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.

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.