Detached impersonal style
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 are replaced by impersonal constructions with it and there.
Compare
| more personal | more detached and impersonal |
| We suggest that you leave the building after 8 pm. | It is suggested that you leave the building after 8 pm. |
| I should like to note a number of things here. | There are a number of things to note here. |
Noun phrases
Noun phrases, rather than verb phrases, are common in detached impersonal styles. This process is sometimes called nominalisation.
Compare
| more personal | more detached and impersonal |
| She will retire as company director in May next year. | Her retirement as company director will be in May next year. |
- 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.
Compare
| more personal | more detached and impersonal |
| In this book I discuss and analyse the literature of the 1990s. | In this book the literature of the 1990s is discussed and analysed. |
- Passive