words to avoid in a formal essay

164 Phrases and words You Should Never Use in an Essay—and the Powerful Alternatives you Should

This list of words you should never use in an essay will help you write compelling, succinct, and effective essays that impress your professor.

Words and phrases you shouldn't use in an essay

Writing an essay can be a time-consuming and laborious process that seems to take forever.

But how often do you put your all into your paper only to achieve a lame grade?

You may be left scratching your head, wondering where it all went wrong.

Chances are, like many students, you were guilty of using words that completely undermined your credibility and the effectiveness of your argument.

Our professional essay editors have seen it time and time again: The use of commonplace, seemingly innocent, words and phrases that weaken the power of essays and turn the reader off.

But can changing a few words here and there really make the difference to your grades?

Absolutely.

If you’re serious about improving your essay scores, you must ensure you make the most of every single word and phrase you use in your paper and avoid any that rob your essay of its power (check out our guide to editing an essay for more details).

Here is our list of words and phrases you should ditch together with some alternatives will be so much more impressive.

Vague and Weak Words

What are vague words and phrases.

Vague language consists of words and phrases that aren’t exact or precise. They can be interpreted in multiple ways and, as such, can confuse the reader.

Essays that contain vague language lack substance and are typically devoid of any concrete language. As such, you should keep your eyes peeled for unclear words when proofreading your essay .

Why You Shouldn’t Use VAGUE Words in Essays

Professors detest vagueness.

In addition to being ambiguous, vague words and phrases can render a good piece of research absolutely useless.

Let’s say you have researched the link between drinking soda and obesity. You present the findings of your literature review as follows:

“Existing studies have found that drinking soda leads to weight gain.”

Your professor will ask:

What research specifically? What/who did it involve? Chimpanzees? Children? OAPs? Who conducted the research? What source have you used?

And the pat on the back you deserve for researching the topic will never transpire.

Academic essays should present the facts in a straightforward, unambiguous manner that leaves no doubt in the mind of the reader.

Key takeaway: Be very specific in terms of what happened, when, where, and to whom.

VAGUE Words and Phrases You Shouldn’t Use in an Essay

Flabby words and expressions, what are flabby expressions.

Flabby expressions and words are wasted phrases. They don’t add any value to your writing but do take up the word count and the reader’s headspace.

Flabby expressions frequently contain clichéd, misused words that don’t communicate anything specific to the reader. For example, if someone asks you how you are feeling and you reply, “I’m fine,” you’re using a flabby expression that leaves the inquirer none the wiser as to how you truly are.

Why Should Flabby Words be Removed from an Essay?

Flabby words are fine in everyday conversation and even blog posts like this.

However, they are enemies of clear and direct essays. They slow down the pace and dilute the argument.

When grading your essay, your professor wants to see the primary information communicated clearly and succinctly.

Removing the examples of flabby words and expressions listed below from your paper will automatically help you to take your essay to a higher level.

Key takeaway: When it comes to essays, brevity is best.

Flabby Words and Expressions You Shouldn’t Use in an Essay

Words to avoid in an essay: redundant words, what are redundant words.

Redundant words and phrases don’t serve any purpose.

In this context, redundant means unnecessary.

Many everyday phrases contain redundant vocabulary; for example, add up, as a matter of fact, current trend, etc.

We have become so accustomed to using them in everyday speech that we don’t stop to question their place in formal writing.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Redundant Words in Essays

Redundant words suck the life out of your essay.

They can be great for adding emphasis in a conversational blog article like this, but there is no place for them in formal academic writing.

Redundant words should be avoided for three main reasons:

They interrupt the flow of the essay and unnecessarily distract the reader.
They can undermine the main point you are trying to make in your paper.
They can make you look uneducated.

The most effective essays are those that are concise, meaningful, and astute. If you use words and phrases that carry no meaning, you’ll lose the reader and undermine your credibility.

Key takeaway: Remove any words that don’t serve a purpose.

Redundant Words and Phrases You Shouldn’t Use in an Essay

Colloquial expressions and grammar expletives, what are colloquial expressions.

A colloquial expression is best described as a phrase that replicates the way one would speak.

The use of colloquial language represents an informal, slang style of English that is not suitable for formal and academic documents.

For example:

Colloquial language: “The findings of the study appear to be above board.”

Suitable academic alternative: “The findings of the study are legitimate.”

What are Grammar Expletives?

Grammar expletives are sentences that start with here , there, or it .

We frequently use constructions like these when communicating in both spoken and written language.

But did you know they have a distinct grammatical classification?

They do; the expletive.

Grammar expletives (not to be confused with cuss words) are used to introduce clauses and delay the subject of the sentence. However, unlike verbs and nouns, which play a specific role in expression, expletives do not add any tangible meaning. Rather, they act as filler words that enable the writer to shift the emphasis of the argument. As such, grammar expletives are frequently referred to as “empty words.”

Removing them from your writing can help to make it tighter and more succinct. For example:

Sentence with expletive there : There are numerous reasons why it was important to write this essay. Sentence without expletive: It was important to write this essay for numerous reasons.

Why Should Colloquial Expressions and Grammar Expletives be Removed from an Essay?

While colloquial expressions and grammar expletives are commonplace in everyday speech and are completely acceptable in informal emails and chatroom exchanges, they can significantly reduce the quality of formal essays.

Essays and other academic papers represent formal documents. Frequent use of slang and colloquial expressions will undermine your credibility, make your writing unclear, and confuse the reader. In addition, they do not provide the exactness required in an academic setting.

Make sure you screen your essay for any type of conversational language; for example, figures of speech, idioms, and clichés.

Key takeaway: Grammar expletives use unnecessary words and make your word count higher while making your prose weaker.

Words and Phrases You Shouldn’t Use in an Essay

Nominalization, what is normalization.

A normalized sentence is one that is structured such that the abstract nouns do the talking.

For example, a noun, such as solution , can be structured to exploit its hidden verb, solve .

The act of transforming a word from a verb into a noun is known as normalization.

Should normalization be Removed from an Essay?

This is no universal agreement as to whether normalization should be removed from an essay. Some scholars argue that normalization is important in scientific and technical writing because abstract prose is more objective. Others highlight how normalizations can make essays more difficult to understand .

The truth is this: In the majority of essays, it isn’t possible to present an entirely objective communication; an element of persuasion is inherently incorporated. Furthermore, even the most objective academic paper will be devoid of meaning unless your professor can read it and make sense of it. As such, readability is more important than normalization.

You will need to take a pragmatic approach, but most of the time, your writing will be clearer and more direct if you rely on verbs as opposed to abstract nouns that were formed from verbs. As such, where possible, you should revise your sentences to make the verbs do the majority of the work.

For example,

Use: “This essay analyses and solves the pollution problem.”

Not: “This essay presents an evaluation of the pollution issue and presents a solution.”

While normalized sentences are grammatically sound, they can be vague.

In addition, humans tend to prefer vivid descriptions, and verbs are more vivid, informative, and powerful than nouns.

Key takeaway: Normalization can serve a purpose, but only use it if that purpose is clear.

normalization You Shouldn’t Use in an Essay

That’s a lot to take in.

You may be wondering why care?

Cutting the fat helps you present more ideas and a deeper analysis.

Don’t be tempted to write an essay that is stuffed with pompous, complex language: It is possible to be smart and simple.

Bookmark this list now and return to it when you are editing your essays. Keep an eye out for the words you shouldn’t use in an essay, and you’ll write academic papers that are more concise, powerful, and readable.

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What is Formal Academic Writing: 104 Words to Use and Avoid

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For an author to tell his readers a story, picking the right word and phrases to include in his manuscript is pivotal. Similarly, using formal and professional words, sentences, and tone while writing your academic writing assignments is equally important.

To have an academic tone, express your ideas clearly, and make it easier for your readers to understand the concepts behind your arguments and points, a carefully segregated and strong word choice is ideal for success.

In this article, we’ll share a list of words you should use and ones you should avoid at all costs.

