1. In formal writing contractions (won’t) should be avoided. Instead the words should be
written in full (will not).
Example: Export figures won’t improve until the economy is stronger.
Export figures will not improve until the economy is stronger.
2. The more suitable formal negative forms should also be used in formal writing.
Examples:
not……any > no
not….much > little
not….many > few
The analysis didn’t yield any new results. > The analysis yielded no new results.
The government didn’t allocate much funding for the program. > The government allocated little funding for the program.
This problem doesn’t have many viable solutions. > This problem has few viable solutions.
3. Limit the use of “run on” expressions such as “and so forth” and “etc.”
Example: These semiconductors can be used in robots, CD players, etc. > These semiconductors can be used in robots, CD players, and other electronic devices.
4. Avoid addressing the reader as “you”.
Example: You can see the results of table 1. > The results can be seen in table 1.
This means using the ‘passive voice’ as much as possible.
5. Limit the use of direct questions.
Example: What can be done to lower costs? > We need to consider what can be done to lower costs. > We now need to consider how costs can be lowered.