Language, vocabulary and tone
Language, vocabulary and tone
This domain assesses whether your word choices fit the writing situation. Tone is the attitude your text conveys; register is the level of formality. Both must be consistent and appropriate to purpose and audience.
Core rules
- Match register to the relationship: formal for a report to the board, semi-formal for a school newsletter, informal for a personal blog.
- Choose precise verbs and nouns rather than strings of vague modifiers: “the committee rejected the proposal” beats “the committee did a kind of negative thing”.
- Consider connotation: “cheap” and “affordable” share a meaning but not an attitude.
- Use jargon only when the audience shares it; otherwise translate it into plain English.
- Prefer active voice when the actor matters; use passive voice when the action or receiver is the focus.
- Keep tone consistent: do not move from neutral explanation to sarcasm or hype.
- Use inclusive, respectful language and avoid stereotypes.
Worked example
Original: “The council’s rubbish plan is a total joke and everyone hates it.” Audience: a formal submission to the council. Reasoning: “total joke” and “everyone hates it” are emotive and unsupported. Revised: “The proposed rubbish plan has significant practical problems, particularly for households without vehicle access.” Reasoning: the revision names the issue, keeps a formal register, and avoids claiming to speak for everyone.
Traps
- Thesaurus overload: replacing clear words with unfamiliar ones.
- Mixing slang and formal phrasing in the same text.
- Using emotive language in an objective report.
- Overusing “very”, “really” and “a lot” instead of specific detail.
- Shifting tone between paragraphs.