My writing sounds too formal

If your writing sounds like a press release from a committee, you have probably drifted into over-formal, impersonal language. Clarity and warmth beat stiffness — even in serious writing.

What "too formal" looks like

Long Latinate words where short ones work. Phrases like "in the event that," "prior to," "utilise," "endeavour." "I write to communicate that…" for "Here's the thing." No contractions at all. Sentences that never use "I" or "you" even when the subject is clearly a person.

How to loosen it

Use everyday words. "Use" over "utilise." "Before" over "prior to." "Find out" over "ascertain." Short, plain words are clearer and warmer.

Cut the throat-clearing. "It should be noted that…" and "In order to" are filler that adds formality. Delete them and say the thing.

Use contractions where natural. "It's," "you're," "we'll," "can't." They make writing sound like speech, which reads more naturally. Keep formal ones out of truly formal documents, but most writing is not that formal.

Write to a person, not to "the reader." Address the person directly when you can: "You will need to…" instead of "One will need to…"

Use active and first/second person lightly. "We recommend…" and "You can…" sound human. Passive voice adds distance and formality.

Keep the substance serious, the tone warm. Formal writing is not the same as serious writing. You can be rigorous and still sound like a person.

Practical tips

• Read it aloud; if you would never say it that way, rewrite it.
• Replace three-word formal phrases with one word.
• Aim to sound like a clear, confident expert, not a document.

Checklist

• I replaced formal words with everyday ones.
• I cut throat-clearing phrases.
• I used contractions where they are natural.
• I wrote to a person, not "the reader."
• I preferred active voice.
• It sounds like a clear person, not a document.