Brief Summary
This video provides guidance on enhancing the formality of academic writing. It highlights the importance of using formal language to establish credibility and reliability. The video covers several key strategies, including using full words instead of contractions, avoiding conversational markers and idiomatic expressions, and choosing formal vocabulary. It also addresses the use of phrasal verbs, rhetorical questions, and personal pronouns, offering practical examples and revisions to illustrate these points.
- Use full words instead of contractions
- Avoid conversational markers and idiomatic expressions
- Choose formal vocabulary
Introduction
The video introduces the concept of formality in academic writing, emphasising that academic writing is more formal than everyday speech. It highlights the use of longer words and more complex sentences, while avoiding contractions, slang, and informal expressions common in spoken English. Writing formally enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the text.
Using Full Words
To increase formality in academic writing, it's important to write words in full rather than using contractions. For example, instead of using contractions like "can't", "won't", or "shouldn't", the full forms "cannot", "will not", and "should not" should be used. This practice makes the writing more formal and professional.
Avoiding Conversational Markers
Academic writing should avoid conversational markers to maintain a formal tone. This includes avoiding linkers such as "okay", "right", or "like", as well as intensifiers like "really" or "so". For instance, instead of saying "Playing computer games is reallyнка", it is better to write "Playing computer games isнка".
Avoiding Idiomatic Expressions
To maintain formality, idiomatic expressions should be avoided in academic writing. These expressions, such as "a piece of cake" (meaning very easy), are often culturally specific and not universally understood. It is better to use more precise and direct language. For example, instead of saying "The project cost an arm and a leg", it is better to write "The project was expensive".
Choosing Formal Vocabulary
Certain words and phrases are more suitable for casual conversation than academic writing. For example, instead of using "lots of", use "a significant number". Similarly, replace "kids" with "children", "stuff" with "items", and "sort of" with more precise alternatives. Using formal vocabulary enhances the academic tone of the writing.
Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs, which consist of a verb and a preposition or adverb, are common in spoken English but less formal. In academic writing, it is better to replace phrasal verbs with single-word verbs. Examples include replacing "bring up" with "raise", "work out" with "calculate", "find out" with "discover", and "go on" with "continue".
Rhetorical Questions
Rhetorical questions should be avoided in academic writing. Instead of posing a question without expecting an answer, it is better to make a direct statement. This approach maintains a more assertive and formal tone.
Avoiding Personal Pronouns
Using first-person pronouns such as "I", "we", "my", or "our" is generally discouraged in formal academic writing. Instead, it is better to use more impersonal constructions. For example, instead of "I showed that", write "The present study showed that". Similarly, replace "we reviewed" with "it was reviewed".
Additional Tips for Formality
Additional ways to enhance formality include ensuring clear pronoun references and avoiding split infinitives. Also, avoid ending sentences with prepositions and using overly short sentences. These practices contribute to a more polished and formal writing style.
Sentence Transformations
The video provides examples of sentences transformed from informal to formal styles. For instance, "The job went up" is revised to "The job increased significantly". "When a patient's pain is bad, they should take medicine" becomes "When a patient experiences severe pain, medication should be administered". These examples illustrate how to apply the principles of formality in practice.
More Sentence Transformations
Further examples of sentence transformations are presented. "55% of people think that computers are okay" is revised to "55% of people consider computers acceptable". "London flats are really high" becomes "Property prices in London are extremely high". These examples reinforce the importance of using precise and formal language.
Final Examples and Conclusion
The video concludes with final examples of sentence transformations. "Fleming did well to isolate penicillin" is revised to "Fleming succeeded in isolating penicillin". "Part two of the book is for kids" becomes "Part two of the book is intended for children". The video ends by encouraging viewers to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and watch the next video on academic writing.
