How to use writing registers

Here we go again with another newsletter that will turn any Harry Potter into an instant Gandalf. It’s time to talk about writing registers, and trust me, this isn’t just grammar girl getting comfy on the couch. As an academic writer, you need to be aware of the diverse registers at your disposal — from the informal to the abstract — and how to wield them with precision to captivate your readers. Let’s put on our swimsuits and dive into the wild ocean of language registers that’ll make your writing dance as smooth as a TikTok cultist.

As you already know, writing isn’t just about stringing words together and hoping for the best. Nobody throws spaghetti at the wall anymore. It’s about knowing your audience and hitting them with the perfect linguistic cocktail. I’ll have a Mojito, please.

Hop on your Nimbus 2000, Neville Longbottom, because we’re about to go full Eminem on those writing styles. A register is essentially the level of formality in your writing, and as an academic, you’ll need to at least know about four distinct registers: informal, popular, conventional, and abstract.

1. Informal Register

First up, we have the informal register, the casual cousin of the bunch. This is where you can let your hair down, crack a few jokes, and speak directly to your audience in a relatable, conversational tone. Think of it as the comfy sweater you wear on a lazy Sunday — it’s all about building a genuine connection with your readers.

Picture this: you’re chatting with your bestie over a couple of beers or texting your significant other about the latest episode of Ted Lasso. It’s characterized by a relaxed tone, colloquial language, and maybe even a few emojis 🏖️ for good measure. That’s the informal register, in a nutshell. It’s chatty, it’s emotional, and it’s about as far from an academic paper as you can get.

Pros

• It’s engaging as f*ck. Your readers will feel like you’re talking directly to them.
• It can make even the driest topics feel like a juicy gossip session.

Cons

• It might not fly in academic circles. Sorry, Professor Umbridge.
• There’s a fine line between approachable and “Dude, are you even taking this seriously?”

2. Popular Register

Next up, we have the popular register, the slightly more formal cousin of the informal register. This is the cool kid of the writing world. It’s clear, it tells a story, and it doesn’t make your brain hurt with technical jargon. This is where you take your academic knowledge and package it in a way that’s digestible for a general audience.

Think of it as the “for beginners” version of your topic. You’re still keeping things relatively casual and conversational, but you’re dialling back the slang. (Tone down those pop culture references, Barbenheimer.) Imagine you’re explaining a complex topic to your grandparents or your neighbour who has zero background in your field.

Pros

• Your grandma could read it and get the gist.
• It’s perfect for explaining complex ideas without putting people to sleep.

Cons

• Hardcore traditional academics might sniff at its simplicity. (I see you there, Minerva McGonagall.)
• You might have to sacrifice some nuance for the sake of clarity.

3. Conventional Register

Now, let’s talk about the conventional register, where you break out the suit and tie, or perhaps your best Hermione Granger impression, and start speaking the language of academia. This is the little black dress of writing styles. It’s formal but not stuffy, clear but not simplistic. It assumes your readers have a few brain cells available to rub together, but it doesn’t require a Ph.D. to understand. Fire up your speech synthesizer, Stephen Hawking, and turn everything into precise, measured, and impeccably intellectual prose.

This is the register you’ll use for most of your scholarly writing — think research papers, literature reviews, and technical reports. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a perfectly brewed cup of Earl Grey — refined, complex, and with just a hint of sophistication. Save the Chai Lattes for another day, friends.

The conventional register is all about using standard grammar, complex sentence structures (think Sherlock Holmes deductions), and precise, technical vocabulary. You’re essentially putting on your “serious academic” hat and crescendo the formality to a Mr. Darcy level.

Pros

• It’ll make you sound like you know your sh*t (because you do, right?).
• It strikes a balance between being understandable and intellectually respectable.

Cons

• It might go over some people’s heads if they’re not familiar with the topic.
• It can sometimes be about as exciting as watching paint dry.

4. Abstract Register

Finally, we come to the abstract register, the Kafka of the writing world. This is where you take language to the next level, crafting sentences that are so dense, they’d make Nietzsche blush. If the conventional register is Earl Grey, the abstract register is a triple shot of espresso — rich, complex, and not for the faint of heart. Check your heart rate, Messi.

This register is all about sounding smart. It’s about using big words, convoluted syntax, and a level of abstraction that would make even the most senior academic scratch their head. Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a Picasso painting — beautiful, sure, but good luck trying to explain what the hell is going on. It’s complex, jargon-heavy, and about as clear as the ending of Lost. Use this if you want to make sure absolutely no one understands what you’re talking about.

Why would you ever use this register? Glad you asked. Well, sometimes, you just need to flex your intellectual muscles and show off your mastery of the language. Maybe you’re writing a philosophical treatise or a highly specialized journal article. Heck, maybe you just feel like adding a bit of Shakespeare to your grocery list.

In the abstract register, you’re not just writing about your topic — you’re exploring the very nature of it, diving deep into conceptual frameworks and theoretical underpinnings. You’re the Deep Down Dumbledore of academia, sprinkling your prose with big words, complex syntax, and a healthy dose of intellectual snobbery. Lumos!

Pros

• It might impress other experts in your field.
• It’s great for conveying complex ideas… to other complex thinkers.

Cons

• Most people will think you’re speaking in tongues.
• It can make even brilliant ideas sound like pretentious word salad.

Ok, I’m outta here. Four writing registers that’ll make you a linguistic chameleon. Great writing is more than what you say, but it’s how you say it. So choose your register wisely, and may the words be ever in your favour.

BTW: if anyone gives you crap about your writing style, just tell them you’re fluent in all four registers and they can kiss your funky little thesaurus.

Here is the tweet that spawned it all:

On you go, friends.