1. The Situation Demands It:
* Academic Writing: Essays, research papers, dissertations, and formal reports require formal language.
* Professional Communication: Business letters, emails to superiors, official documents, and legal writing demand a formal tone.
* Formal Speeches and Presentations: Addressing an audience in a professional setting requires formal language.
* Applications and Resumes: These documents should be written in a professional and formal manner.
2. The Audience Requires It:
* Unfamiliar or Higher Authority Figures: Use formal language when writing to someone you don't know well or who holds a position of authority.
* Formal Occasions: Events like conferences, ceremonies, and official gatherings call for formal language.
* Professional Settings: Maintain a formal tone in workplace communication, even when interacting with colleagues.
Characteristics of Formal Language:
* Standard Grammar and Punctuation: Follow proper grammar rules, avoiding slang and colloquialisms.
* Complex Sentence Structure: Use complex sentence structures to convey your ideas clearly and concisely.
* Objective Tone: Avoid personal opinions and emotional language; focus on factual information.
* Formal Vocabulary: Choose words that are precise and appropriate for the context. Avoid contractions and informal expressions.
* Third-Person Perspective: In academic writing, use the third person (he/she/it/they) rather than the first person (I/we).
Note: The level of formality can vary depending on the specific context. It's always good to consider your audience and the purpose of your writing.