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Aim for a balance between formality and informality from "summary" of The Sense of Style by Steven Pinker
Striking the right balance between formality and informality is a crucial aspect of effective writing. Too much formality can make your writing stiff and pompous, while excessive informality can make it sloppy and unprofessional. Finding the sweet spot between these two extremes is essential for engaging your readers and conveying your ideas clearly. Simplicity is key when trying to strike this balance. Complex and overly formal language can alienate your audience, while overly casual language can make your writing seem unprofessional. By aiming for a straightforward and clear style, you can maintain a level of formality that is suitable for your audience while still keeping your writing engaging and accessible. Logical sequencing is another important factor to consider when balancing formality and informality in your writing. Make sure your ideas flow logically from one to the next, using transition words and phrases to guide your readers through your argument. This will help maintain a sense of coherence in your writing, regardless of how formal or informal your tone may be. Consistency in tone and style is crucial when aiming for this balance. Mixing formal language with informal language can confuse your readers and detract from the overall clarity of your writing. By maintaining a consistent tone throughout your piece, you can ensure that your message comes across clearly and effectively. Grammar and syntax play a significant role in achieving the right balance between formality and informality. Using proper grammar and sentence structure can lend a level of formality to your writing, while employing more conversational language can make your writing feel more relaxed and approachable. By paying attention to these details, you can create a style that is both engaging and appropriate for your audience. Having a contextual understanding of your audience is essential when trying to strike this balance. Consider who will be reading your work and tailor your language and tone accordingly. By adapting your style to suit your audience, you can ensure that your writing resonates with them and effectively communicates your message.- Aiming for a balance between formality and informality in your writing is a delicate art. By focusing on simplicity, clarity, logical sequencing, transition words and phrases, consistency in tone and style, grammar and syntax, contextual understanding, and engaging your readers, you can create a style that is both professional and engaging.
