Thrifty or stingy? Fine distinctions of register and tone
Choose words whose connotation and register fit the reader exactly, and recognise formal forms such as lest and what little
What you'll be able to do
Choose words whose attitude and formality fit your reader exactly, recognise formal and literary forms in demanding texts, and avoid mixing styles by accident.
Connotation: the same facts, a different attitude
| Neutral | Approving | Disapproving |
|---|---|---|
| careful with money | thrifty, frugal | stingy, tight-fisted |
| confident | assertive, self-assured | pushy, arrogant |
| interested in others | curious, inquisitive | nosy |
| determined | persistent, resolute | stubborn, obstinate |
Formal and literary forms
- lest + base form (or should + base form) means so that … not or in case. It is very formal. In everyday English say in case or so that … don't.
- what little + uncountable noun and what few + plural noun mean the small amount that exists.
- whilst, hitherto, notwithstanding, inasmuch as belong to formal or legal writing; in a chat they sound odd.
- The rules are written down lest there be any doubt.lest + base form: very formal
- What little time we have left should go on the final report.what little + uncountable noun
- What few complaints we received were answered within a day.what few + plural noun
- Her grandfather was frugal rather than stingy.the same habit, an approving and a disapproving word
- The proposal has broad support, notwithstanding its cost.notwithstanding: a formal despite
Tone in professional writing
The same fact can be blunt or tactful. You didn't send the file blames; The file doesn't seem to have arrived is impersonal and softer. Phrases such as Per my last email or As previously stated often sound irritated, whatever the writer intended.
British and American English
Mean is "unwilling to spend money" in British English, but usually "unkind" in American English. Whilst is common in formal British English and rare in American English; while works everywhere.
Common mistakes
lest he forgets→ lest he forget (or lest he should forget)lest he doesn't forgetLest already contains the not: lest he forget = so that he doesn't forget.What little friends he had…Friends are countable: What few friends he had…- Mixing registers:
Hitherto, the boss was kinda annoyed.Choose one style: Until now, the boss was a bit annoyed.
Practice
- She checked the figures twice lest she _____ a mistake.Options: make · makes · will make
Show the answer
make — Lest + base form (or should + base form).
- What _____ furniture they owned had to be sold.Options: little · few · a little
Show the answer
little — Furniture is uncountable: what little.
- What _____ friends he had stood by him.
Show the answer
few — Friends is countable and plural: what few.
- Hold on to the rail lest you _____ (fall).
Show the answer
fall — Lest + base form, or should + base form.
- He was determined or, to put it less kindly, _____. (refusing to change his mind)
Show the answer
stubborn — Stubborn and obstinate: the disapproving words for determined.