Key Takeaways
- Formal writing avoids contractions, slang, and casual expressions
- Third person is generally more formal than first or second person
- Replace casual words (got, stuff, a lot) with precise formal alternatives
- Match language formality to context: academic/professional requires formal; personal allows informal
- Professional tone is respectful, objective, and clear without being stiff or cold
Formal vs. Informal Language
Understanding when to use formal versus informal language is essential for professional communication. The TEAS tests your ability to recognize appropriate language for different contexts.
Characteristics of Formal and Informal Language
| Feature | Formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Contractions | Avoided (do not, cannot) | Common (don't, can't) |
| Vocabulary | Sophisticated, precise | Casual, colloquial |
| Sentence structure | Complex, varied | Simple, direct |
| Tone | Serious, professional | Conversational, friendly |
| Pronouns | Third person preferred | First/second person common |
| Slang | Never | Sometimes acceptable |
| Abbreviations | Spelled out or formal | Common (info, etc.) |
When to Use Formal Language
Formal contexts:
- Academic papers and research
- Medical documentation
- Professional reports
- Business correspondence
- Official presentations
- Legal documents
Formal example: "The patient presented with symptoms consistent with acute respiratory infection. Treatment was initiated per protocol, and the patient demonstrated significant improvement within 48 hours."
When to Use Informal Language
Informal contexts:
- Personal emails
- Text messages
- Casual conversations
- Social media (personal)
- Notes to friends/family
- Informal blogs
Informal example: "The patient came in with a bad cold. We started treatment right away, and he was feeling a lot better in a couple of days."
Avoiding Inappropriate Informality
| Informal (Avoid) | Formal (Preferred) |
|---|---|
| kids | children |
| a lot | numerous, many |
| stuff | materials, items |
| got | received, obtained |
| kind of | somewhat, rather |
| pretty good | satisfactory, adequate |
| okay | acceptable, approved |
| fix | repair, correct |
| figure out | determine, ascertain |
| get rid of | eliminate, remove |
Avoiding Slang and Jargon
Slang: Highly informal expressions that may not be widely understood
- ❌ "The patient was feeling sketchy."
- ✅ "The patient was feeling unwell."
Jargon: Specialized terminology that may confuse general audiences
- Use medical terminology appropriately for your audience
- Define technical terms when writing for general readers
Contractions in Formal Writing
| Avoid | Use Instead |
|---|---|
| don't | do not |
| can't | cannot |
| won't | will not |
| shouldn't | should not |
| it's | it is |
| they're | they are |
Exception: Contractions may appear in direct quotations in formal writing.
First, Second, and Third Person
| Person | Pronouns | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| First | I, we, me, us | Less formal |
| Second | you, your | Least formal |
| Third | he, she, it, they, one | Most formal |
Academic/professional preference: Third person is often preferred for objectivity.
- Less formal: "I observed that the patient improved."
- More formal: "The patient demonstrated improvement."
Passive vs. Active Voice
| Voice | Example | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Active | The nurse administered the medication. | Clear, direct |
| Passive | The medication was administered by the nurse. | More formal, emphasizes action |
Note: Active voice is generally preferred for clarity, but passive voice is common in formal scientific writing.
Tone in Professional Communication
Elements of professional tone:
- Respectful and courteous
- Objective and unbiased
- Clear and precise
- Confident but not arrogant
- Positive when possible
Avoid:
- Emotional language
- Sarcasm or humor (in formal contexts)
- Accusatory statements
- Overly casual expressions
Adapting Language to Audience
Consider:
- Who will read this?
- What is the purpose?
- What is the context?
- What are the expectations?
Example adaptations:
| Audience | Style |
|---|---|
| Medical colleagues | Technical, formal, use medical terminology |
| Patients | Clear, simple, explain medical terms |
| General public | Accessible, define jargon |
| Superiors | Formal, professional, complete sentences |
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal medical report?
Which word would be most appropriate to replace "a lot of" in formal writing?
Which sentence uses an appropriately formal tone for academic writing?