51 Formal Academic Writing Words to Use

While it is necessary to make sense of your writing, it is also advised to identify what sounds best for your assignment and be able to communicate arguments, ideas, and opinions with your target audience, cohesively and concisely.

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Let’s now understand the five categories of words and phrases that are appropriate and advisable to use in your formal academic writing assessments:

1. For the introduction

The most important and trickiest part of your academic writing is the introduction – the first portion of your essay that your readers will read, so it needs to have a catchy hook to grab the attention of your readers and summarise your topic and thesis statement in layman’s terms, all in one paragraph.

To not seem casual in your writing, as well as score high grades on your formal paper, the usage of appropriate words for your introduction paragraph is crucial. Here are some words you can consider:

Considering;
In view of;
In light of;
On the second hand;
Referring to the views of X;
According to X.

2. To add more information and clarity

The structure, clarity, and flow of your paper are very important. You would want your readers to understand each paragraph, connect the entire paper, and draw up an analysis without any difficulties.

Knowing how to write and add new information to your academic paper with smooth transitions from each paragraph to the other is a skill that is paramount amongst students who are crafting their formal assignments.

Furthermore;
In addition to;
Additionally;
On top of that;
In order to;
To this end;
In contemplation of;
In other words;
To put it another way;
To clarify;
To simplify;
Comparably;
In parallel to.

3. To compare and contrast

Most of the time, formal academic writing assignments have differences of opinions to prove an argument, so it's very important to show all sides of an opinion with relevant research and sources.

To show your knowledge of a particular subject, you have to demonstrate your ideas with facts, research and examples. Here are a few ways you can introduce compare and contrast arguments:

Alternatively;
On the contrary;
On the other hand;
By contrast;
As compared to;
Nonetheless;
Despite this;
In spite of;
Importantly.

4. To give examples

Every high-scored academic paper has to include examples. This makes your argument stronger, more plausible and can help simplify an explanation or bring clarity to an argument for your reader.

The term ‘for example’’ is the most commonly used phrase that is used to illustrate examples, but it's always good practice to avoid repeating the same words for a quality read.

For instance;
To demonstrate;
As evidence;
To illustrate;
To exemplify.

5. To summarise your essay

Lastly, concluding words are pivotal for using in your academic paper to summarise all your arguments, points, and ideas. Each portion of this paragraph requires an appropriate term to clarify the meaning and purpose of the argument.

There are terms to introduce your conclusion, emphasize the relevant argument, and shed attention to important points. That’s why the final paragraph with your core argument that ties up your entire academic paper together should be explained through the following terms:

To summarise;
In conclusion;
To conclude;
In closing;
For this reason;

53 Formal Academic Writing Words to Avoid

Apart from knowing which words to use, it’s also important to know the words you must avoid to submit a stellar paper.

Here are the seven categories of words and expressions you should avoid at all costs to gain higher scores on your writing assignments.

1. Informal

Every academic writing needs to be written in formal language with the usage of appropriate words. Informal language in your assignments would make your paper seem casual and immature. Usually, these forms of writing also need to be a lot more formal than our everyday speech.

The following words below are considered to be too informal to be included in your academic papers:

A couple of;
You, your, me, my, us, we (second-person pronouns);
Starting sentences with ‘also’, ‘because’, ‘and’, ‘so’.

Using vague words and sentences should be best avoided. To get across clearly and precisely, use specific terms so that the presentation of the academic writing leaves no doubts in anybody’s mind.

Here are some vague words to avoid using in your essays, dissertations, or projects:

Big, mall, short, tall;
A long time, a while ago, at that time;
Things, stuff, objects.

Oft-repeated and overused expressions can prove to be quite ineffectual in formal writing. Cliches rob an assignment or project of its original worth and erode its credibility.

Take a look at some of the frequently used and bland cliches that would only bring unoriginality to your paper:

Cream of the top;
In today’s society;
In this day and age;
At the end of the day;
A level playing field;
At this moment in time;
When all is said and done;
Throughout history;
Last but not the least;
Agree to disagree.

4. Abbreviations

Shortened forms of words and phrases should be abjured in writing academic papers. This then brings down the entire gravity and professionalism of your essay.

Imagine crafting a perfect academic assignment only to get a low grade due to unnecessary and easily avoidable abbreviations:

Isn’t, wouldn't, couldn't, they’re, won’t, can’t, weren't;
ASAP, BRB, Apps, IT, comp., TV;
Mgmt. dept., info., grad, PVT;
ASAP, TBA, ATM.

5. Complex words

Try to use simple and layman's terms instead of resorting to peppering the assignment with complex words.

Using technical and complex terms will make it difficult for your readers to comprehend your ideas and content. This will, in turn result in you receiving negative feedback for your work.

Here are a few complex words for your reference:

Humongous instead of large;
Equitable instead of fair;
Adjacent to instead of next to;
Accomplished instead of carrying out or do;
With reference to instead of about;
In a timely manner instead of on-time;
Effect modifications instead of making changes;
Promulgate instead of issue or publish.

6. Exaggeration

Formal academic writing is direct and not ornamental. Hence, exaggerations are best avoided. They may also be lacking in accuracy which could make your assignment lose its authenticity – this then leads to lower grades.

Keep in mind to remove your focus from including exaggerated expressions in your formal writing, such as:

Always, never, forever;
Extremely, really, very, must, surely;
Perfect, best, worst;
Literally, completely, absolutely, entirely;
Obviously, of course, undoubtedly.

It's always advisable to use formal words in a conversational tone for your academic assignments. Slangs are best avoided in this aspect because using casual and colloquial expressions can bring down your writing scores drastically.

The following slang and colloquialisms should be best avoided to score a perfect grade on your formal academic assessments:

Ripped off;
Off the hook;
Check it out;

Key takeaway

Now, as you start to pen your thoughts and ideas to paper for your formal academic paper, you not only know what words and sentences to avoid that’ll make your efforts go down the drain, but you also know the appropriate, formal, and academic words to use in your writing assessments for scoring high grades.

As word choice is important, writing a flawless academic paper using the list above as your reference will do wonders for your vocabulary, writing style, knowledge, and sentence structure.

If you need help with your academic essays, Writers Per Hour would be glad to help. Our expert writers know exactly the right words to use so you’re able to submit professionally-written papers that are sure to impress.

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10 Words to Avoid in Formal Writing

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

Purists may tell you that many of the words in the list below aren't "really" words at all, but that's misleading at best. A few of the words are simply misspellings, and the rest are informal expressions or slang phrases that frequently appear in everyday speech (or vernacular ).

Nevertheless, according to the conventions of Standard English, all 10 of the following words should be avoided in reports, essays, research papers, and all other types of formal writing.

alot Alot (one word) is a common misspelling of a lot (two words). "[W]e all may write alot one day," says The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage (2005), but for now "keep in mind that alot is still considered an error in print."
and etc. Because the abbreviation etc. (from the Latin et cetera ) means "and so on," and etc. is redundant. In any case, avoid using etc. in your essays: often it gives the impression that you simply can't think of anything else to add to a list.
anywheres Huck Finn can get away with saying, "There warn't a sound anywheres," but on formal occasions drop the terminal s . If anywheres appears anywhere in your dictionary, it's probably labeled "nonstandard" or "dialectal."
could of Don't confuse this nonstandard form with the contraction could've . Could of (along with should of and would of ) can and should be replaced by could have (and should have and would have ). As for coulda, shoulda, woulda , avoid dwelling on them—both in writing and in life.
hisself This alternative form of the reflexive pronoun himself is commonly heard in certain dialects, but in formal writing steer clear of hisself (and theirself as well—though both were regarded as good usage in Middle and Early-Modern English).
furtherest The comparative form of far is farther or further . The superlative form is farthest or furthest . Nothing's gained by combining the two forms.
irregardless This double negative ( ir- at the beginning and -less at the end) may not deserve Bryan Garner's label of "semiliterate . . . barbarism," but he's probably right that in print it "should have been stamped out long ago" ( Garner's Modern American Usage , 2009). Use regardless instead.
its' Its is a possessive pronoun (like his or her ). It's is a contraction of it is or it has . That leaves nothing for its' to do—so toss it.
let's us Let's us means "let us us." To avoid the repetition, write lets ("She lets us play in her yard") or let's ("Let's play in her yard") or let us ("Let us pray").
nohow If you have the know-how to write, you don't need to be told to avoid nohow . Instead, use in no way or not at all .
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Words and Phrases to Avoid in Academic Writing

by admin | Jan 9, 2023 | Blog | 0 comments

Leah Peters, a sociology student, had to learn the hard way how to utilise prohibited phrases. She had trouble in her first year of college getting good grades on her homework.

