For permission to reproduce this document, please contact Writing Services , University of Guelph . Once you have learned to rid your writing of errors in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, you can continue to improve your writing by considering the more elusive problems with style. Start by taking these steps to a clearer writing style. Choose an appropriate tone. The level of formality depends on the kind of assignment, the reader, and the purpose.
Informal tone is personal, simple, and direct.
Sentences may be somewhat shorter. This style is used in more casual writing assignments, journal entries, and classwork which is designated as informal. Remember, however, that writing informally does not necessarily mean you should use slang, colloquialisms, and contractions. Formal tone is impersonal, with more frequent use of the passive voice, a fairly learned vocabulary, and longer sentences, and with avoidance of personal pronouns. This style is used for academic articles and essays.