UNDERSTANDING WRITING STYLE

UNDERSTANDING WRITING STYLE

The writing style you should use depends on the type of composition you are writing, the situation and the intended reader. Therefore, you should not use the same style of writing for every composition. The two main types of writing style are formal and informal. However, not all styles of writing fall under these categories. For example, in a letter to somebody you do not know very well or in an article for a student*s magazine, the style used is neither formal nor informal, but a blend of the two, known as semi-formal.

Formal style is characterised by:

-formal expression, advanced vocabulary, longer sentences

e.g. taking everything into consideration, it can be said that the facilities offered are of poor quality.

-formal linking words/phrases (i.e. However, Nevertheless, In addition, Consequently, etc.)

e.g. Mobile phones are extremely useful for people who travel frequently. However, they can be dangerous.

-no use of short forms (i.e. I*m, there*s..)

e.g. I would be grateful if(instead of: I*d be grateful if..)

-impersonal tone, i.e. use of the passive, no description of feelings

e.g. Late this evening, 20-year-old Tim McCormack was pulled to safety after begin trapped under debris for more than ten hours.

-factual presentation of the information

e.g. The Town Hall, constructed in the late 1800s, was seriously damaged by fire in 1909.

Informal style is characterised by:

-everyday/colloquial expression, vocabulary and idioms.

e.g. I thought I*d drop you a line, Thanks a million.., etc

-frequent use of short forms

e.g. I won*t be able to come to your party as I*ll be away on business trip.

-informal phrasal verbs

e.g Lucy tajes after her father. She*s

-simple linking words/phrases (i.e. but, so, because, and etc)

e.g. It rains a lot here, so you *d better take an umbrella with you.

-shorter sentences

e.g. Thanks a lot for the invitation. I*d love to come.

-personal tone i.e. use of firs person (I/We)

e.g. I*ve got great news. I*ve found a new job.

-descriptive tone i.e. use of adjectives/adverbs etc for vivid description

e.g. It was a bitterly cold winter morning.