Formal writing

Formal writing is grammatically correct with correct punctuation and spelling. As a writer,
you need to choose a style of writing that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Sentence structure
Do not let your sentences become overly long, more than 30 words, as the reader will find
them confusing. Good sentence construction reduces your word count and makes your
sentences precise and concise.

Vocabulary
Your academic and subject vocabulary will develop over the course of your degree and it is
important that you understand the context of any new words you encounter and use them
appropriately. Always, use vocabulary you are comfortable with and fully understand. If
you do not understand what you have written, then do not expect anyone else to. To keep
your writing precise and concise remove ‘fluffy’ words which are not easily defined such as:
good, very, really, main, key, important, paramount, and so on.

Spelling
Poor spelling shows that you do not pay attention to detail. If you are word processing,
make sure you have English (UK) set as your default for spell checking and you will find a
red squiggle under a spelling error. Many employers reject job applications if spelling is
incorrect so find ways to develop your ability to spell.

Punctuation
You know what you want to say, and your punctuation helps you to do this. It helps the
reader to understand your writing when you are not present to ask. If your punctuation is
incorrect then the reader may become confused. Reading your work aloud, with a short
pause for a comma and a longer one for a full stop, can be helpful in highlighting errors in
punctuation. You can even record yourself and when listening back, annotate a paper copy
when you hear errors.

Grammar
When using an English (UK) grammar checker a blue squiggle under your words denotes a
grammatical error. Sometimes errors may occur if you are using an academic style of
writing which uses a ‘passive voice’ rather than an ‘active voice’. You need to learn to
recognise these two styles of writing. A common error is incorrect subject verb
agreement. You need to be able to recognise the ‘subject’ and ‘verb’ in a sentence and
check that these agree.

A singular subject should be aligned with a singular verb.

Spelling is / was tricky. (Singular subject – spelling – one thing - therefore use a singular
verb ‘is / was'.)

A plural subject has a plural verb.

Grammar and spelling are / were tricky. (Plural subject - grammar and spelling - two
things - so use a plural verb ‘are / were’.)

Academic Skills Updated August 2020 Page 1 of 1