The Toolkit of Formal Writing

• Formal writing in English relies on structural precision rather than emotional exclamation. By employing nominalisation, the passive voice, hedging, and cohesive devices, authors project authority and measured objectivity.
• Technique
• Purpose
• Example
• Nominalisation
• Turn verbs into nouns to increase density
• The decision to close the library caused outrage.
• The Passive
• Focus on actions or objects, omitting agents
• A formal complaint was lodged with the council.
• Hedging
• Soften claims to sound more diplomatic
• It would appear that the readership is dissatisfied.
• Cohesion
• Connect ideas smoothly across sentences
• The former policy failed; the latter succeeded.
• Remember
• Convert active verbs into abstract noun phrases to elevate the register.
• Use passive constructions when the agent is irrelevant or when you wish to remain impartial.
• Employ hedging devices such as 'seem to' or 'arguably' to avoid sounding overly dogmatic.
• Utilize cohesive markers to guide the reader through complex arguments seamlessly.
• Examples
• It is widely argued that the closure will negatively impact local literacy.
• Should the council proceed with the demolition, public backlash is anticipated.
• Never before has such strong indignation been expressed by Boston residents.
• The proposal, which was drafted in Seattle, has met with fierce resistance.
• Common mistakes
• We think that they should not close the library in Chicago.
• It is strongly recommended that the Chicago library remain open.
• People got mad when the council made the choice.
• Considerable public indignation greeted the council's decision.

Complete the sentences

• It is often suggested that a prompt ___ ((respond)) ____ is required from the mayor.
• Concerns ___ ((voice)) ____ by citizens in Austin regarding the budget cuts.
• Seldom ___ ((see)) ____ such widespread opposition in Manchester.
• It would appear that the editorial board ___ ((misunderstand)) ____ our primary grievance.
• Were the council to reverse its policy, public trust ___ ((restore)) ____ across Denver.
• Much as the committee ___ ((appreciate)) ____ your input, the decision is final.

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