Formal Writing: Do Not's

1. Formal Writing: Do Not's

2. Do Not Use Contractions! • When writing a formal essay, you do not use contractions. • A contraction is when you combine to words together, usually trying to make the word negative. • For example: • Aren’t • Don’t • Can’t • Would’ve • Should’ve • Could’ve

3. Do Not Use First Personal Pronouns • When writing a formal essay, please refrain from using first or second person, or any personal pronouns. • It is much better to use the person’s name. • For example: • I, me, and myself • You • We • He • She • It • They • Them

4. Do Not Use Past Tense • When you are writing a formal essay, especially about literature, you do not use past tense verbiage. • For example: • Rebelled • Tried • Relied • Conformed • Used

5. Do Not Use Vague Words • When you are writing a formal essay, you need to be specific. • Do not use words that “stand in” or replace the actual word you are meaning to say. • For example: • Thing • It • They • Them • That • Their; There • They’re

6. Do Not Use the “Be” Verb Often • When writing a formal essay, you need to stay away from using the “be” verb too often. • It is much better to action verbs. • For example: • Is • Being • Been

7. Do Not Use the Same Word Twice • When you are writing a formal essay, it is important that you use a varied vocabulary to explain your point. • For Example: • If you use the word rebel, then you might want to also use the following words that express the same idea: • Protest • Defy • Agitate

8. Do Not Use More than One Question • When writing a formal essay, questions are perfectly fine to use as attention grabbers; however, after the introduction, you should refrain from using them.

9. Do Not Use Prepositions at the End of Your Sentence • When writing a formal essay, it is important that you do not use prepositions at the end of a sentence. For example: I would rather you discuss the person you are referring to. She answered the question I needed help with.