| 词组 | formal |
| 释义 | formal Formal is a term used in a great many usage books to distinguish that kind of writing and speech that is most mannered and remote from ordinary conversational English. In spite of its wide use, it presents problems as a label, because there is a good deal of uncertainty about just what formal is meant to cover. Two responsible commentators can use the term differently. Bryant 1962, for instance, includes among formal sources many of the same sources Perrin & Ebbitt 1972 considers general. When formal is used in this book, it is used only as a vague indicator of general tendency and not as the marker of a class of writings with uniform characteristics. We would suggest that you take prescriptions of "not used in formal English" or "unacceptable in formal English" with a considerable grain of salt. Perhaps Bishop Lowth's "elevated style" would have been a more generally useful label. See also choice, adjective; informal; levels of usage. |
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