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ensure parallel construction. Attention to these factors will ensure that the tone is interesting while still
maintaining a scholarly style.
No Contractions, Colloquialisms, Jargon or Anthropomorphisms
APA-style writing should avoid the use of contractions, colloquialisms, and jargon (APA, 2020).
Do not use contractions (APA, 2020), the shortening of two words into one using an apostrophe.
Colloquialisms, which are typically used in spoken language and which use an informal pattern of
speech, should not be used (APA, 2020). Jargon, the use of terminology familiar only to those in a
particular field, should be minimized in order to promote the reader’s understanding (APA, 2020).
Anthropomorphisms should not be used. Anthropomorphism is defined as, “attribut[ing] human
characteristics to animals or to inanimate sources” (APA, 2020, p. 117).
Bias-Free Language
Bias-free language is required when writing according to the APA Manual (APA, 2020). Writers
should use appropriate sensitivity when writing about personal characteristics. When describing
research participant’s age use terminology used by those persons without the use of open-ended age
ranges such as “65 years and older” (APA, 2020; Streetkerk, 2020). Descriptions pertaining to disability
should focus on person-first language, wording designed with focus on the person, rather than identity-
focused language, wording constructed to focus on the condition or malady (APA, 2020; Bradley et al.,
2020; Streetkerk, 2020). However, either construct may be used depending upon the preference of the
persons in these groups. Condescending terminology, slurs, euphemisms, labels, and metaphors should
not be used, even if people within these groups refer to each other in this manner (APA, 2020).
Gender and Sexual Orientation
In order to write with bias-free language, precision concerning gender and sexual orientation
must be used. Gender refers to social assumptions derived from a cultural group. Gender should be
used when referring to social groups. Sex is biological differences involving anatomical parts (Gill & Gill,