When she attempted to identify the issue, she saw that her teacher had highlighted several unrelated words with red ink. When she asked her teacher, she learned that the words in the circles were actually taboo terms that shouldn’t be used in assignment writing.

The more renowned universities have stricter guidelines on using words. Consequently, using the prohibited words can drop your grades.

Many students, like Leah, use derogatory phrases, which has an adverse effect on their marks. Anything that is excessively informal, imprecise, or subjective can be considered a taboo word or phrase. You should take expert assignment help to use the proper language in assignment

You can also go through several academic writing examples for the choice of right words for your assignments accuracy and correctness.

If you need the help of professional assignment writer , having a good one is not a bad idea.

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.

Examples Of Taboo Word Types

In the categories listed below, a list of forbidden words is broken down into many types.

The tone is too casual

Writing in academic essay contexts generally takes a more formal tone than writing in non-academic contexts (including in web pages or blogs). Compared to how we ordinarily talk, academic writing is more formal. You can avail of writing help to know the write tone and speech of Essay writing .

For a dissertation or other academic writing, phrases like “a bit,” “a lot of,” and “can’t” or “won’t” are deemed inappropriate. Therefore, you can use several or multiple for a lot of when drafting a phrase. Similar to changing can’t to cannot, you may also change isn’t to is not.

When used at the start of a sentence, some words or phrases that are frequently acceptable in other situations end up seeming excessively informal. Such words can be completely removed from a phrase or replaced with the appropriate transitional words. In the case of examples of informal banned words, you can think about substituting also with additionally/furthermore, or so with consequently.

Too general

Your academic paper will look sloppy and may be read differently if you employ too many ambiguous terminologies. Always make sure to be as specific as you can in your writing. For instance, you may substitute the words “stuff” or “things” with “issues” or “proof” or “details,” respectively.

Far Too Primitive

You must be careful not to overuse random and basic terminology because doing so can make your writing seem less serious. Phrasal verbs should be replaced with their one-word equivalents whenever possible.

Nevertheless, some of the phrasing and terminology listed below can be used in academic essay writing. For instance, occasionally stating “Table B offers an overview of…” or “Figure 4 illustrates that…” is fine. Keep in mind that longer, more complex words aren’t always preferable to shorter ones; instead, good academic writing should be succinct and include a variety of vocabulary.

Way Exaggerated

Most of the time, academic writing is straightforward and uncomplicated. Adverbs indicating frequency like “always” and “never,” superlatives like “best” or “greatest,” and intensifiers like “very” frequently have a dramatic effect.

They might not be altogether wrong; after all, when you declare something is flawless or never happens, you’re making a big claim. Our assignment writing service always advises to students to refrain from using exaggerated sentences.

Overly subjective

Some words and phrases draw attention to your bias. For instance, if you say that something will undoubtedly occur, you are not articulating a fact but rather your opinion that it is too likely to occur.

It is permitted to elaborate on your viewpoint in a number of thesis sections and in particular sorts of academic text (like personal statements and argumentative or reflective essays). However, you often need to exercise caution when utilising too subjective terms and phrases. You should either let the evidence speak for itself or make your point in a less biased manner.

Typically Not Necessary

Your academic papers should be as concise as you can make them. Even if you believe they give your writing a more sophisticated sense, avoid using terms and phrases that don’t further the meaning of the sentences.

As an illustration, use the phrase “the research paper has six chapters” rather than “the research paper has six chapters.”

Generally Inaccurate

Even natural speakers of a language frequently misuse some words and phrases. If you keep making these errors, you can begin to believe that they are accurate. However, it’s crucial that you don’t use them again in your writings.

Additionally, keep in mind that several of these errors are related to things we all regularly misunderstand. For instance, we frequently misinterpret the speaker’s use of would have in favour of would of.

Additional Advice on Using Taboo Words

Additionally, you must refrain from using the following phrases and words:

Clichés are overused phrases like “at the end of the day,” “thinking outside the box,” etc.
Jargon: Technical terms that the average person wouldn’t understand.
Commonly used abbreviations include “fridge,” “picture,” and “TV.”
The terminology is prejudiced against men: like firefighters and athletes

Writing for academic purposes tends to be more formal and concise. As a result, using banned words or phrases is frequently discouraged. The use of these words reduces the written text’s efficacy by introducing extraneous, ambiguous, informal, overstated, or erroneous components.

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Avoid These Words and Phrases in Your Academic Writing

When writing an academic essay, thesis, or dissertation, your professor or advisor usually gives you a rubric with detailed expectations to guide you during the process. While the rubric will identify the major requirements for the paper, it will probably not tell you what words or phrases you need to avoid. Whether you want to earn a stellar grade on your next paper or you're hoping to get published in an academic journal, keep reading to discover words and phrases you need to avoid in your academic writing.

"A great deal of"

I encounter the phrase a great deal of in most academic papers that I edit. Avoid using this vague phrase, because your academic writing should be specific and informative. Instead of saying a great deal of, provide exact measurements or specific quantities.

"A lot"

Similar to the previous phrase (a great deal of), a lot is too vague and informal for an academic paper. Use precise quantities instead of this overly general phrase.

"Always"

Avoid using the word always in your academic writing, because it can generalize a statement and convey an absolute that might not be accurate. If you want to state something about all the participants in your study, use specific language to clarify that the statement applies to a consistent action among the participants in your study.

It is almost a cliché to tell you to avoid clichés, but it is an essential piece of writing advice. Clichés are unoriginal and will weaken your writing. In academic writing, using clichés will erode your credibility and take away from all the research and hard work you have put into your project.

What qualifies as a cliché? According to Dictionary.com , A cliché is an expression, idea, or action that has been overused to the point of seeming worn out, stale, ineffective, or meaningless. Your words should be original, carry meaning, and resonate with your readers, and this is especially important for academic writing. Most clichés have been used so frequently in so many different contexts that they have lost their meaning. To eliminate clichés, scan your paper for any phrases that you could type into an internet browser and find millions of search results from all different topic areas. If you are unsure if your favorite phrases are overused clichés, consult this Cliché List for a comprehensive list.

Contractions

Academic writing should be formal and professional, so refrain from using contractions. Dictionary.com offers the following advice regarding contractions: Contractions such as isn't, couldn't, can't, weren't, he'll, they're occur chiefly, although not exclusively, in informal speech and writing. They are common in personal letters, business letters, journalism, and fiction; they are rare in scientific and scholarly writing. Contractions occur in formal writing mainly as representations of speech. When you proofread your paper, change any contractions back to the original formal words.

Double negatives

Double negatives will confuse your readers and dilute the power of your words. For example, consider the following sentence:

"He was not unwilling to participate in the study."

The word not and the prefix un- are both negatives, so they cancel each other out and change the meaning of the sentence. If you want to convey that someone reluctantly participated in the study, express that clearly and explicitly.

"Etc."

The abbreviation etc. is short for the Latin word et cetera , which means and others; and so forth; and so on. Dictionary.com specifies that etc. is used to indicate that more of the same sort or class might have been mentioned, but for brevity have been omitted. I discourage writers from using etc. in academic writing, because if you are writing an academic paper, you are writing to share information or scholarly research, and you are not conveying any new information with the abbreviation etc. Instead of writing etc., explicitly state the words or list that you are alluding to with your use of etc. If you absolutely must use etc. , make sure you only use it if readers can easily identify what etc. represents, and only use etc. at the end of lists that are within parentheses.

