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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Letter Writing

Formal writing

I've been looking into formal writing lately. How does one learn the formal register? Where does one start?
Do I just start reading research and business papers? I find those things incredible dull and wouldn't want to spend lots of the time reading those. Now I do understand that learning can't always be fun but there should be other ways to learn this.
I did notice that phrasal verbs are avoided in formal writing, which is a good thing because untill today, I haven't had a clue what a phrasal verb is. So the first thing that I have to do is learning new verbs that can replace phrasal verbs. After I am done with that, what should I do then? What would you guys suggest?
  

Top answer

Anonymous How does one learn the formal register? Most any published written nonfiction is formal writing. Take your pick.

  • Anonymous How does one learn the formal register?
  • Most any published written nonfiction is formal writing.
  • Take your pick.
  • Anonymous learning new verbs that can replace phrasal verbs Yes.
  • Use your dictionary or thesaurus.
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3 Answers
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AnonymousHow does one learn the formal register?
Most any published written nonfiction is formal writing. Take your pick.
Anonymouslearning new verbs that can replace phrasal verbs
Yes. Use your dictionary or thesaurus.
Anonymous After I am done with that, what should I do then?
Keep rea
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Anonymous How does one learn the formal register?

What degree of formality do you want?


There are extremely formal registers for diplomacy and other contexts where a formal protocol is used.

There are somewhat formal registers for situations such as starting off a business relationship, a cover letter for an application, or a plea for a re

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Thank you for the pointers. I have to painfully admit that my active vocabulary is rather small, which is probably the main reason I'm unable to write a formal letter. Expanding my active vocabulary is probably the right way to go and deliberately practising my writing skills is something I have to work on too. I made the mistake that I only write what I know instead of picking up more phrases and

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