Questions tagged [formal-language]
is for questions about whether a word or phrase is appropriate in a formal context or that are requesting a word or phrase for use in a formal context.
0
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1answer
13 views
Is it OK to refer to the name of an applicant in a recommendation letter by his/her family name alone?
I am writing a recommendation letter to support an employee's application for graduate schools in Canada.
For example, if his name is Kai Kang,where Kai is the given name and Kang is the family name....
4
votes
1answer
176 views
Is it informal to use “so on ” in the article?
I have written this phrase
The input of the DNN is the features extracted automatically by feature_extractor model, which are given to the first hidden layer, and the outputs of this layer are ...
1
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3answers
34 views
How do I make something more formal? [on hold]
How do I make this more formal? The part of the sentence: a lot of the times.
0
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1answer
40 views
“Huge” or “Enormous” preferable to use in academic writing? [closed]
I would like to know which one, huge or enormous, would be preferable to use in academic writing, such as in the following example:
Overcoming the current cancer levels in the population is a ...
1
vote
1answer
30 views
Formal connectors of results (“in this way”, “hence”, “thusly” and “as follows”) [closed]
In the following examples, are the terms ("in this way", "hence", "thusly" and "as follows") synonyms sufficiently formal to be used in academic work with a sense of result?
In this way, as this ...
0
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2answers
25 views
How to give multiple, possible options for an appointment? [closed]
Simple suggestions for an appointment...
We could meet on Friday at 2 p.m.
Are you available on Monday at 10 a.m.?
...can become quite cumbersome when many possible dates have to be given ...
2
votes
3answers
62 views
What is your idea about using “practicalize”?
I'm writing a SOP, in the following sentence I have used the word "practicalize" (utilize). in my view, it's an appropriate and beautiful word to use in academic essays, but when I googled it, I found ...
0
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2answers
22 views
Using 'a' multiple times after commas and 'and'
For example in sentence with structure:
X is a well known and widely used technology...
X is a well known and a widely used technology ...
Y consists of three layers: a lower layer, middle layer and ...
0
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1answer
27 views
Is “he will be come around 1pm” or “he will come around 1pm” more formal?
I would like to know which sentence is more formal in "he will be come around 1pm on tomorrow afternoon" and "he will come around 1pm on tomorrow afternoon"
2
votes
1answer
48 views
Meaning of “a Richard Snary” / “a Given Name” [closed]
An old joke I found in Mark Forsyth's "The Etymologicon", originally mentioned in the OED
A country lad, having been reproved for calling persons by their Christian names, being sent by his master ...
0
votes
2answers
41 views
Can I use “so on” in formal writing?
Can I use "so on" to mean that there are still more on the list in formal writing, particularly in an essay?
Internet has improved people's living standard and made our lives easier and more ...
1
vote
2answers
83 views
Meaning of “By way of information” [closed]
"By way of information"
What does it mean? Is it correct for a formal letter?
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1answer
182 views
Is the phrase “in a way that” appropriate for a Formal sentence
"At first, internet allows the people to connect with others, who live in far-away, in a way that just wasn't possible decades ago."
Is "in a way that" is formal or informal?
0
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1answer
26 views
How formal or euphemistic is “debris”?
Is the word "debris" considered to be an euphemism of other words? And does the word have some kind of the degree of formality? If yes, is it informal or formal one?
So the word 'debris' here is in ...
0
votes
1answer
20 views
Formal paper and Capitalization (inside parenthesis or about special elements -Tables, figures etc-)
In a thesis, or a formal paper written in English. What is the correct way to write inside a parenthesis and what is the correct way to refer to a table, or figure or section etc.?
Also, do we have ...
0
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1answer
25 views
Which is more appropriate here?
Context: I ordered something online and would like to return it as it is defective. The site has a 30 days return policy. 30 days will get over in a week and they have not arranged any pickup. Which ...
1
vote
3answers
98 views
How to address a person, whose gender is unknown, in the email body?
I usually start with 'Dear Sir/Madam' in emails when I don't know the gender of the recipient. However, when I have to reply, it seems awkward to use 'sir/madam'. Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with ...
2
votes
1answer
81 views
Is it OK to use “heck” in public occasions?
The dictionary gives the following definitions:
fuck:
to have sex with someone.
used when expressing extreme anger, or to add force to what is being said.
heck:
an expression of usually slight ...
0
votes
0answers
231 views
Approximation “to” or “of”
Is this statement correct for formal usage?
This model is a good approximation to the data.
Or, should I use
This model is a good approximation of the data.
0
votes
1answer
342 views
Prior to a month [closed]
I would like to ask if the following sentence is correct:
"This certificate should be renewed prior to a month from its expiration date"
1
vote
2answers
57 views
Leave / take leave - keeping in mind the context
Which of the following sentences should be used when we talk with the intention of being more respectful and/or asking permission for the sake of courtesy?
"Should I wait or may I take leave now?...
1
vote
3answers
44 views
Verb ing to form meaning
Can you explain to me how "being watched" in this case becomes a passive?
a lady spent four days being watched by a girl.
0
votes
1answer
209 views
Questions about writing formal letters and writing specific dates
i don't know if these kinds of questions are appropriate to ask in this particular forum but i will take my chances.
I was writing a formal letter for an IELTS task, and I was wondering whether this ...
0
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2answers
287 views
without having V3 vs. without -ing
I am writing an article about programming but I am confused with the usage of 'without' in my case.
The sentence is:
Goroutines may obtain Read-Locks utilizing RWMutex without having
blocked one ...
0
votes
1answer
83 views
usage: Looking forward to
I got a mail from the principal of a school, whom I sent my job application. He replied that he had passed my CV to the HR Committee and they would contact me.
