Choose a level of formality that matches your audience, purpose, and topic. In an email or letter to a friend or close associate, informal language is often appropriate. For most academic and professional writing, however, more formal language is appropriate be-cause you are addressing people you do not know well. Compare the following responses to a request for information about a job candidate:
EMAIL TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW WELL
Maisha is great—hire her if you can!
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION TO SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW
I am pleased to recommend Maisha Fisher. She will bring good ideas and extraordinary energy to your organization.