Using short forms of the sentences in application forms

[murat guler]

Hi All

Can we use short forms of the sentences when we fill official documents like application forms?

For example, is this appropriate and acceptable...

X High School Student Clubs Application Form
Name & Surname	John Smith
Personality	generous, helpful, creative
Interests	camping, hiking, riding bike
Abilities	swim well, good at using computer

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi, all.

Can we use short forms of the sentences when we fill in official documents like application forms?

For example, is this appropriate and acceptable?

X High School Student Clubs Application Form
Name & Surname	John Smith
Personality	generous, helpful, creative
Interests	camping, hiking, riding bike
Abilities	swim well, good at using computer

Yes, it's OK not to write in complete sentences in that context. In your specific answers above, I'd use "cycling" instead of "riding bike", "good swimmer" instead of "swim well" and "computer-literate" instead of "good at using a computer".

 

[murat guler]

Yes, it's OK not to write in complete sentences in that context. In your specific answers above, I'd use "cycling" instead of "riding bike", "good swimmer" instead of "swim well" and "computer-literate" instead of "good at using a computer".

Well, I thought using an informal language (incomplete sentences) in a formal document could be a problem. Theoretically, a formal document requires a formal language. At least, it is what I thought...

 

[emsr2d2]

I wouldn't call an application form for a high school student club "formal".

 

[jutfrank]

Well, I thought using an informal language (incomplete sentences) in a formal document could be a problem. Theoretically, a formal document requires a formal language. At least, it is what I thought...

Actually, it's very often quite the opposite. This kind of formal document is what we call a 'form' (in this case an application form). With forms, it's rare for full sentences to be used. What is usually most important is that information be noted as clearly and concisely as possible.