Avoiding Colloquial Informal Writing

Most of our writings have their own purposes and forms. Formal writings are the ones we use much often. It may sometimes be a bit difficult to find the balance between formal and informal writing. Sometimes too much usage from both can ruin the message that we are trying to convey with our writing.

The following are tips on how to avoid colloquial informal writing:

• First thing to remember is to avoid using clichés. We must not use an expression over and over again. There are lots of words and phrases that we can use. Clichés make the whole writing look unoriginal. Clichés are just for writers who do not have a broad vocabulary. They tend to use the mostly used words just to come up with something to write.
• Second thing, when writing something, we should think about who will read our work. For example, we are writing to our boss, we should be careful with our words. Informal or colloquial words may seem a bit rude for them. Another is when we write a letter for our mother. It will be inappropriate for us to use colloquial words when we write to her. Formal words will be much more acceptable and recommended.
• Next thing to remember is to use contractions carefully. The contractions we use may set a tone to our conversation. When we write, we have to think like we are talking to an audience which watches all our words. So there must be no colloquial words that we should use.
• The best thing for us to avoid writing colloquial and informal writing is to read a lot of formal writing through magazines, novels, books and broad sheets. It will also help us widen our vocabulary. That way, we won’t be tempted to use colloquial words and phrases just to fill up blanks.
• If we are not satisfied with our writing and wants to make sure that we did well, we should ask a writer friend to check our work. They can proofread it for us and tell us if ever there are any errors. It will also be more comfortable for us if it is our friend who will check our work. Some people are hesitated in asking their advisers in checking their write ups because they are shy to show others about their errors.
• Last thing to remember is not to over think. We should know that we are just avoiding colloquial writing, but that does not mean we have to be too formal either. We have to keep out work simple and understandable. There is no need to be too much formal. Just a careful usage of certain words.