TipsUnderstand what formal English is and what it looks like.
ExplanationFormal English includes complex sentences, lacks first-person and second-person pronouns, and excludes conversational words or phrases.
Formal English Example: While on the bus, the students studied for their upcoming test.
Informal English Example: We hit the books to ace our upcoming test.
TipsUnderstand basic punctuation.
ExplanationA Period (.): A period indicates the end of a sentence. To have a complete sentence, it must have a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.
A Comma (,): Use commas to separate two independent clauses. A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to help connect the independent clauses. Commas should be used after introductory phrases and to set off quotes.
A Semicolon (;): Semicolons are used to connect two related independent clauses. A semicolon will replace a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) and a comma.
TipsInclude relative pronouns.
ExplanationRelative pronouns are used before a relative clause. A relative clause includes more information about a noun that was previously mentioned. The most common relative pronouns are which, that, and who.
Using a Relative Pronoun Example: The pencil that I broke was given to me by my mother.
The relative clause (“that I broke”) comes after the noun (pencil) to give more information. The relative pronoun (that) represents the noun (pencil).
TipsOmit needless words.
ExplanationWhen writing academically, sentences should be as concise as possible. Needless or filler words are used when the writer doesn’t know what else to say and believes these words will enhance the sentence. The most common needless words are literally, in order to, and approximately.
Keeping Needless Words Example: In order to access the building, the secretary uses a keycard.
Omitting Needless Words Example: To access the building, the secretary uses a keycard.
TipsAvoid using first or second person.
ExplanationUsing first-person in an academic paper reduces credibility. A research paper should always be supported by others’ input, not your opinions. First-person singular pronouns are I, me, mine myself. First-person plural pronouns are we, us, ours, ourselves.
Using second-person in an academic paper often assumes what the reader’s knowledge or conclusions will be during or after reading your work. Second-person pronouns are you, yours, yourself, and yourselves.
Instead, write in third-person. Third-person pronouns are used to reference other people or things. These are important when referring back to the author’s research to support an argument. Third-person pronouns are he, she, they, and it.