How to use formal grammar and style. For more English tutorials, please visit: https://www.thelecturette.com

1. Formal Grammar and Style

2. Formal Grammar and Style
On the following slides are some
nonvocabulary-related recommendations for
maintaining a formal academic writing style.

3. Formal Grammar and Style
Avoid contractions
Export figures won’ t improve until the
economy is stronger.
Export figures will not improve until the
economy is stronger.

4. Formal Grammar and Style
Use the more appropriate formal negative
forms.
not …any - no
not …much - little
not …many - few

5. Formal Grammar and Style
The analysis didn’ t yield any new results.
The analysis yielded no new results.
The government didn’ t allocate much
funding for the program.
The government allocated little funding for
the program.
This problem doesn’ t have many viable
solutions.
This problem has few viable solutions

6. Formal Grammar and Style
Limit the use of “run on” expressions, such as
“and so forth” and “etc.”.
These semiconductors can be used in robots,
CD players, etc.
These semiconductors can be used in robots,
CD players, and in a number of other things.

7. Formal Grammar and Style
Avoid addressing the reader as “you” (except,
of course, if you are writing a textbook).
You can see the results in table 1.
As shown in table 1

8. Formal Grammar and Style
Limit the use of direct questions.
What can be done to lower costs?
The question arises what could be done to
lower costs.

9. Formal Grammar and Style
Place adverbs within the verb
Adverbs are often placed midposition rather
than in the initial or final positions. In informal
English, adverbs often occur as clauses at
the beginning or end of sentences.
Then the solution can be discarded.
The solution can then be discarded.

10. Formal Grammar and Style
Do not overstate the argument by using
expression like:
It is obvious that…
It is clear that….
The evidence proves….

11. Formal Grammar and Style
Instead use expressions like:
The data reflects the fact that… .
…
These findings support this writer’ s view..
The results suggest that… .…

12. Formal Grammar and Style
Avoid the use of expression such as I think/I
believe, unless your own views have been
specifically asked for, and use expressions
like these:
It is believed…
Many researchers have noted…
Some writers have stated…
The research suggests… .
The evidence indicates… ..

13. Formal Grammar and Style
Use a passive form. This sounds more formal
and detached.

14. Formal Grammar and Style
Use linking words and expressions
however
nevertheless
in contrast
firstly, secondly, etc

15. Questions?
For more slide presentations visit: