Agreement / Addition / Similarity Transitional Words and Phrases in the first place not only... but also as a matter of fact in like manner in addition coupled with in the same fashion / way first, second, third in the light of not to mention to say nothing of equally important by the same token again to and also equally identically uniquely like as too moreover as well as together with of course likewise comparatively correspondingly similarly furthermore additionally Opposition / Limitation / Contradiction in contrast different from of course..., but on the other hand on the contrary at the same time in spite of even so / though be that as it may above all in reality after all but (and) still unlike or (and) yet while albeit besides as much as even though although instead whereas despite conversely otherwise however rather nevertheless nonetheless regardless notwithstanding Examples / Support / Emphasis in other words to put it differently for one thing as an illustration in this case for this reason to put it another way that is to say with attention to by all means important to realize another key point first thing to remember most compelling evidence must be remembered point often overlooked to point out on the positive / negative side with this in mind notably including like to be sure namely chiefly truly indeed certainly surely markedly especially specifically expressively surprisingly frequently significantly in fact in general in particular in detail for example for instance to demonstrate to emphasize to repeat to clarify to explain to enumerate such as Effect / Consequence / Result as a result under those circumstances in that case for this reason in effect for thus because the hence consequently therefore thereupon forthwith accordingly henceforth Conclusion / Summary / Restatement as can be seen generally speaking in the final analysis all things considered as shown above in the long run given these points as has been noted in a word for the most part after all in fact in summary in conclusion in short in brief in essence to summarize on balance altogether overall ordinarily usually by and large to sum up on the whole in any event in either case all in all obviously Ultimately Definitely Time / Chronology / Sequence at the present time from time to time sooner or later at the same time up to the present time to begin with in due time as soon as as long as in the meantime in a moment without delay in the first place all of a sudden at this instant first, second immediately quickly finally after later last until till since before hence
since when once about next now formerly suddenly shortly henceforth whenever eventually Powerful Verbs Alludes to Clarifies Confirms Conveys Denotes Depicts Determines Displays Emphasizes Entails Establishes Exemplifies Explains Exposes Highlights Hints Illustrates Implies Connotes Indicates Portrays Represents Reveals Shows Signifies Substantiates Suggests Underscores Analyzes Concludes Confirms Considers Demonstrates Examines Explores Identifies Imparts Indicates Maintains Manifests Observes Perceives Pinpoints Questions Reasons Refers Remarks Scrutinizes Speculates Supports Validates Verifies Advances Affects Compels Discovers Empowers Forces Generates Ignites Impacts Imposes Includes Influences Introduces Involves Kindles Launches Leads to Presents Pressures Promotes Prompts Provokes Results in Sparks Stimulates Yields
Mood emotional effect that the text creates for the audience Tone speaker s attitude toward the subject Positive Neutral Negative commanding direct impartial (fair) indirect (implied) objective questioning speculative unambiguous (clear) unconcerned admiring affectionate appreciative approving casual celebratory cheerful comforting comic compassionate complimentary conciliatory (calming) content (at peace) confident delightful earnest (sincere, diligent) ecstatic (overjoyed) elated (very happy) empowered empathetic (understanding) encouraging enlightened (informed) enthralled (captivated) euphoric (extremely happy) excited fervent (enthusiastic) flippant (cocky) forthright (honest friendly funny gleeful (very happy) harmonious (balanced) idyllic (perfect) hilarious hopeful humorous jovial light lively mellow nostalgic (sentimental) optimistic passionate placid (calm, peaceful) proud reassuring abhorring (disgusting) acerbic (bitter, harsh) ambiguous (unclear) ambivalent (conflicting, contradictory) angry annoyed antagonistic (hostile, opposing) anxious apathetic (uncaring, indifferent) apprehensive (fearful) belligerent (aggressive, argumentative) bewildered (confused) bitter blunt bossy cold conceited (arrogant, egotistical) condescending (snobby, arrogant) confused contemptuous (insulting, disrespectful) cynical (doubtful, mocking) demanding desolate (bare, empty, unused) despairing (upset, depressed) desperate detached (disconnected) diabolic (evil, demonic) disappointed dismal (cheerless, gloomy) disrespectful doubtful embarrassed enraged fearful forceful foreboding (dreadful, bad omen) frantic (distressed) frightened (scared) frustrated furious gloomy (dark, sad) grave greedy grim (hopeless) harsh hopeless
reflective relaxed relieved respectful reverent scholarly (academic) serene (peaceful) silly straightforward sympathetic tender tranquil (quiet, calm) vivacious (lively, animated) whimsical (odd, eccentric) wistful (dreamy) zealous (fanatical, very dedicated) hostile (mean, unfriendly) impatient indifferent (not caring, uninterested) indignant (angry, defensive) insecure melancholy (sad, depressed, dreamy) miserable ominous outraged patronizing (mocking, sarcastic) pensive (dreamy, meditative) poignant (painful, bitter) pessimistic pretentious psychotic sarcastic selfish serious sinister (evil, wicked, threatening) solemn (quiet, serious, dignified) somber (sad, depressing) stern (strict, authoritarian) stressful suspicious tense threatening tragic uncertain unsympathetic upset violent
Formal Writing Guidelines 1. DO NOT use contractions in formal writing. a. Can t = cannot or can not c. Couldn t = could not b. Won t = will not d. Shouldn t = should not 2. DO NOT use first person or second person: I, me, we, us, you, etc. They should be removed from formal writing. Instead you can use these words: person, people, one. Identify your audience (to whom are you writing?) this will help to choose appropriate pronouns and nouns. 3. DO NOT write like this is an email or text message. Slang, symbols and abbreviations are not tolerated. Particularly offensive items include the following: a. & = and d. b/c = because b. w/ = with e. lol laugh out loud U just RCVD a C! c. w/out = without 4. DO NOT write 1 through 10 as numbers, write them as words: one, two, three.. If your sentence starts with any number, always write it as a word. 5. CAPITALIZE PROPER NOUNS and PRONOUN I!!!