What is Stilted Language and How to Avoid It?

Stiltedness is a term used to describe language or writing that sounds artificial, forced, or overly formal. It can also refer to language that is not natural or spontaneous, but rather contrived or affected. Stilted language may use words or phrases that are not commonly used in everyday speech, or it may employ a style of expression that is not typical of the speaker's usual way of communicating.

Stiltedness can be caused by a variety of factors, such as trying too hard to sound formal or proper, using overly complex vocabulary or sentence structures, or attempting to imitate a particular style or register without fully understanding it. Stilted language can also be the result of a lack of familiarity with the language being used, or of trying to communicate in a language that is not one's native tongue.

In general, stiltedness is considered undesirable in writing and speaking, as it can make the language sound awkward, forced, or unnatural. Good communication aims to be clear, concise, and natural-sounding, so it is important to avoid stiltedness in order to effectively convey ideas and engage with others.