Conventions of Composition Rule 216

Rule: In formal writing, avoid slang.

Examples:

Weak: John Proctor is a dude who wants to be fly.

Better: John Proctor tries to amend his relationship with his wife.

Weak: Nick has to get outside his comfort zone to understand Gatsby's life.

Better: Nice becomes uncomfortable in knowing some of what he does about Gatsby's life.

Practice revising slang into standard, formal writing:

1. Sula really lives by her YOLO philosophy.
2. Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley have a total bromance.
3. Humbert should realize not to mess with jailbait.

Resources for further instruction on avoiding slang:

StyleWriter's How to Identify and Avoid Slang in Your English Writing

USF's Trying to Avoid Colloquial Language and Slang

Boundless's Avoiding Slang and Jargon