Appropriate Language

This post covers some of the major issues with appropriate language use: levels of language formality, deceitful language and Euphemisms, slang and idiomatic expressions; using group-specific jargon; and biased/stereotypical language.

it is very important to use language that fits your audience and matches your purpose when you write. Inappropriate language uses will damage your credibility, undermine your argument, or alienate your audience. This handout will cover some of the major issues with appropriate language use:

Below is a short overview of the different aspects of using appropriate language.

Levels of Formality:

The key to successful writing is to write in a style that your audience expects and that fits your purpose.

• In-Group Jargon: Jargon is specialised language used by groups of like-minded individuals. Only use jargon when you are writing for members of a particular group (e.g. accountants, architects, medical professionals). You should never use jargon for a general audience without first explaining it in detail.
• Slang and idiomatic expressions: Avoid using slang or idiomatic expressions in general academic writing, except perhaps as a way to add humour.
• Deceitful language and Euphemisms: Avoid using euphemisms (words that veil the truth, such as “collateral damage” for the accidental killing of civilians in an air strike) and other deceitful language.
• Biased language: Avoid using biased language, including language with a racial, ethnic, religious or gender bias, or language that is stereotypical.

Correct word usage

World governments will have to keep tight reign on fiscal matters to avert the looming world recession. What is wrong with this sentence?

Reign describes what kings and queens do:

1. The period during which a sovereign occupies the throne.
2. Royal rule or authority; sovereignty.
3. Dominating power or influence: the reign of law.

verb (used without object)

1. To possess or exercise sovereign power or authority.
2. To hold the position and name of sovereign without exercising the ruling power.
3. To have control, rule, or influence of any kind.
4. To predominate; be prevalent.

This word is commonly misused, and the correct word would be rein:

1. Reins. a leather strap, fastened to each end of the bit of a bridle, by which the rider or driver controls a horse or other animal by pulling so as to exert pressure on the bit.
2. Any of certain other straps or thongs forming part of a harness, as a checkrein.
3. Any means of curbing, controlling, or directing; check; restraint.
4. Reins, the controlling or directing power: the reins of government.

verb (used with object)

1. To check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.
2. To curb; restrain; control.

Another commonly misused word is loose, as in “People sometimes loose control in a stressful situation. Wrong word!

Loose:

1. Free or released from fastening or attachment: a loose end.
2. Free from anything that binds or restrains; unfettered: loose cats prowling around in alleyways at night.
3. Uncombined, as a chemical element.
4. Not bound together: to wear one’s hair loose.
5. Not put up in a package or other container: loose mushrooms.

adverb

1. In a loose manner; loosely (usually used in combination): loose-flowing.

The word that should be used is lose!

1. To come to be without (something in one’s possession or care), through accident, theft, etc., so that there is little or no prospect of recovery: I’m sure I’ve merely misplaced my hat, not lost it.
2. To fail inadvertently to retain (something) in such a way that it cannot be immediately recovered: I just lost a dime under this sofa.
3. To suffer the deprivation of: to lose one’s job; to lose one’s life.
4. To be bereaved of by death: to lose a sister.
5. To fail to keep, preserve, or maintain: to lose one’s balance; to lose one’s figure.

verb (used without object)

1. To suffer loss: to lose on a contract.
2. To suffer defeat or fail to win, as in a contest, race, or game: We played well, but we lost.
3. To depreciate in effectiveness or in some other essential quality: a classic that loses in translation. (of a clock, watch, etc.) to run slow.

I sometimes lose my temper over the loose manner in which people misuse the English language!

Online references

http://dictionary.reference.com/