Describe your image
RUwrite
Formal vs. Informal
Introduction
​
The point of view that you write in sets the tone for your entire composition. Think of your writing voice as a representation of yourself. Thus, when writing academically, you want to utilize third-person point of view to create a polished and professional writing tone. This lesson will explore formal vs. informal writing.
Learning Outcomes
​
By the end of this learning experience, you should feel confident with the following:
​
-
Identifying sentence components that signify first or third-person point of view
-
Distinguishing between first and third-person point of view
-
Applying a formal voice when writing academically
Use Appropriate Academic Language
​
Why is it important to use appropriate academic language?
The words writers choose reflect the formality or informality of the rhetorical situation. Academic writing often calls for the use of formal diction, in contrast to the less formal language of everyday conversation. The use of conversational language and informal tone—writing as we speak—in academic papers is often too casual and may weaken the credibility of the writer. On the other hand, the use of language that is pompous or stuffy can make the writing sound overly complex. Utilizing language appropriate to the academic context can help to create balanced communication between writer and reader.
How can informal or overly formal language be revised?
Replace slang or colloquial (conversational) terms with precise, conventional language.
Replace informal conversational language with academically-focused language; the use of third-person point of view and appropriate terminology can often help with this process.
Simplify language that may come across as pompous or stuffy.
Let’s look at an example:
Informal: When he talked about the BP Oil Spill, President Obama dropped names to impress his audience. (casual, conversational language)
Pompous: Communicating with the municipal group concerning the petrol company’s misfortunate escape of emollient, President Obama alludes to erudite scientific scholars and research communities so as to institute a sense of trust amongst his supporters. (pompous, stuffy)
Formal: In his speech regarding the BP Oil Spill, President Obama referenced knowledgeable scientists and research groups in order to establish credibility with his audience. (appropriate academic language)
Practice
Once you have completed the practice quiz, scroll up inside the quiz box and
click "view score" and see the correct answers.
Avoid First-Person Point of View
​
When is first person point of view used?
First person point of view is often used in personal narrative—when the writer is telling a story or relating an experience. This perspective is writer’s point of view, and the writer becomes the focal point. First person personal pronouns include I, we, me, us, my, mine, our, and ours.
Examples of sentences written from the first person point of view:
• I was only seven years old when my family moved to the United States.
• We took a vacation that allowed us to explore our nation from east to west and north to south.
• My friend and I finally relaxed once we got to the beach and waded into the ocean.
• How long will it be before our car is repaired and we can continue our trip home?
• Our ability to construct a convincing argument grew after our participation in a rousing debate.
When should first person point of view be avoided?
Writing from the first person point of view can, at times, weaken the credibility of the writer in research and argument papers. When the paper is written in first person, the work may sound like it is based only on personal opinion.
Weak: I am writing this paper to let you know how bad I think bullying is. (1st person)
Stronger: Bullying is a social issue that may result in devastating physical, mental, and emotional consequences for its victims. (3rd person)
First Person Personal Pronouns
Possessive
my, mine, our, ours
Objective
me, us
Subjective
I, we
Use Third-Person Point of View
​
​
When is third-person point of view used?
Third person is used when a degree of objectivity is intended, and it is often used in academic documents, such as research and argument papers. This perspective directs the reader’s attention to the subject being presented and discussed. Third person personal pronouns include he, she, it, they, him, her, them, his, her, hers, its, their, and theirs.
Examples of sentences written from the third person point of view:
• She went to the library to consult with the reference librarian about her paper’s topic.
• When he got to his car, he was glad to see that his friend was waiting for him.
• The students entered the classroom nervously on the first day of class; they had not had the opportunity to become acquainted with their professor or with each other.
• Jenny and her friend used backpacks to simplify the task of carrying books, notebooks, writing tools and a laptop around campus.
Third Person Personal Pronouns
Subjective
he, she, it, they
Objective
him, her, it, them
Possessive
his, her, hers, its, their, theirs
Practice
Once you have completed the practice quiz, scroll up inside the quiz box and
click "view score" and see the correct answers.
Licensing and Attribution
​
“Use Appropriate Academic Language” is from Writing Commons. Original webtexts published by Writing Commons are licensed under a Creative Commons 3.0 NC ND. In addition, Writing Commons reprints works with permission and publishes some works under a CC 3.0 SA.
The above is adapted from “Avoid First-Person Point of View” from Writing Commons. Original webtexts published by Writing Commons are licensed under a Creative Commons 3.0 NC ND. In addition, Writing Commons reprints works with permission and publishes some works under a CC 3.0 SA.
The above is adapted from “Use Third-Person Point of View” from Writing Commons. Original webtexts published by Writing Commons are licensed under a Creative Commons 3.0 NC ND. In addition, Writing Commons reprints works with permission and publishes some works under a CC 3.0 SA.