"For all intents and purposes" and "for all intensive purposes"

These two phrases are often used interchangeably, but you should avoid both of them in your academic writing. Avoid the second phrase in all of your writing: For all intensive purposes is an eggcorn (a word or phrase that is mistakenly used for another word or phrase because it sounds similar). For all intents and purposes is generally a filler phrase that does not provide any new information, so you can usually omit it without replacing it.

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements. Idioms include phrases such as he kicked the bucket, and they are particularly problematic in academic writing, because non-native English speakers might not understand your intended meaning. Below are three of the idioms I encounter most frequently when editing academic papers:

All things being equal : All things being equal is usually an unnecessary or redundant phrase that you can simply omit without replacing with anything else.
In a nutshell : Instead of saying in a nutshell, use a more universal phrase such as in summary or in conclusion.
On the other hand : Idioms such as on the other hand are informal and will weaken your paper. Instead of writing the phrase on the other hand, consider using conversely.

In-text ampersands ("&")

Do not use ampersands in place of the word and in sentences. Most style guides dictate that you use an ampersand for parenthetical in-text citations, but you need to spell out the word and in your paper. An ampersand within the text of your paper is too informal for an academic paper.

"I think"

You do not need to include the phrase I think when explaining your point of view. This is your paper, and it should contain your original thoughts or findings, so it is redundant to include the phrase I think. Doing so will weaken your writing and your overall argument.

"Never"

Similar to the word " always, " avoid using the word never in your academic writing. Always and never will overgeneralize your statements. If you absolutely must use never in your academic writing, make sure that you specify that it applies only to the participants in your study and should not be applied to the general population.

"Normal"

Avoid using subjective terms such a normal in your academic papers. Instead, use scientific or academic terms such as control group or standard. Remember that what you consider normal might be abnormal to someone else, but a control group or standard should be objective and definable.

Passive voice

Passive voice is one of the most frequent issues that I correct when editing academic papers. Some students think passive voice provides a more formal tone, but it actually creates more confusion for your readers while also adding to your word count. As the UNC Writing Center explained , The primary reason why your instructors frown on the passive voice is that they often have to guess what you mean. Most style guidelines (APA, MLA, Chicago) also specify that writers should avoid passive sentences. Whether you're writing your first draft or proofreading for what feels like the hundredth time, you can change passive sentences by making sure that the subject of your sentence is performing the action.

One way to look out for passive voice is to pay attention anytime you use by or was. These two words do not always indicate passive voice, but if you pay attention, they can help you spot passive voice. For example, the following sentence uses passive voice:

"The study was conducted in 2021."

If your style guideline allows you to use personal pronouns, specify a subject and reword the sentence to say:

"We conducted the study in 2021."

If your style guideline dictates that you avoid personal pronouns, you can make the sentence active by saying:

"The researchers conducted the study in 2021."

There are exceptions to most writing tips, but not this one: You should never use profanity in your academic writing. Profanity is informal, and many people might find it offensive, crude, or rude. Even if you enjoy creating controversy or getting a rise out of your readers, avoid profane words that might offend professors or other readers.

Academic writing can feel overwhelming, but hopefully this list of words and phrases to avoid in academic writing will help you as you navigate your next big assignment. Although there are exceptions to some items on this list, you will grow as a writer if you learn to avoid these words and phrases. If you consult your professor or advisor's rubric, adhere to style guidelines, and avoid the words or phrases on this list, you might even have fun the next time you have to stay up all night to finish an academic paper.

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How To Avoid Using “We,” “You,” And “I” in an Essay

Posted on October 27, 2022 October 27, 2022

Maintaining a formal voice while writing academic essays and papers is essential to sound objective.

One of the main rules of academic or formal writing is to avoid first-person pronouns like “we,” “you,” and “I.” These words pull focus away from the topic and shift it to the speaker – the opposite of your goal.

While it may seem difficult at first, some tricks can help you avoid personal language and keep a professional tone.

Let’s learn how to avoid using “we” in an essay.

What Is a Personal Pronoun?

Pronouns are words used to refer to a noun indirectly. Examples include “he,” “his,” “her,” and “hers.” Any time you refer to a noun – whether a person, object, or animal – without using its name, you use a pronoun.

Personal pronouns are a type of pronoun. A personal pronoun is a pronoun you use whenever you directly refer to the subject of the sentence.

Take the following short paragraph as an example:

“Mr. Smith told the class yesterday to work on our essays. Mr. Smith also said that Mr. Smith lost Mr. Smith’s laptop in the lunchroom.”

The above sentence contains no pronouns at all. There are three places where you would insert a pronoun, but only two where you would put a personal pronoun. See the revised sentence below:

“Mr. Smith told the class yesterday to work on our essays. He also said that he lost his laptop in the lunchroom.”

“He” is a personal pronoun because we are talking directly about Mr. Smith. “His” is not a personal pronoun (it’s a possessive pronoun) because we are not speaking directly about Mr. Smith. Rather, we are talking about Mr. Smith’s laptop.

If later on you talk about Mr. Smith’s laptop, you may say:

“Mr. Smith found it in his car, not the lunchroom!”

In this case, “it” is a personal pronoun because in this point of view we are making a reference to the laptop directly and not as something owned by Mr. Smith.

Why Avoid Personal Pronouns in Essay Writing

We’re teaching you how to avoid using “I” in writing, but why is this necessary? Academic writing aims to focus on a clear topic, sound objective, and paint the writer as a source of authority. Word choice can significantly impact your success in achieving these goals.

Writing that uses personal pronouns can unintentionally shift the reader’s focus onto the writer, pulling their focus away from the topic at hand.

Personal pronouns may also make your work seem less objective.

One of the most challenging parts of essay writing is learning which words to avoid and how to avoid them. Fortunately, following a few simple tricks, you can master the English Language and write like a pro in no time.

Alternatives To Using Personal Pronouns

How to not use “I” in a paper? What are the alternatives? There are many ways to avoid the use of personal pronouns in academic writing. By shifting your word choice and sentence structure, you can keep the overall meaning of your sentences while re-shaping your tone.

Utilize Passive Voice

In conventional writing, students are taught to avoid the passive voice as much as possible, but it can be an excellent way to avoid first-person pronouns in academic writing.

You can use the passive voice to avoid using pronouns. Take this sentence, for example:

“ We used 150 ml of HCl for the experiment.”

Instead of using “we” and the active voice, you can use a passive voice without a pronoun. The sentence above becomes:

“150 ml of HCl were used for the experiment.”

Using the passive voice removes your team from the experiment and makes your work sound more objective.

Take a Third-Person Perspective

Another answer to “how to avoid using ‘we’ in an essay?” is the use of a third-person perspective. Changing the perspective is a good way to take first-person pronouns out of a sentence. A third-person point of view will not use any first-person pronouns because the information is not given from the speaker’s perspective.

A third-person sentence is spoken entirely about the subject where the speaker is outside of the sentence.

Take a look at the sentence below:

“In this article you will learn about formal writing.”

The perspective in that sentence is second person, and it uses the personal pronoun “you.” You can change this sentence to sound more objective by using third-person pronouns:

“In this article the reader will learn about formal writing.”

The use of a third-person point of view makes the second sentence sound more academic and confident. Second-person pronouns, like those used in the first sentence, sound less formal and objective.

Be Specific With Word Choice

You can avoid first-personal pronouns by choosing your words carefully. Often, you may find that you are inserting unnecessary nouns into your work.

Take the following sentence as an example:

“ My research shows the students did poorly on the test.”

In this case, the first-person pronoun ‘my’ can be entirely cut out from the sentence. It then becomes:

“Research shows the students did poorly on the test.”

The second sentence is more succinct and sounds more authoritative without changing the sentence structure.

You should also make sure to watch out for the improper use of adverbs and nouns. Being careful with your word choice regarding nouns, adverbs, verbs, and adjectives can help mitigate your use of personal pronouns.

