I've found multiple sources instructing to use the つつ particle after the -masu
stem of a verb only in formal or literary contexts. However, I sometimes find
what appear to me to be contradictory examples.

Here's one from [a source for JLPT
training](https://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/n2_04_24.html). It warns:

> 注意  
>  ・ 「～つつ」はformalなので「アイスクリームを食べつつ、歩いた」のような文には合わない。

But later gives this example sentence of correct usage: ⑥
あんまり無理すると倒れるよ。少しは休みつつやりなよ。

This sentence appears to me to occur in a casual, spoken conversation. What
gives? Is つつ for formal/literary use only, or not?
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question
grammar formality register
Is つつ for formal or literary use only -- or not?
I guess it is difficult to give a clear answer to a register question like
this, but

  * つつ can be used in speech;
  * It is more likely to be used by grownups. At least I don't expect a small kid to use つつ.

Another factor might be a rhythm of the whole sentence or collocations, which
I'm not really able to explain.

Two verbs that may be frequently heard with つつ would be 知る and 思う. For
example,

  * テスト勉強しなきゃと思いつつテレビ見ちゃう Whereas I know I have to work for exams, I always watch TV

may be used by a teenager.
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answer