FORMALITY IN REPORT

1. Formal language is used in writing a report.

2. It is neutral, unemotional, and objective.
3. Less personal reference (I, we, you, our, us)
4. Study the examples below:
(a) The consultant conducts a thorough evaluation professionally.
Here, the writer is a consultant. Instead of writing ‘I or We’, the writer addresses himself
as the third person by using the consultant.
(b) The thorough evaluation is conducted professionally.
Here, the writer uses passive sentence. (is conducted)
5. Avoid using contraction in writing (She’s, don’t, you’re, it’s, won’t, hasn’t, can’t)
6. Avoid slang, colloquialisms, provers, or sayings.
7. Study the examples below:
(a) Her dress is cool. She looks hot that her hair is on point and her eyebrow is on fleek
and that’s awesome. (the italic words here are slangs)
The formal statement is below:
(a) Her dress is beautiful. She looks great that her hair and her eyebrow are perfect.

(b)The flash flood occurred because it was raining cats and dogs. (proverb)
(b) The flash flood occurred because of heavy rain. (without proverb)

8. Here is a list of some informal vs formal words/phrases:

(a) ask vs enquire/inquire
(b) ask for vs request
(c) book vs reserve
(d) check vs verify
(e) from (a company) vs on behalf of
(f) give vs provide
(g) help vs assist

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(h) tell vs inform
(i) give back vs return
(j) advise vs consult
(k) show vs demonstrate/illustrate
(l) cheap vs inexpensive
(m) hard vs difficult
(n) happen vs occur
(o) wrong vs incorrect

9. Look at these examples below:

(a) The customer asked the waiter to give her the bill. (informal)
(b) The customer requested the waiter to issue her the bill. (formal)
(a) This letter is sent by my boss for you to take a look. (informal)
(b) This letter is delivered on behalf of my superior for your perusal. (formal)
(a) If you have any question, feel free to contact me at 888557. (informal)
(b) If you have any inquiry, please contact Mr. James Dawson at 888557. (formal)