The Vocabulary Shift

Although there are increasing challenges in describing academic writing style, we do our best here to offer you some advice. One distinctive feature of academic writing style is choosing the more formal alternative when selecting a verb, noun, or other part of speech.

Neutral

More formal

In short / briefly /basically

In sum, to sum up

Only

Sole(ly)

Almost / more or less

Virtually

Try

Attempt

Mainly/mostly

Primarily

Typical of

Characteristic of

 

Verbs

English often has two (or more) choices to express an action or occurrence. The choice is often between a phrasal verb (verb + particle) or prepositional verb (verb + preposition) and a single verb, the later with Latinate origins. Often in lectures and other instances of everyday spoken English, the verb + preposition is used; however, for written academic style, there is a tendency for academic writers to use a single verb where possible. This is one of the most dramatic stylistic shifts from informal to formal style. Here is an example:

According to some biologists, coming up with clear proof of the decreasing numbers of frogs has been difficult. (less formal style)

According to some biologists, offering clear proof of the decreasing numbers of frogs has been difficult. (academic style)

Nouns and Other Parts of Speech: Choosing the More Formal Alternative

English has a rich vocabulary derived from many languages. Because of this, there may be more than one way to express an idea. You should strive to choose words that are less informal in nature and also precise. In lectures, you will likely hear less formal speech; however, in writing you should use a more formal form if one exists and seems to be more precise than its less formal alternative.