There are some writing conventions you are used to that are not applicable in formal writing. For example, contractions, or the combining and shortening of two or more words with an apostrophe to create a shorthand version of the used words. The lack of proper punctuation among other common practices in text lingo cannot be used in formal writing as well. This section will provide the do's and do not's informal writing using examples and definitions clearly and concisely and any further questions can be answered in the "Resources" section of this guide.
A Guide In A Guide
Why It is "The Dos and Do Not's" And Not "The Dos and Don'ts"
- Dos
- Use good vocabulary.
- Utilize complex sentences.
- Use conjunctions.
- Use Standard English.
- Make sure your sentences are grammatically correct.
- Write in third person
- Do Nots
- Use contractions.
- Repeat words or phrases through the whole text.
- Forget/use incorrect punctuation.
- Use colloquialism or slang.
- Write in first or second person.
- Only use simple sentences.
