Features of formal (neutral) language
The language register determines the vocabulary, structure, and
some grammar in your writing.
The formal register is more appropriate for professional
writing. (Opinion articles/reviews/reports)
The neutral register is non-emotional and sticks to facts.
(Summary)
1. Do not use contractions
Contractions are not usually used in formal writing, even though
they are very common in spoken English.
In formal writing, you should spell out contractions.
Examples:
In formal writing, you should use:

cannot instead of can’t

have not instead of haven’t

will not instead of won’t

could not instead of couldn’t

Is not instead of isn’t....................................................
2. Write in third person point of view
In formal writing, we usually do not use first person or second
person.
Avoid using:




I
You
We
Us
Use: It /They/He /She/General words (one /the majority/the
minority/ the youth/the old.........)
Examples:
You can purchase a car for under $10,000. (informal)
One can purchase a car for under $10,000. (formal)
A car can be purchased for under $10,000. (formal)
You will probably see an elephant on an African safari. (informal)
One may see elephants on an African safari. (formal)
Elephants are a common sight on African safaris. (formal)
We decided to invest in the company. (informal)
The group decided to invest in the company. (formal)
3. Avoid using slang, idioms, exaggeration (hyperboles)
and figurative language.
4. Avoid using phrasal verbs .Use one word formal words.
The price went up. (informal)
The price rose /increased. (formal)
We should cut down on spending. (informal)
It is recommended to reduce spending. (formal)
5. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms.
Examples:

influenza => flu

United States of America => U.S.A or USA

tablespoon => tbsp.
6. Use formal transitions (do not use: On top of all
that/To top it all off/What’s more/Suddenly/Out of
nowhere)
Instead use:

Nevertheless

Additionally

However

In addition

As a result of

Although-----------
7- Allowed to use more passive form.
8- Replace modal verbs with formal words.
Examples:
Can/could= able to /ability
Do not have to = not obliged/under no obligation
Must not/cannot do something = prohibited
May/might= it is probable/possible/ there is a
possibility/probability
N.B. using the nouns increases the formality of the
sentence
Examples:
1- We are not going to renew the sole representative agreement
again because you haven’t produced enough business for us.
(informal)
2- We’re too busy to go to London for the meeting in this period.
Can you come over here? (informal)
3- Bad luck!! They will put off the meeting till next week.
(informal)
4- Unfortunately, the meeting will have to be postponed until
next week. (formal)
5- I will call you asap. (informal)
6- The matter is under the police investigation. (formal)
À7- The police will be looking into the matter. (informal)
8- You don't have to buy anything if you don't want to. (informal)
9- Consumers are under no obligation to purchase any products.
(formal)
10- Let me know what you need. (informal)
11- Notify the one in charge with the requirements. (formal)
12- We should cut down on the use of sugar. (informal)
13- It is recommended to reduce the usage /consumption of
sugar/sugar consumption. (formal)
14- She has the ability to multitask. (formal)
15- She can do more than one thing at the same time. (informal)
16- This is good. (informal)
17- This is of great benefit/beneficial. (formal)
18- Most /The majority of teenagers are capable of producing
creative solutions. (formal)