formal writing

Formal Writing Tips:

Words to avoid (e.g, first-person pronouns, contractions, slang)
Phrases to avoid (e.g., It seems like . . .)
Writing numerals (e.g., 7 should be seven and 52 should be fifty-two)
Examples of strong verbs (e.g., conveys, portrays)

Other quick reference guides:

Literary Present Tense

Click on the links below to learn more about the literary present tense.

Literary Present Tense (UCSD)
Verb Tense (Hamilton College)
How and Why do I Write in the Literary Present Tense? (Vanderbilt)

Literature and art exist in the present, so write about them in the present tense. Example: Atticus defends Tom Robinson. However, writers and artists created their works of art and literature in the past, so refer to the creative process by using the past tense. Example: Harper Lee published To Kill a Mockingbird in 1960. Watch the video to review how to write about literature and art.

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