“They bravely started the French revolution in 1789.”

While this sentence might be fine in a story about the revolution, an essay or academic piece should only focus on the facts. The world ‘bravely’ is a good indicator that you are inserting unnecessary personal pronouns into your work.

We can revise this sentence into:

“The French revolution started in 1789.”

Avoid adverbs (adjectives that describe verbs), and you will find that you avoid personal pronouns by default.

Closing Thoughts

In academic writing, It is crucial to sound objective and focus on the topic. Using personal pronouns pulls the focus away from the subject and makes writing sound subjective.

Hopefully, this article has helped you learn how to avoid using “we” in an essay.

When working on any formal writing assignment, avoid personal pronouns and informal language as much as possible.

While getting the hang of academic writing, you will likely make some mistakes, so revising is vital. Always double-check for personal pronouns, plagiarism , spelling mistakes, and correctly cited pieces.

You can prevent and correct mistakes using a plagiarism checker at any time, completely for free.

Quetext is a platform that helps you with all those tasks. Check out all resources that are available to you today.

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Words and phrases to avoid in your college essays.

by Bettina Weil | Oct 14, 2022 | 0 comments

written by Casey Brown for Word Count

To start, you can seek inspiration from college essays that worked for other students. But ultimately it’s nice to have a list of what not to do to help you avoid potential mistakes along the way.

What you Should Avoid

1. Contractions

Contractions may seem informal or lazy to the reader. Take the time to write the full phrase out.

NO: It’s been a journey.

YES: It has been a journey.

Idioms can be confusing and are often overused. Clearly state what you mean in your own words.

NO: I thought the fancy-looking house was going to be awesome, but all that glitters is not gold .

YES: Even though I thought the new house was going to be incredible with its fancy appliances and enormous windows, I was proven wrong as the appliances all broke within the first week and the windows all leaked.

Also, phrases that introduce idioms are overused. Avoid using phrases like: You know what they say … But we all know … As we’ve heard over and over again …

Clichés are so… cliché. Everyone is using them, and the words have lost their power. Choose specific and illustrative examples to use so your essay isn’t lumped into a pile with all the essays that use worn-out clichés.

NO: I knew I had to give 110% if I was going to win the race.

YES: I knew I needed to train harder than I ever had before—before school, after school, every weekend—if I was going to win the race.

Phrases like “ Every cloud has a silver lining ” and “ Better late than never ” have no place in a creative and original college essay. This is your chance to paint a complete picture of yourself and your personality. Use descriptive language to let the reader hear your voice in your writing instead of an overused, out-of-date expression.

4. Slang and Abbreviations

I hope u r 2 smart to write something like this in a college essay. Abbreviations are not at all acceptable in formal writing such as a college essay.

Also, slang needs to be avoided. Use common language that people of all ages will understand. Remember your audience; you’re writing for your professor, not your friends. And tone should reflect that.

NO: The party was lit , and everything was Gucci .

YES: The party was lively, the music was loud and fun, and everyone was having an amazing night.

5. Vague or Elementary Words

Use words that show you’re capable of a deeper, more thorough understanding of topics. Avoid words that are vague or simple when there is a better way to demonstrate your meaning.

NO: The thing I read showed that the environment is bad .

YES: The article I studied concluded that the environment had been devastated by the recent occurrences of hurricanes and flooding.

If you find yourself using words like thing, stuff, bad, good, shows, and gives , challenge yourself to replace these words with stronger, more descriptive language.

6. Run-On Expressions

A run-on expression is a phrase, usually at the end of a list, that indicates you could add more examples ( and so on, and so forth, etc. ).

If something needs to be added to your list of examples, add specific examples. Don’t add expressions such as etc. and and so on . These are vague and add nothing of substance to your essay.

NO: I love many sports: basketball, baseball, etc.

YES: I love many sports: basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and lacrosse.

7. Filler Words or Weak Modifiers

Increasing your word count by adding filler words will make your essay actually, very, very, very weak.

If you can get rid of a word and it makes no difference to your writing, get rid of it. Or better yet, rephrase it to demonstrate what you truly are trying to convey.

NO: I totally believe that we should actually make the laws much, much more strict very soon.

YES: I believe we should urgently make the laws more strict.

8. Exaggerated Words

Not everything you write about needs to be about the best or the worst . When you exaggerate in writing, it can come off as being insincere. Words like always and perfect also fall into this category.

NO: My team was the best team ever because we always played well and our shots were always perfect .

YES: My team was gifted at the game and played well. We could make some amazing shots.

9. Unnecessary Words

Sometimes writers don’t even realize they are adding words that aren’t needed. Compare these two examples:

NO: She has got four little puppies.

YES: She has four little puppies.

NO: This lotion helps to smooth the skin.

YES: This lotion helps smooth the skin.

Eliminating unnecessary words makes writing more clear and coherent. This is also an easy way to cut down when you’re trying meet a word count requirement .

10. Grammatical Errors, Fragments, and Run-on Sentences

When your college essay draft is complete, make sure to proofread it thoroughly. And have a teacher or talented writer proof it again for you.

Avoid any spelling and grammatical errors, but also avoid fragments and run-on sentences. When it doubt, use an online sentence fragment checker or a grammar checker such as Grammarly to triple-check your work.

When writing, choose your words carefully. Pick the words that will make the greatest impact on your message and keep the reader’s attention. Avoid the words and phrases that will make your essay weak and boring.

With careful consideration of your word choices, your essays will stand out for all of the right reasons. You’ll be submitting advanced writing assignments that will help you ace your coursework!

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Words to Avoid in Essay for Effective Writing

Table of Contents

Essays require a lot of thought and are a great way to have a voice in whatever you are discussing. However, a word or phrase can make or break an essay.

This article provides a guide on words not to use in an essay . Avoiding these words will make all the difference.

An essay is a specific kind of academic writing that must demonstrate the ability to express ideas clearly and efficiently (and convincingly). An effective way to demonstrate critical thinking and knowledge is by using appropriate words.

When you’re writing an essay, you should avoid using words that make your writing unclear and less effective. It is essential to use appropriate words in your article, as a sloppy or poorly written piece may confuse or annoy readers.

Avoid these words and phrases in your essays for concise and meaningful writing.

1. Contractions

Contractions are typically used to shorten words. Not writing in contractions can be difficult at first because your writing may sound too formal. However, this is a good thing because your essay will have a polished look and be taken more seriously by your reader.

Using total words instead of contractions also shows that you are a more advanced writer. Words like ‘ don’t, shouldn’t, isn’t ‘ should be wholly avoided in your essay.

Idioms are words that have specific meanings and are typical in informal writings. These words are not suitable for essays as they might confuse people who aren’t familiar with their meanings.

Phrases like ‘ Get a taste of your own medicine’ might not make sense to some readers. You might want to choose words that are easy to understand.

3. Rhetorical questions

Rhetorical questions are without grammatical or structural significance and are often used for conversational purposes.

When used in essay writing, they make your paper seem immature, disorganized, and unprofessional. Questions like ‘ do we want our planet to survive ‘ don’t require a logical answer. It is best to avoid them.

4. Passive Voice

Passive voices do not explicitly identify who the actor in a sentence is. It is best to avoid them in your essay as they seem less professional. Instead, use an active voice to make your points and make a clear connection with your audience.

5. Unnecessary Words

You must keep a consistent tone and use concise and appropriate words when you write an essay. If your comments start to become repetitive and the reader has to read through multiple passages repeatedly, you may want to revise the essay.

Avoid using words that add no meaning to your writing. Unnecessary words and phrases tend to make your essay sound inauthentic and fake, which could be the first shot at turning away readers. For example:

Instead of : This research serves to explain

Use : This research explains

6.Too Subjective Words

You might want to give your opinion about a specific subject, which is great in certain types of essays (such as personal statements). In other cases, describing the information in a way that seems more subjective than objective should be avoided.

