What are sentences like "the longer X, the more Y" called and can they be used in formal written English?

Question

What is the type of sentence exemplified below called? Is it appropriate to use it in a scientific paper and formal written English in general? 1. The more pronounced the variation, the more the waste. 2. The more you give, the more you get. 3. The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.

Answer 1

I would say something like the following.

"There is a direct relationship between the variation and the waste, the more pronounced the variation, the higher the waste level."

"Note the direct relationship: the more you give, the more you get."

"I have found a direct relationship between my attitude and the quality of my life.; the longer I live, the more I realize how my attitude impacts my life."

It is entirely appropriate to use comparisons in scientific papers and formal written English.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

This is known as a conditional sentence in English grammar. This type of sentence can be used in formal written English. It can be used in any situation, formal or informal, where you need express the condition and its related consequences.