Describe how the proper application of participial phrases (причастные обороты) can impact the overall stylistic tone of formal Russian writing.

Participial phrases (причастные обороты) are verbal adjectives that describe a noun while simultaneously acting as part of a verb. In formal Russian writing, the skillful use of participial phrases can significantly elevate the stylistic tone by adding precision, conciseness, and a sense of sophistication. Correct placement of participial phrases is crucial. Placing the phrase *beforethe noun it modifies adds a formal, bookish tone, often found in academic or literary contexts. For example, 'Читающий книгу студент' (Chitayushchiy knigu student) - 'The student reading the book' sounds more formal than 'Студент, читающий книгу' (Student, chitayushchiy knigu). Using participial phrases allows for the combination of several ideas into one sentence, avoiding the need for multiple shorter sentences which can make the writing seem choppy or simplistic. Incorrectly formed or placed participial phrases, on the other hand, will result in grammatical errors that significantly detract from the text's perceived professionalism. Mastering participles, including their proper agreement in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, is essential. Overuse of participial phrases can make writing dense and difficult to read. Striking a balance between descriptive detail and readability is key to achieving an elevated, yet accessible, stylistic tone. Therefore, a proper command of participial phrases allows for sophisticated, detailed descriptions that contribute to the overall formality and elegance of written Russian.