Formal styles are common in English writing. There are many different kinds of formal style, and choice of grammar and vocabulary is important. Formal styles commonly contain few personal pronouns; noun phrases and the passive voice are commonly used. The more formal the style, the more likely it is that it will appear detached and impersonal.
Few personal pronouns
Pronouns arereplaced by impersonal constructions withitandthere.
more personal | more detached and impersonal |
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Noun phrases
Noun phrases, rather than verb phrases are common in detached impersonal styles. This process is sometimes called nominalisation.
more personal | more detached and impersonal |
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See also:
Nouns
Noun phrases
Nouns: forming nouns from other words
Passive voice
The passive voice is common in detached impersonal styles. It is also common in academic writing. The passive voice allows the writer to concentrate on processes, rather than on the actions of the human subject.
more personal | more detached and impersonal |
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See also:
Passive