Using words like “ I think ” and “ I believe ” would seem like you are trying to claim the scope of the argument. In most cases, it is better to use words like “ It seems ,” or “ It is reasonable to believe “.

Clichés are tedious and overused words. It can be a pain to read someone else’s writing filled with clichés. Avoiding these words in your essay will increase your chances of impressing your readers and improving your grade. Furthermore, clichéd phrases can quickly break the flow of your essay and make it seem as if you are falling back on old grounds.

8. Slang and Jargon

Slangs and jargon are among the top words you should avoid in any writing project.

They often confuse and alter the context of your statement and appear silly and unprofessional. Focus on phrases that serve the purpose of your writing without affecting its tone and progression.

9. Too Exaggerated Words

Avoid using words that are too exaggerated so as not to sound overbearing. It would be best to avoid words like “ sure ,” “ absolutely ,” “ obviously ,” “of course,” “absolutely,” “perfectly,” or adjectives like “brilliant,” “wonderful,” and “terrific.” These words are used for emphasis but are often dramatic. They will indeed sound out of place in your essay.

10. Too Sophisticated

It is essential to avoid using excessively sophisticated words that may come across as a certain level of “sophistication” to the reader. Words like “annihilating,” “blitzkrieg,” “dead space,” “prophetically,” and “silent maestro,” which are too over the top, should be avoided.

Stick to words that are simple and precise. The words you choose can contribute to how your essay is received.

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

Remember that your essay is not just a piece of writing, but it also serves as an example to the reader. Be conscious of the tone. Language choices can be significant, so don’t be too informal, serious, or ambiguous .

Keep the tone of your essay appropriate. The use of vocabulary can be a good test for a high-quality composition. This article should guide you on the words not to use in an essay .

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine and engineering .

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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career. 

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The picture enumerates the characteristics of a formal essay.

Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide you through the process. This article will:

explain what a formal essay is;
show how to write it step by step;
provide you with an essay sample.

👔 Formal Essay Definition

✅ How to Write
✍️ Writing Rules
🖥️ Essay Format
📑 Sample Paper

🔍 References

A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.

Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:

As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

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Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

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Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

after all, 
for instance, 
on the one/other hand, 
initially, 
as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

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The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for: Avoid exclamation marks; Use dashes for insertions; Use colons with enumerations; If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

Avoid using pronouns.  With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
Avoid informal tone.  When you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:

individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If you’re asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

Stress management techniques
The effects of coffee
Negative effects of technology on children
Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports
Different types of friends
Same-sex marriages in the United States
Are early marriages harmful or beneficial?
How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance?
Is polygamy morally acceptable?
Different features of sports business
What characterizes friendship in the age of media ?
Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean
How does society treat single parents ?
How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being?
The role of family relationships in Odyssey
Financial concepts in sport finance
Main features of a strong marriage
The importance of media coverage for sport teams
Reasons why students choose to get internship
The role of stadiums in the sports industry
The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis
Characteristics of children’s sports
Crucial factors affecting health fitness
How is technology used in hotel management ?
Structure and operational context of Four Seasons
What are the main qualities of a true friend?
Different websites that promote rental properties
The imperative aspects of tourism
Importance of hotel training
What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce ?
How does tobacco use affect the human body?
The importance of language and world view for communication
What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient?
The scientific approach of sports economics
How does divorce affect children?
Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison
How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle?
How to be an effective counselor
Various types of restaurants in Ireland
Carolina Dog’s characteristics
Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere
Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families
How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ?
In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed?
Is bad parenting a healthcare problem?
Why student-athletes should benefit from sports
Mind-body awareness and its health benefits
Can punishment boost academic performance?
Techniques to teach students swimming
Issues faced by the sports licensing field

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

❓ Formal Essay FAQs

It’s best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

It’s best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns, slang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing. 

Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline: Examples & Strategies

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How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Outline, Steps, & Examples

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Vagueness in Writing

October 29, 2022 by Beth Hall

Avoiding vagueness in writing is a quick fix to help students improve their content and style. In this post, you’ll learn about which types of words to add to your writing and which types of words to avoid in essays.

Avoid Demonstrative Pronouns

Has your English teacher ever circle the word “this” in your essay? Or maybe written “this what?”

This, that, these, and those are demonstrative pronouns.

To avoid an unclear antecedent, be sure to add a noun after the word “this.”

Here’s a quick fix: Instead of saying “this depicts” you might say “this chart depicts.”

Adding a noun after a demonstrative pronoun helps add clarity to your essay. As you are writing try to incorporate specifics whenever possible, as this leads to more precise writing.

Add Adjective and Adverbs

Including adjectives and adverbs is a great way to avoid vagueness in writing.

I typically have my students add in adverbs and adjectives as part of the revision process. With practice, they build their vocabulary and become more likely to add in higher-level vocabulary in their rough drafts.

Consider this example: Instead of saying “she says,” try “she asserts” (or another strong verb that captures the intended meaning. Then add an adverb before “asserts.” How is she asserting that statement? What is the tone? Boldly? Logically? Emphatically?

Words to Avoid in Formal Writing

It’s important to avid lower level words in formal writing. When writing an essay, students should strive for an academic tone. Therefore, words to avoid in formal writing include “good,” “bad,” “thing,” “stuff,” and “a lot.” Students should also avoid imprecise descriptors like “really” and “very.”

Many students try to replace “good” and “bad” with “positive” and “negative.” While “positive” and “negative” are slightly better than “good” and “bad,” “positive” and “negative” still make my list of words to avoid in writing, if possible, because saying “positive diction” or a “negative tone” is still vague. For this reason, I consider “positive” and “negative” words to avoid in formal writing.

Other words to avoid in formal writing include “says,” “shows,” and “uses.”

There are many possible synonyms for “says.” Therefore, it is important to select a verb that precisely conveys the intended meaning. For example, while “asserts” and “implies” could both mean “says,” these two words have different meanings and uses. Selecting a stronger verbs for “says” leads to more precise writing.

Similarly, there are multiple synonyms for “shows.” These verbs can often help students lead into their commentary. Some possible alternatives include conveys, demonstrates, illustrates, highlights, portrays, reveals, emphasizes, underscores, and suggests.

These 3 quick tips will help you avoid vagueness in writing essays. Before submitting an assignment, double check that you don’t have any unclear antecedents. For a typed essay, do a “Ctrl F” and search for demonstrative pronouns in your document. You can also search for lower-level words that need a stronger synonym. Lastly, look for opportunities to add more specific evidence or detail. Adding precise adjectives and adverbs will allow students to better articulate their analysis.

Want more tips? Check out this video!

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Academic writing: How to avoid colloquial (informal) writing

How to avoid colloquial (informal) writing
Citations and references
Citation styles: MLA, APA, Chicago
Electronic sources
Note taking
Paraphrasing

Differences between Informal and formal essays

When writing your extended essay you should use language that is formal and academic in tone. The chart below gives you some idea of the differences between informal and formal essays. See the box below for examples of the differences in tone in informal and formal essays written on identical topics. A PDF of this chart, and the examples below, is in the box to the right , along with a list of tips for avoiding colloquial writing.

Examples of informal and formal tone on essay writing

The following examples highlight the differences between formal and informal tone.

An English essay

A Biology essay

A Psychology essay

Formal vs informal writing

A chart giving the differences between informal and formal essays in seven areas (author's viewpoint; subject/content (sources of evidence); tone; structure; location of the research question; vocabulary; and purpose. Also included are examples comparing informal and formal writing for essays in English, biology, and psychology.

While it may be acceptable in friendly e-mails and chat rooms, excessive colloquialism is a major pitfall that lowers the quality of formal written text. Here are some steps/tips that you can follow to help improve your overall writing.

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What's paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing involves expressing someone else’s ideas or thoughts in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. Paraphrasing tools can help you quickly reword text by replacing certain words with synonyms or restructuring sentences. They can also make your text more concise, clear, and suitable for a specific audience. Paraphrasing is an essential skill in academic writing and professional communication.

