careeredgelincoln.com/ml_exercises/ml_ex10_3.php
Appropriate Language
Example: ???? ?is totally trippin.
Revise the sentences that follow without using jargon or slang.
???? ?is being unrealistic.
She has all of that coin in her pocket.
She has a lot of money in her pocket.
It takes time to learn the setup around here.
Your Answer…
I
He didn’t have the guts to try it.
he didn’t have the courage to try it.
I’m not down with that.
I’m not comfortable with that.
There gin’t nothing wrong with this.
There is nothing wrong with this.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Appropriate Language: Revising Jargon and Slang
Revised Sentences:
- It takes time to learn the setup around here.
It takes time to understand how things work here. - He didn’t have the guts to try it.
He didn’t have the courage to try it. - I’m not down with that.
I’m not comfortable with that. - There ain’t nothing wrong with this.
There is nothing wrong with this.
Explanation
Using appropriate language is essential in effective communication, particularly in professional, academic, and formal settings. Jargon and slang, while common in casual conversation, can create confusion or reduce the clarity of a message when used in writing. This is why revising such phrases is important to ensure that the intended message is conveyed accurately and professionally.
For instance, the phrase “It takes time to learn the setup around here” uses “setup” informally, which might be unclear to some readers. Replacing it with “It takes time to understand how things work here” ensures that the sentence is universally understood. Similarly, “He didn’t have the guts to try it” is informal because “guts” is a slang term for bravery. The revised sentence, “He didn’t have the courage to try it”, maintains clarity and professionalism.
Another example is “I’m not down with that”, which is a slang expression meaning disapproval or discomfort. A more appropriate revision is “I’m not comfortable with that”, which clearly expresses the intended meaning without the use of informal language.
Lastly, the phrase “There ain’t nothing wrong with this” contains both slang (“ain’t”) and a double negative (“nothing” after “ain’t”), which can make the sentence grammatically incorrect. Rewriting it as “There is nothing wrong with this” corrects the grammar and ensures proper communication.
In summary, avoiding slang and jargon improves the readability, professionalism, and clarity of written communication. Whether in academic essays, business correspondence, or formal writing, choosing precise and universally understood language helps convey messages effectively to a wide audience.