How to avoid colloquial (informal) writing
I stumbled upon (probably via Digg) an article on WikiHow regarding things to remember in order to avoid colloquial (informal) writing.
- Know the meaning of colloquialism.
- Understand basic English punctuation.
- Avoid using common colloquial words/expressions (list at the end of the article).
- Avoid using “filler” words.
- Avoid contractions.
- Limit your use of subjective pronouns.
- Avoid splitting infinitives.
- Avoid ending your sentences with a preposition.
- Avoid clichés.
Of those items, I probably have the most difficulty avoiding clichés, especially when I’m writing an editorial for The Holcad. Clichés are more acceptable in editorials because similes and metaphors add flavor when one must write at an elementary school level, but it is still better to avoid them when possible.
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