,” use “It is evident that” or “The data indicates.”
- Exception: You can use “we” in limited cases when referring to yourself and co-authors.
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Use Precise and Formal Vocabulary:
- Instead of “get,” use “obtain” or “acquire.”
- Instead of “big,” use “significant” or “substantial.”
- Instead of “show,” use “demonstrate” or “illustrate.”
Let’s Practice!
Rewrite in Formal Tone: Revise the following sentences to achieve a more formal tone.
- I think climate change is a big problem.
- The study found out that kids who eat breakfast do better in school.
- You can’t always trust what you read online.
Analyze Academic Texts: Find examples of formal writing in academic articles or books. Identify the specific features that contribute to the formal tone.
Challenge!
Write a formal essay on a topic of your choice, paying close attention to tone, vocabulary, and grammar.
Remember:
Formal tone is a skill that takes practice to master. By being mindful of your word choice, grammar, and sentence structure, you can elevate your academic writing and make a positive impression on your readers.
