GENERAL RULES FOR FORMAL WRITING DOS use Latin-origin words: get = obtain, receive, arrive, become build

ild = construct use passives use the longer form, e.g. newspaper instead of paper use the conditional (including may) use indirect forms (e.g.Would it be possible to send me; not very helpful) use specific words exact dates/locations: the July 22 issue of the Evening Herald (NOT yesterdays paper); in the Mayfair branch of your establishment (NOT at one of your offices) NOT things but, features, matters, objects NOT good, bad but satisfactory, appropriate; inadequate, unsuitable, etc. use unusual words (e.g. wish or desire instead of want; mishap instead of accidentetc.) use formal connectors e.g. NOT Besides, but Moreover or Furthermore use strong forms of relative pronouns (which, who) and preposition with relative pronouns (e.g. the employee to whom I spoke NOT the employee (who/that) I spoke to) type your letter correct very carefully (with spelling corrector) organize paragraphs very clearly according to the subject (use bullet points, numbers,etc) DONTS use active forms use contractions use colloquial expressions, e.g. Well, Anyway use formal adverbs/adjectives NOT a lot of but many/much or quite a few NOT some, but several or various NOT a bit, but a few a small amount, etc. NOT enough but sufficient use personal pronouns (I, You, We) use sarcasm, irony, insults use going to future; use will or intending to or planning to use can/could, but be able to/capable of show pride, boast, etc. NOT I have had much experience, but I have had considerable/some/extensive experience (except in letters to the editor) use in my opinion, to be honestetc. (except in a job application letter) draw attention either to yourself or the addressed person

 use dramatic language (e.g. disgusted, horrible, terrible, etc) use rhetorical questions (What kind of service is that?) use exclamation points, dashes, elliptical dots (), smiley faces, etc. use empty/generic words, e.g. good, bad, thing, do