Which sentence would be inappropriate in a piece of research writing with a formal tone?
A: The local SPCA reports a massive increase in shelter adoptions over the past five years, and Executive Director Robert Williams "has every belief that this trend will continue."

B: The number of shelter adoptions in Manatee County is rising, and will likely continue in the years to come.

C: Last year alone, the Manatee County SPCA found homes for over 500 dogs and cats. The shelter has made it a priority to beat this number in 2014.

D: I've seen a massive increase in shelter adoptions over the past five years, and I have every belief that this trend will continue.

This sentence would not be acceptable in a piece of formal writing or a research paper due to its informal tone. The expression last year alone is informal and should be changed to something like The previous year.

The verb beat is also considered to be informal writing and has many alternatives in more formal academic writing. In this passage, a more appropriate choice would have been exceed or surpass.

Answer Link