a formal adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a change or modification is being made in a structured or official manner, such as in business, finance, or legal documents. Example: "The company issued a formal adjustment to the budget to account for unexpected expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A formal UN agreement was not reached.

The Guardian

"It didn't have to be a formal UNHCR resettlement programme.

The Guardian

Campaigners, however, say they are actively considering ways of triggering a formal UN investigation.

The Guardian

To qualify for HIPC, countries must submit to a formal IMF restructuring programme.

The Economist

Mr. Harris also learned that a formal New York Police Department report had been filed.

The New York Times

The statement does not have the enforcement muscle of a formal Security Council resolution.

The New York Times

Still, the seven months without a formal White House news conference is longer than Jimmy Carter or either George Bush went without one.

The New York Times

After World War II, the United Nations created a formal Trusteeship Council to supervise independence for "non-self-governing territories," like Western Samoa and Togoland.

The New York Times - Magazine

It has been reported that the company had been trying to avoid a formal SFO investigation by offering to pay a multimillion-pound fine.

The Guardian - Business

As a former Belgian prime minister, he has big ambitions for the European Council, which became a formal EU institution for the first time under the Lisbon treaty.

The Economist

Probably this would not be a direct confrontation with a formal US ally, but the risks of miscalculation and escalation would be high.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal adjustment", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific area or system to which the adjustment applies. Providing clear details about the scope enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal adjustment" without specifying what is being adjusted. Vague references can confuse readers. Instead of saying "a formal adjustment was made", specify "a formal adjustment to the budget was made".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal adjustment" functions as a noun phrase, where 'formal' modifies 'adjustment'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It commonly introduces a specific type of modification or alteration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formal adjustment" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that denotes a structured or official modification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business. While alternatives such as "an official modification" or "a structured alteration" exist, "a formal adjustment" distinctly emphasizes both the structured and authorized nature of the change. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial; specifying the area or system to which the adjustment applies avoids ambiguity and enhances understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official modification

Replaces "formal" with "official", indicating a change sanctioned by authority.

a structured alteration

Substitutes "adjustment" with "alteration" and "formal" with "structured", emphasizing the organized nature of the change.

a regulated adaptation

Replaces "adjustment" with "adaptation" and "formal" with "regulated", highlighting adherence to rules or standards.

a sanctioned change

Emphasizes the approval or authorization behind the adjustment.

a methodical revision

Replaces "adjustment" with "revision" and "formal" with "methodical", suggesting a systematic review and change.

a procedural modification

Focuses on the modification being done according to established procedures.

an authorized alteration

Highlights that the alteration has been given official permission.

a systematic adaptation

Suggests a planned and organized approach to adapting something.

a codified amendment

Indicates that the amendment has been formally written and integrated into a system.

a standard correction

Implies that the correction follows established norms or requirements.

FAQs

How to use "a formal adjustment" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal adjustment" to describe a structured or official change to something. For example, "The company issued "a formal adjustment" to its financial forecast after the unexpected losses".

What can I say instead of "a formal adjustment"?

You can use alternatives like "an official modification", "a structured alteration", or "a regulated adaptation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a formal adjustment" or "an informal adjustment"?

Both are correct but they describe different types of adjustments. "A formal adjustment" implies a structured, official change, while "an informal adjustment" refers to a less structured, unofficial change.

What's the difference between "a formal adjustment" and "a minor adjustment"?

"A formal adjustment" emphasizes the structured and official nature of the change, whereas "a minor adjustment" focuses on the size or impact of the change.