When writing formally for APA, especially in the first and second drafts, it is natural to begin by writing informally to get your thoughts down on paper. After a revision or two, it is normal to read past informal writing, like wordy phrases or common conversational phrases. Instances of informal writing include figurative language, such as idioms and clichés; wordiness, such as unnecessary words and phrases; and incorrect word choices, such as misusing transitional phrases. These instances can be hard to spot when editing and revising later drafts. This blog will give you tips and tricks to help you spot informal language, including common mistakes like wordiness, incorrect word choices, and using figurative language.    

Tip 1 – Avoid wordiness – Wordiness in academic writing is common because we often feel the need to overexplain points to ensure they are understood. Unnecessary words and descriptions create a conversational tone, as if you are in a conversation, explaining, or giving a speech. You want to present your claims and facts to your reader, along with the evidence that supports your claim, concisely and straightforwardly. This will keep the writing coherent and clear, allowing the reader to follow your logic and reasoning without getting lost in a sudden new topic. As you are revising, look for sentences that repeat ideas you have expressed or are unnecessarily descriptive. Ask yourself if you can get the same idea across by using fewer words. Also, ask yourself what information the sentence is adding to the paragraph, and if it is necessary to get your point across. Not only will this help with clarity, but it will also help you identify the main purpose of the sentence and determine if the sentence is needed (i.e., adding to the paragraph) or not. 

Tip 2 – Avoid Incorrect word choices – The words you use create the tone of your paper. Using words or phrases that would normally be used in conversation should be avoided. One example is “filler words” – words like “um,” “uh,” and “like” – that we use in conversation to give ourselves a pause to think about what to say next. In academic writing, words like “really,” “a lot,” and “pretty” (as in “pretty clear”) create the same pause for your reader. Unnecessary words and phrases like these act as “filler words” in your writing. Having these pauses in your writing creates a shift toward a conversational tone that can confuse the reader. Another common mistake is overusing unnecessary words or phrases. One example is overusing or incorrectly using introductory transitions, such as “however” and “in addition,” between sentences. Although transition words and phrases, when used correctly, can help your reader connect with and follow your ideas, repeated or unnecessary use can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of your paper. A great way to spot one of these phrases is to take it out of the sentence; if what you have left is still a complete sentence and makes sense, then the phrase is likely unnecessary and changes the tone of your paper. Next, ask yourself if the word or phrase adds to the sentence in the same way you asked yourself what the sentence’s purpose is in the paragraph. If it serves a function in the sentence (i.e., transitioning or connecting ideas), you will probably want to keep it. 

Tip 3 – Avoid informal/conversational language – It is easy to slip into casual language, often not realizing that certain words or phrases are figurative. “Case in point (idiom)” and “at the end of the day (cliché)” are examples of figurative language that are often overlooked during reviews. A good way to spot and avoid this is to write as literally and directly as possible. Instead of “case in point,” you could use “specifically,” and instead of “at the end of the day,” use “ultimately.” Figurative language creates a conversational and informal tone that you want to avoid throughout the paper. Writing as literally as possible will help you avoid using figurative language like idioms and clichés throughout your paper, and it can also help you avoid wordiness.

Proofreading for informal language can be challenging, but remembering these tips will help you revise to avoid it throughout the paper. Remember to avoid wordiness by only using as many words as necessary to get your point across in clear and concise sentences. Avoid filler words and phrases to avoid creating a conversational tone. And avoid figurative language by writing as literally as possible. As always, practice makes perfect! Making these tips part of your revision routine will help keep your writing clear, coherent, and formal.