Conventions of Composition Rule 216
Conventions of Composition Rule 216
Rule: In formal writing, avoid slang.
Examples:
Weak: John Proctor is a dude who wants to be fly.
Better: John Proctor tries to amend his relationship with his wife.
Weak: Nick has to get outside his comfort zone to understand Gatsby's life.
Better: Nice becomes uncomfortable in knowing some of what he does about Gatsby's life.
Practice revising slang into standard, formal writing:
- Sula really lives by her YOLO philosophy.
- Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have a total bromance.
- Humbert should realize not to mess with jailbait.
Resources for further instruction on avoiding slang:
StyleWriter's How to Identify and Avoid Slang in Your English Writing
USF's Trying to Avoid Colloquial Language and Slang
Boundless's Avoiding Slang and Jargon