I am confused what I should write him ...
0
votes
1answer
33 views
How is “for” used in “Having such a famous man for a father…” ?
Having such a famous man for a father must have had an effect on Jason's childhood.
In this sentence I can't understand how for is used. I haven't read such a sentence before so I find it difficult ...
0
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0answers
17 views
Have you ever gone to- to ask past experience [duplicate]
What situation can we ask in:
Have you ever gone to..?
give me examples please..
1
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1answer
607 views
“have you ever gone to” to ask past experience
is it correct to ask:
Have you ever gone to Spain?
if i want to know whether or not he had visited Spain in his life (experience)?
0
votes
1answer
55 views
Reply to a rejection email
I've got an email about rejecting the sponsorship letter. Is it polite to reply with "Noted and thank you for your kind assistance in this matter." ?
0
votes
1answer
577 views
How to confirm a Skype meeting?
I want to ask someone if "Thursday" is a good day for a skype meeting.
How should I ask?
Is Thursday at 10am a good day? (sounds wrong)
I just want to confirm our meeting at XYZth at 11am. Will you ...
3
votes
1answer
5k views
does “what does she do?” always mean “what is her job?”
If someone asks "What does she do?" what is the other meaning beside "what is her job?"? can it be " what is her activity?"
0
votes
1answer
4k views
I'm writing to inform vs I'm writing the letter to inform
I'm writing to inform you about ...
I'm writing the letter to inform you about ...
A friend of mine says that the former option is right when the second one is kind of tautology and unnecessary ...
2
votes
3answers
178 views
“to who may have done this” vs. “to whom may have done this”
What should I use? Whom or Who in this sentence
The Noble requests help from anyone with any clues as to whom may have done this.
or
The Noble requests help from anyone with any clues as to who ...
2
votes
2answers
86 views
The meaning of 'formal'
In a very formal style, think is sometimes followed by an object and an adjective or noun complement.
They thought her fascinating.
We thought him a fool.
(M. Swan, Practical ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Formal word/phrase for the informal question tag “right?”
I always use "right?" in most of my questions & conversations. However, "Oxford Guide to English Grammar" says "right?" is used in informal English. So I want to know what the correct formal ...
2
votes
1answer
293 views
Ask correctly about something in the future : “Will candidates get accommodation ?”
I always find difficulties in asking properly in English. Can you help me to correct the following :
Will the selected candidates for both fellowships get accommodation
and/or any financial ...
0
votes
1answer
387 views
What is the correct collocation for holding classes as a teacher?
I'm preparing a work experience letter in which I am expected to include my responsibilities in previous companies. In one of the companies I was holding some classes for other staff. But I'm not sure ...
1
vote
1answer
675 views
Include to do or include doing?
Which one is correct?
The purpose includes to find out which parameter is the most influential.
The purpose includes finding out which parameter is the most influential.
7
votes
1answer
62 views
How to point out that something is written as intended and not an error?
I'm typing out some information on patients that I've examined for research purposes, e.g.
John Doe. Height: 192,3 cm. Weight: 89,2 kg.
Now, imagine I came across a particularly rotund John Doe ...
0
votes
0answers
36 views
Can I use “exchange” instead of “discourse”? What exactly is “media discourse”?
Please explain me like I'm 5 what is discourse in context of media. I understand it as the message sides of a debate exchange through there attitude towards the problem but then I don't understand ...
1
vote
1answer
77 views
Gender neutral Mx. without a name
I would like to hear from native speakers if it's okay to use Mx. in a formal email to a person whose sex you don't know? Is Mx. used in English?
P.s. What to write after Mx. if you don't know his ...
1
vote
2answers
416 views
Is “self-proclaimed” negative word?
Is self-proclaimed a negative word?
If we write a self-proclaimed Java Programmer in my CV or formal meetings, will it be considered as a negative or positive word?
Can we use this word in formal ...
1
vote
3answers
5k views
What is the correct use of 'Many a'?
Which of the following sentences is correct?
"Many a girls was appearing in the examination."
"Many a girl was appearing in the examination."
0
votes
1answer
27 views
The use of bullet points in formal writing
I have encountered a problem when I was proofreading one of my essays. The example is as follows:
"To help you make a decision, I have found five possible locations for you to consider.The specific ...
0
votes
1answer
1k views
Expression: “application to” or “application on”
I am trying to derive a title to my thesis and I am not a native English speaker. So which one is the best form for expressing applications of methods:
"Probabilistic approaches in sensitivity ...
0
votes
1answer
52 views
Is it correct to delete the subject from this sentence to avoid repetition?
Is it correct to delete the subject from this sentence to avoid repetition?
I have OSHA and I am certified from the ministry as a ...
I have OSHA and a certified from the ministry as a ......
...
0
votes
1answer
144 views
“Non-communicative protocol” vs. “non-communication protocol”
I am trying to say that in an experiment I prohibited users from communicating with each other. Which one is correct?
We imposed a non-communication protocol.
We imposed a non-communicative ...
0
votes
1answer
47 views
How can I refer documents characterised by technical jargon?
I was wondering if there is any word or expression to refer documents characterized by technical jargon, such as clinical reports or patents.
I could use "technical reports" but, for example in the ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
we wed, we wedded, we were wed or we were wedded?
Which usage tense and is more formal: we wed, we wedded, we were wed, or we were wedded??
Sentence example, "We wed on
(insert past date and location)."
1
vote
1answer
132 views
Which of the following sentences is more formal for the end of the e-mails?
I'd like to know Which of the following sentences is more formal that I can use at the end of my E-Mail?
Kind Regards
Sincerely Yours
Best Wishes
Your faithfully
Good luck
For example:
Hello...
...
