Skip to main content

How To Avoid Using Slang When Writing In English.

Everyone comes across slang on a daily basis. We say it in the streets, hear it on television, and post it on social media. We tend to use slang with our friends because it is fun, easy, and can come across as very casual. Slang often flows naturally out of our mouths because it is part of our personalities and culture. A few places we do not want to use slang, however, are in business correspondences, academic papers, and speeches.


What is Slang?

Slang is any words or phrases that society might consider informal or too casual. In most forms of English writing, slang is considered unprofessional. We tend to hear slang "out in the streets" more often than we see inside a newspaper or book.

Slang is often localized to particular areas of the world. It spreads commonly via the spoken word, so cultural dialects and phrases often get mixed in with slang. Slang can consist of words that have more than one meaning and can be easily confused with other words. 

Examples include words such as dudeain'tkid (noun), bail (the non-jail verb), cram (study), awesomefire (verb) and how come (why).

Phrases that we might consider cliché might also sound like slang. Examples include you nailed itat the end of the day and ripped off (stolen from). Contractions such as can't and don't are often considered slang as well in the business world.

Unless you have a purpose to use slang, apply the rules of plain English writing and remove slang from your document, especially if your readers are business or academic professionals.

Here are a few reasons why you need to avoid slang:
  1. Slang can be localized to a specific area and cause confusion to readers who live elsewhere.
  2. Slang evolves quickly and may not have the same impact five or 10 years later.
  3. Slang is largely considered unprofessional, especially when it is written.
  4. Slang can have multiple meanings, causing confusion or offending your readers.
When writing professional documents, your document must be clear and concise and not muddled with poor wording.

Tips for Avoiding Slang

The best way to avoid slang is to keep your audience in mind. You've probably heard this age-old rule: write as though you are speaking before a group of executives with whom you are trying to impress. Keep your language simple and concise yet explain everything without resorting to language or phrasing that might confuse and alienate your readers.

Usually reading your drafted correspondence out loud helps. Any word or phrase that sounds too casual or informal may clue you in on instances of slang. Proofreading your document more than once also helps. Proofread as though you are a complete stranger to your correspondence. Make note of anything that seems unclear and strike out any possible slang.

Take your time during the writing process. If you know you commonly use slang, then hone in on the choice of words that you use to construct a coherent sentence. Double-check your contractions since these are easily glossed over while proofreading. If you are unsure of how to rephrase something, then consult a thesaurus.

Before and After Examples

These before and after examples can aid you in spotting slang and removing it from your writing.

Slang: The kid ripped off a hundred bucks.
Non-slang: The child stole a hundred dollars.
Slang: The man was nailed for stealing the car.
Non-slang: The man was convicted of stealing the car.
Slang: I can't handle cramming for tests.
Non-slang: I cannot handle studying for tests at the last minute.

Remember, if ever in doubt—proofread. Proofreading is the answer to improving your writing skills. The more you proofread, the more you view your writing objectively and spot mistakes. In business, every word counts.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The 50 Most Important Idioms for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

  Due to the complexities of English, nobody, native or second language learner can honestly brag about having a proficient level of the language without a solid knowledge of Idioms.  Every day, in almost every conversation, native speakers will use idioms more than someone who is new to the language, simply because they are more familiar with them and know the context in which they should be used. Therefore, this means that when you, the second language learner uses an idiom in the correct context, that you have a more proficient level of English and therefore you sound more like a native speaker. Below is a list of 50 of the most important general idioms necessary for traveling the B2 to C2 language learning journey. With these idioms, you will be able to listen and speak more like a native speaker, therefore, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. Study tips for how to learn idioms. The 60 most important phrasal verbs for achieving a B2 to C2 level of English. I...

11 Strategies For Achieving and Maintaining a B2 to C2 Level of English

  As an Advanced Level English Teacher, one of the most common questions that I am asked by students is how to maintain, and/or improve their level of proficiency in the language. Today, more than at any other period in history, a single language has solidified itself into a position of undeniable relevance in our ever-changing globalized world. Be it for matters relating to government, commerce, education, or for the resolution of global issues, English has taken the lead in almost every facet of life and international affairs. This phenomenon, which has developed progressively over many years, has been responsible for a transformation in the way that English as a second language is now perceived in most parts of the world. Governments have found the necessity to embrace English on all levels, schools have attached new importance to its teaching, new institutes continue to spring up on almost a daily basis and universities are now making it a mandatory part of a student's graduati...

The 100 Essential Metaphoric Expressions To Know.

  What is a Metaphor? Metaphor (Etymology: ‘ Metaphora ’ in Greek meaning “to transfer”) is an interesting way to emphasize and map certain descriptive qualities of two terms. They come under the branch of figures of speech in literature and poetry. Metaphors create a beautiful blend between concepts, to form comparisons between a particular behavior, concept or a feeling with something impractical or unrelated to it. The evolution of language has witnessed many metaphorical descriptions turn into a conventional language used today. However, metaphors can be used in abstract forms also. The best examples of abstract metaphors are seen in movies like the Oscar-winner Parasite where the characters are attributed to the quality of leaching off wealth. ADVANED ENGLISH: The Essentail Similies For Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English Types of Metaphors Here are a few common types of metaphors: Implied  Metaphor An implied metaphor compares two things without naming one of the thing...