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Frequently asked questions

The act of putting someone else’s ideas or words into your own words is called paraphrasing, rephrasing, or rewording. Even though they are often used interchangeably, the terms can mean slightly different things:

Paraphrasing is restating someone else’s ideas or words in your own words while retaining their meaning. Paraphrasing changes sentence structure, word choice, and sentence length to convey the same meaning.

Rephrasing may involve more substantial changes to the original text, including changing the order of sentences or the overall structure of the text.

Rewording is changing individual words in a text without changing its meaning or structure, often using synonyms.

It can. One of the two methods of paraphrasing is called “Fluency.” This will improve the language and fix grammatical errors in the text you’re paraphrasing.

Paraphrasing and using a paraphrasing tool aren’t cheating. It’s a great tool for saving time and coming up with new ways to express yourself in writing. However, always be sure to credit your sources. Avoid plagiarism.

If you don’t properly cite text paraphrased from another source, you’re plagiarizing. If you use someone else’s text and paraphrase it, you need to credit the original source. You can do that by using citations. There are different styles, like APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago. Find more information about citing sources here.

Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
Paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely in your own words and properly cite the source .

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Email closing lines: 48 examples and best practices.

Explore 48 examples of effective email closing lines and best practices for creating memorable and engaging endings to your emails.

First published

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An economist by degree, a marketing manager at heart. Seeing my website on the first page of Google is what excites me most. I write mostly about email productivity, email management and AI.

Emails that end with some version of "thank you" tend to get response rates of 63% to 65%. This is about 1.3 times higher than emails ending with "Best." Such numbers highlight how a simple act of gratitude in your email closing lines can significantly increase your chances of getting a reply. (According to a survey made by Boomerang).

What is an email closing line?

An email closing line, often referred to as a sign-off, is the final phrase or sentence used before your signature in an email. It serves as a courteous conclusion to your message, reflecting the tone of your email, whether formal, informal , professional, or friendly.

The choice of closing line can significantly impact the impression you leave on the recipient, making it a crucial component of email etiquette. It's not just a polite way to end a conversation but can also influence the recipient's response and perception of you and your message.

The closing line bridges the body of your email to your signature, acting as a farewell or a call to action, depending on the context and intent of your message.

A HuffPost and YouGov survey found that "Thanks" is the most popular email sign-off, used by 62% of people. It suggests a polite and appreciated finish to an email.

However, some sign-offs like "Xoxo," "Peace," and "Cheers" can annoy recipients. This shows the importance of choosing the right closing line to make a good impression and suit the email's tone.

Let Mailbutler’s Smart Assistant do the work for you, ensuring every closing line is unique and relevant.

Things to avoid in email closing lines

When you're finishing an email, it's important to pick the right words. Here's what to avoid to keep things professional and respectful:

Too Casual Words: "Hey" or "See ya" might not be right for work emails. They're fine for friends, but not for your boss or clients.
Wrong Tone: Don't end with "Love" in a work email. It's too personal. Similarly, "Sincerely" might be too formal for a note to a coworker you know well.
Pushy Phrases: Saying "Reply now" can seem too forceful. It's better to say "Looking forward to hearing from you," which is polite and open.
Repeating Yourself: Using the same ending over and over, like "Any questions, just ask," can get old. Try to mix it up.
Not Personalizing: A little change based on who you're emailing can make a difference. It shows you're paying attention.
Mismatched Tone: Make sure your ending matches how you've written the rest of your email. If your email is serious, your ending should be too.

Remember, the right ending shows respect and keeps your email professional .

Examples of email closing lines

Writing the perfect ending to your emails is about leaving a good impression. Here's a simpler guide to doing just that:

1. Formal Email Closings:

For formal emails, you want to end on a note that's respectful and professional. Use endings like "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Yours faithfully." These show you're serious and value the person's time.

"With regards," A professional sign-off that communicates respect and formality.
"Best wishes," Offers a positive note while still maintaining a formal tone.
"Awaiting your response," Ideal for when you're expecting a reply, showing formality and anticipation.
"With gratitude," Expresses thankfulness in a formal manner, suitable for emails where you want to acknowledge assistance or cooperation.
"Warm regards," Strikes a balance between warmth and formality, suitable for professional but friendly emails.

2. Professional Email Closings:

When you're saying thanks or connecting for business, phrases like "Thank you for reviewing my proposal" or "I appreciate this opportunity to connect" are great. They're professional and show gratitude.

"Thank you for your consideration," Perfect for when you've requested something or are awaiting a decision.
"Looking forward to collaborating," Ideal for emails that precede a partnership or project.
"Appreciating your support," Use this to acknowledge the recipient's help or understanding in professional scenarios.
"With respect and regards," Suitable for professional emails where you want to show both respect and a bit of warmth.
"In anticipation of your reply," A formal yet eager way to look forward to the recipient's response.

3. Business Email Endings:

In business emails , keeping it professional is key. Ending with "Best regards," "Sincerely," or "Thank you" works well. These are polite and show respect, perfect for professional settings.

"Looking forward to our next steps," Ideal for emails that are part of ongoing projects or discussions, indicating a forward-looking approach.
"Appreciate your swift response," Works well when you're thanking the recipient for their quick reply, while also subtly encouraging continued promptness.
"Warmest regards," Strikes a balance between warmth and professionalism, suitable for business emails with established contacts.

4. Polite Email Closings:

For emails where you need a response or are asking for something, try "Thank you for your attention to this matter" or "I look forward to your response." These are polite ways to nudge for a reply. Other examples:

"If you require any further assistance, please let me know," Offers additional help, demonstrating willingness to continue support.
"Please do not hesitate to contact me for any clarification," Invites the recipient to reach out if more information is needed.
"Thank you for your guidance," Perfect for instances where the recipient has provided you with advice, information, or mentorship.
"Awaiting your valued opinion," Shows the recipient's expertise or judgment, encouraging them to share their insights.

5. Informal Email Endings:

If you're emailing friends or close colleagues , you can be more relaxed. Endings like "Take care," "Have a great day," or "Catch up soon" are friendly and warm.

Take care and talk soon!" Perfect for messages to friends or close colleagues.
"Wishing you a great day ahead!" Sends positive vibes and well wishes.
"Looking forward to catching up soon!" Shows enthusiasm for future personal interaction.
"Thanks for your help and have a fantastic weekend!" Gratitude mixed with friendly weekend wishes.
"Sending you lots of love and hugs!" Demonstrates affection, suitable for very close relationships.

Each type of closing has its place, depending on who you're emailing and why. Mixing and matching based on the situation can help you leave just the right impression.

Tips for writing email closings

Creating an effective email closing requires thoughtful consideration of several factors to ensure your message leaves a lasting and appropriate impression. Here are some tips to guide you in selecting the perfect sign-off:

Context Matters: The nature of your email significantly influences the choice of your closing. For formal or business emails, opt for traditional sign-offs like "Best regards" or "Sincerely." In contrast, if your email has a more casual tone or is to someone you have a close relationship with, endings like "Warm wishes" or "Cheers" may be more fitting.
Consider the Relationship: The dynamic between you and the recipient plays a crucial role in deciding your sign-off. For emails to senior management or external clients, maintain formality. However, with colleagues you interact with daily, a slightly more relaxed or personal closing might be appropriate.
Desired Outcome: What action do you hope to prompt with your email? If you're expecting a reply, consider closings that encourage a response, such as "Looking forward to hearing from you." If expressing gratitude, "Thank you" or "With appreciation" directly conveys your sentiment.
Consistency is Key: Ensure your closing line matches the overall tone of your email. A mismatch can confuse the recipient about the message's intent. For example, a serious email concerning policy changes would not end with "Talk to you later!" Similarly, a light-hearted check-in email shouldn't conclude with a stiff "Yours sincerely."
Personalize When Possible: Adding a touch of personalization can enhance the connection between you and the recipient. For example, if you know the recipient well, ending with "Enjoy your weekend!" on a Friday email adds a thoughtful touch that generic closings lack.
Avoid Overused Phrases: While certain closings are popular because they work well in many situations, try not to rely too heavily on clichés. Instead, tailor your sign-off to reflect your personality or the specific context of the email when appropriate.
Professional Signatures : Don't forget about the rest of your email signature, which should include your name, position, and contact information. This not only adds to the professionalism of your email but also makes it easy for the recipient to contact you if needed.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your email closings are effective, appropriate, and aligned with the message you wish to send. Remember, the goal is to reinforce the intent of your email and leave the recipient with a positive impression.

