Fact Check: Are phrasal verbs formal?

Are Phrasal Verbs Formal?

The claim under examination is whether phrasal verbs are considered formal in English usage. This question arises from the observation that phrasal verbs, which are combinations of verbs and prepositions or adverbs, often appear in informal contexts, particularly in spoken language. However, the extent to which they can be used in formal writing remains a topic of debate among educators and linguists.

What We Know

Definition and Usage: Phrasal verbs are defined as verbs followed by one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that modify their meaning. They are prevalent in everyday spoken English and are often viewed as informal 1 7.
Perception of Formality: Many sources suggest that phrasal verbs are generally considered informal and are rarely used in academic or formal writing. For instance, a source from the American English website states that phrasal verbs "are never used in academic writing" 1. Similarly, a PDF resource notes that phrasal verbs are primarily found in informal spoken English, making them less common in formal texts 2.
Contextual Suitability: Some sources argue that while many phrasal verbs are informal, certain ones can be appropriate in formal contexts if chosen carefully 4 6. For example, the Learn English Team emphasizes that selecting suitable phrasal verbs can enhance communication in formal writing 4.
Neutrality of Phrasal Verbs: A discussion on Stack Exchange posits that most phrasal verbs are neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without significant issues 8. This perspective challenges the notion that phrasal verbs are strictly informal.
Research Findings: A Cambridge Dictionary blog post references an experiment that examined the use of phrasal verbs in formal writing, suggesting that they can be effectively utilized to avoid overly formal language 9. This indicates that the relationship between phrasal verbs and formality is not straightforward.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the formality of phrasal verbs is mixed, and the reliability of sources varies.

Credibility of Sources: The American English source 1 is a government-backed educational resource, which lends it credibility. However, its categorical statement about phrasal verbs being "never used" in academic writing may be an overgeneralization, as other sources present a more nuanced view.
Potential Bias: The Learn English Team 4 and Love You English 6 are educational platforms that may have a vested interest in promoting the versatility of language use, which could introduce bias in their presentation of phrasal verbs.
Methodological Concerns: The Stack Exchange discussion 8 lacks empirical backing, relying instead on anecdotal evidence from users. The Cambridge Dictionary blog 9 references an experiment but does not provide detailed methodology or results, which limits the reliability of its conclusions.
Contextual Variability: The context in which phrasal verbs are used appears to be a critical factor. The source from QQEnglish 7 emphasizes their use in spoken English, while the LanguageTool article 5 discusses their commonality without specifying context, which could lead to misinterpretation.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that phrasal verbs are considered formal in English usage is partially true. Evidence suggests that while phrasal verbs are predominantly viewed as informal and are less common in academic writing, certain phrasal verbs can be appropriately used in formal contexts. This nuanced view is supported by various sources, indicating that the relationship between phrasal verbs and formality is not absolute.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. Many sources present conflicting perspectives, and some lack empirical support, which introduces uncertainty regarding the generalization of phrasal verbs' formality. Additionally, the context in which these verbs are used plays a significant role in determining their appropriateness.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information about language use and consider the context when determining the suitability of phrasal verbs in their writing.