Many of us spend the bulk of our time striving for clear and error-free copy with the use of an English writing software. Unfortunately, this focus on “correctness” often leads to ignoring other areas of your writing, particularly those that has to do with the way the language is being used.
Regardless of what type of piece you are creating, your language should be appropriate for both its format and its audience. There are different aspects to this activity, some more fitting to specific materials than others.
Formality. How formal should your use of the language be? Remember that it should fit your purpose. If it’s an audience of blog readers, then keep it light and colloquial. Business correspondence? Try to keep it straight-laced.
Jargon. If you’re writing a tight group of civil engineers, using inside jargon that that group of people will understand is completely acceptable. For an audience composed of both engineers and non-engineers, however, it makes better sense to lay off on it.
Slang and idioms. Slang and idiomatic expressions are fine in casual writing. For academic and professional purposes, though, it has to be strictly avoided, unless you have specific instructions to write that way.
Veiled language. Words intended to mask the details, such as euphemisms and double-speak, has their place. You use it when you’re purposely being unclear. Otherwise, eliminate it completely from your writing. Your audience knows when you’re trying to deceive – you better believe it.