The impact of closing lines on email response rates

The impact of closing lines on email response rates cannot be overstated. A well-chosen closing line can significantly influence whether or not the recipient decides to reply or take the desired action. Here's how:

Encouraging a Reply: A closing line that directly invites feedback or a response can naturally lead to higher engagement rates. For example, ending an email with a question relevant to the recipient's interests or needs signals that you value their opinion and encourage a dialogue. This can make the recipient more inclined to reply.
Calls to Action (CTA): Incorporating a clear call to action in your closing line can dramatically increase the likelihood of the recipient taking a specific action. This could be as simple as requesting a meeting time, asking them to check out a link, or encouraging them to respond with their thoughts. CTAs help guide the recipient on what steps to take next, removing uncertainty that might prevent a response.
Relevance: Tailoring your closing line to the recipient – acknowledging a recent achievement, referencing a shared interest, or mentioning an upcoming event – can make your email more personal and relevant. This level of personalization strengthens relationships, making the recipient more likely to engage in further communication.
Gratitude and Appreciation: Expressing gratitude, such as using "Thank you for your time" or "I appreciate your input," can positively affect response rates. It shows respect for the recipient's time and contribution, which can motivate them to continue the interaction.
Professionalism and Politeness: Maintaining a tone of professionalism and politeness throughout the email, including the closing line, sets a positive tone for the entire interaction. This can influence the recipient's perception of the sender and increase their willingness to respond.

Generation Z email sign-offs

The concept of email sign-offs is evolving with Generation Z's entrance into the workforce, introducing a mix of humor, creativity, and a distinct disregard for traditional formalities.

Gen Z's email sign-offs often reflect their unique blend of pop culture, casualness, and a playful approach to communication. These sign-offs range from witty comments to playful jokes, using elements of sarcasm, cultural references, and personal flair.

They represent a departure from the conventional "best regards" or "sincerely," aiming instead to add personality and a touch of lightheartedness to email correspondences. (Sources: Parade.com and Mail.com )

Gen Z Email Sign-offs:

You did it! You made it to the end of this email.
This message may or may not have been composed by my cat.
I apologize for any typos; I haven’t had my morning coffee yet.
That’s all, folks!
Tag, you’re it. P.S. No tag backs.
Lukewarm regards
You’re the GOAT.
It just hits different.
It’s giving…
That’s a great idea. Let him cook.
I hate to sound like an NPC, but…
Out of pocket
I totally slayed it.
We really understood the assignment on this one!
Live long and stay valid
Over and out.
Hasta la pasta
Don't cross me
Talk soon, loser
Let me know if you have any questions, or don’t
Apologies for existing
Insert pleasantry here

Email closing lines FAQs

How can i make my email closing line memorable and engaging.

To make your email closing line memorable and engaging, infuse it with personality and wit while maintaining professionalism. Personalize it to reflect your relationship with the recipient and the context of the email, such as mentioning shared experiences or inside jokes. This ensures a lasting impression and promotes stronger connections, boosting the overall effectiveness of your communication strategy.

Should I always use a closing line in my emails?

Using a closing line in emails is a best practice as it adds closure, maintains professionalism, and demonstrates respect for the recipient. It prevents confusion, signals the end of the communication, and acknowledges the recipient's time and attention, contributing to a positive and respectful exchange of information.

How can I tailor my email closing line to different recipients or situations?

Tailoring your email closing line involves considering the recipient's relationship, the purpose of the email, and the overall context. For formal relationships, use professional closings like "best regards." For informal ones, opt for casual phrases like "thanks." Adjust the language to match the tone and purpose of the email, ensuring clear and effective communication while nurturing professional relationships.

What is a good closing line for an email?

A good closing line for an email is one that maintains professionalism while expressing gratitude or anticipation for further communication. Examples include "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Thank you," "Yours," and "Regards." Remember, the closing line serves as the final impression of your email, so choose one that aligns with the tone and purpose of your message.

How do you close a professional email?

To close a professional email effectively, use a concise and courteous closing line followed by your name. Common closing lines include "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Thank you," "Yours," and "Regards." After the closing line, type your full name to add a personal touch and authenticate your message.

How do you write the last line of an email?

The last line of an email should be a polite closing statement that reflects the tone of your message and leaves a positive impression. You can use phrases like "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Thank you," "Yours," and "Regards." After the closing line, type your full name to sign off the email, ensuring clarity and professionalism in your communication.

Picking the right words to end an email is like choosing the right hat for an outfit—it can make a big difference. Simple "Thanks" or "Best wishes" show you care and can help get a reply. It's a small but smart way to wrap up your message.

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164 Phrases and words You Should Never Use in an Essay—and the Powerful
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Words and Phrases to Avoid in Academic Writing
Words and Phrases to Avoid in Academic Writing. Published on February 6, 2016 by Sarah Vinz.Revised on September 11, 2023. When you are writing a dissertation, thesis, or research paper, many words and phrases that are acceptable in conversations or informal writing are considered inappropriate in academic writing.. You should try to avoid expressions that are too informal, unsophisticated ...
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7-11) "Thing," "stuff," "good," "bad," "big". The problem with these words is colloquiality and vagueness, inappropriate for academic language. It's okay to use them in everyday talk; but when in essays, they sound too elementary and make admission officers think of your poor vocabulary. Do your best to master paraphrasing ...
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To get across clearly and precisely, use specific terms so that the presentation of the academic writing leaves no doubts in anybody's mind. Here are some vague words to avoid using in your essays, dissertations, or projects: About; Around; Big, mall, short, tall; There; A long time, a while ago, at that time;
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Nevertheless, according to the conventions of Standard English, all 10 of the following words should be avoided in reports, essays, research papers, and all other types of formal writing. alot. Alot (one word) is a common misspelling of a lot (two words). " [W]e all may write alot one day," says The American Heritage Guide to Contemporary Usage ...
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Examples Of Taboo Word Types. In the categories listed below, a list of forbidden words is broken down into many types. The tone is too casual. Writing in academic essay contexts generally takes a more formal tone than writing in non-academic contexts (including in web pages or blogs). Compared to how we ordinarily talk, academic writing is more formal.
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YES: The party was lively, the music was loud and fun, and everyone was having an amazing night. 5. Vague or Elementary Words. Use words that show you're capable of a deeper, more thorough understanding of topics. Avoid words that are vague or simple when there is a better way to demonstrate your meaning.
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Worst Words to Use in an Essay. Your score significantly depends on essay vocabulary, and it's therefore better to avoid writing words that don't meet academic requirements. In addition, try to use words that provide readers with precise and detailed information to help them understand what exactly you aim to say. The best words to use in an essay include terms that give the readers a ...
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4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".
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Title. Write your name, the instructor's name, your class, and the date in the upper left corner of the 1st page. Make the title centered and place it after the heading information in the same font as the rest of your paper. Create a separate title page. Make your title centered and written in boldface.
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It's important to avid lower level words in formal writing. When writing an essay, students should strive for an academic tone. Therefore, words to avoid in formal writing include "good," "bad," "thing," "stuff," and "a lot.". Students should also avoid imprecise descriptors like "really" and "very.". Many students ...
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For formal or business emails, opt for traditional sign-offs like "Best regards" or "Sincerely." In contrast, if your email has a more casual tone or is to someone you have a close relationship with, endings like "Warm wishes" or "Cheers" may be more fitting. ... Avoid Overused Phrases: While certain closings are popular because they work well ...
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