The Basics
What to avoid in your writing
- "Things" and "Stuff." Both of these words are terrible in formal writing. Your reader needs more details, explain what the "thing" is or what makes up the "stuff."
- Cut the words "really" and "very" from your writing. Using them makes you a lazy writer, use a thesaurus if you need a more specific word.
- On that note, the words "good" and "nice" are anything but when it comes to writing. Again, check out a thesaurus for better vocabulary.
- All numbers 1-99 need to be written out in formal writing (one - ninety-nine).
- Do not start a sentence with the word "So"
- Do not use contractions in formal writing (combined words like "It's," I've," "can't") instead writ the words out ("it is," "I have," Can not").
- Use 12 point font for your papers and use Times New Roman or Times font. The title of your paper can be in size 14 font and bold.