The following are the basic features of formal style: All verbs forms must be written in full: do not write contractions such as can't, don't, etc. Do not use abbreviations such as info for information or ads for advertisements. Avoid using the active voice and the first person singular; in a formal letter you should write: 'A copy of the receipt will be forwarded to you as soon as possible' instead of 'I will send you a copy of the receipt ASAP.' Avoid using informal intensifiers such as really, so, absolutely; use extremely, highly, entirely, fully instead. Avoid using phrasal verbs which tend to be used in informal writing and conversation; for example, use seek a job instead of look for a job; most phrasal verbs are idiomatic in nature, that is, their meaning cannot usually be inferred from their individual parts. Avoid using informal discourse markers and link words such as besides or by the way and use incidentally instead. Do not use set phrases and idioms, for example, 'I am not going to pay you a penny' instead of 'Your fee will not be paid.' Avoid ellipsis (leaving out words), for example, leaving out the subject I in 'Hope to hear from you soon.'