Full Idea
When formalising arguments it is convenient to have as many connectives as possible available.; but when proving results about formulas it is convenient to have as few as possible.
Gist of Idea
Formalising arguments favours lots of connectives; proving things favours having very few
Source
John P. Burgess (Philosophical Logic [2009], 1.4)
Book Reference
Burgess,John P.: 'Philosophical Logic' [Princeton 2009], p.4
A Reaction
Illuminating. The fact that you can whittle classical logic down to two (or even fewer!) connectives warms the heart of technicians, but makes connection to real life much more difficult. Hence a bunch of extras get added.
Related Idea
Idea 10766 Logic is either for demonstration, or for characterizing structures [Tharp]