Several factors influence how your copy is perceived, and word choice plays a major role in shaping the tone — whether it sounds formal or casual.

One of the ways to make your writing sound more casual is by using:

• Phrasal verbs ("find out" instead of "discover")
• Contractions ("we're" instead of "we are")
• Simple conjunctions instead of connectors ("but" instead of "however")
• Abbreviations ("photo" instead of "photograph")
• Slang ("right" instead of "correct")
• Interjections ("whoops!")^[1]

To make your writing sound more professional, consider using:

• Precise verbs ("discover" instead of "find out")
• Full forms ("we are" instead of "we're")
• Formal connectors ("however" instead of "but")
• Proper nouns and terminology ("photograph" instead of "photo")
• Standard language ("correct" instead of "right")
• Neutral phrasing (avoiding interjections like "whoops!")