a formal amendment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a formal amendment' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an addition to a law, policy, or document that has been ratified or formalized. For example, "The board of directors proposed a formal amendment to the company policy, which is now in effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But a board ruling without a formal amendment would be invalid and unenforceable, he said.

The New York Times

This change to the Constitution was not the result of, say, a formal amendment, but a procedural rule adopted in 1975: a revision of Senate Rule 22, which was the old cloture rule.

The New York Times

Diplomatic sources said it was too early to say if a formal amendment calling for an independent inquiry will be tabled by European nations in the next week at the human rights council, or if the issue will be shelved.

The Guardian

Ms. Segarra said last week that in calling Wednesday's meeting, she is abiding by a state law that requires the chancellor to submit a formal amendment to the capital plan when there is an increase of more than 10percentt in the estimated cost of certain items, including construction and elements like electrical, plumbing and elevator systems.

The New York Times

This was followed by a formal amendment while the finance bill was at the committee stage in the Commons which proposed that multinationals based in the UK or with a large presence there should make public information about the size of their profits, where they were made and what taxes they paid.

The Guardian - Business

They have argued that amending the treaty would entail a time-consuming ratification battle in the Senate and that even something less than a formal amendment -- a Russian side letter promising not to challenge certain tests -- would give the Russians too much leverage.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And importantly for the living constitutionalist who does not wish to surrender to the charge that she counsels infidelity to the constitution, these changes can occur without the constitution having changed, as would be true were a process of formal amendment successfully invoked and an abstract, rights provision removed from the constitution.

SEP

The board failed to acknowledge that its own decisions on the size and location of new schools caused many of the higher costs and had not complied with a state law requiring formal amendment of the capital plan when estimates change or projects are added, the commission said.

The New York Times

Recall that the recently passed bill is widely understood as an effort to achieve what cannot for the moment be accomplished by a formal constitutional amendment.

Huffington Post

Practices have to evolve without formal amendment.

The New York Times

And some periods do produce unusually large alterations in constitutional principles; Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, which involved no formal amendment, is the most obvious example.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that when you mention "a formal amendment", you provide context regarding what is being amended (e.g., a contract, a law, a constitution). This clarifies the subject and scope of the amendment.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal amendment" when referring to informal or unofficial changes. This phrase denotes a specific, documented, and approved alteration, not just any modification. Using it incorrectly can mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal amendment" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig showcases its role in contexts where official changes or modifications are discussed, highlighting the formality and official nature of the action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal amendment" is a phrase used to denote an official, legally binding change or addition to a document, law, or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal contexts, primarily within legal, academic, and professional settings. The phrase's presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and scientific journals underscores its relevance and correct usage. When using this phrase, it's important to emphasize the official and documented nature of the change to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official modification

Replaces "amendment" with "modification", emphasizing the act of altering something officially.

a ratified alteration

Highlights that the change has been approved and made official.

a sanctioned revision

Uses "revision" to suggest a more thorough review and change that has been approved.

a legally binding adjustment

Emphasizes the legal enforceability of the change.

a constitutional revision

Focuses specifically on amendments to a constitution.

an authorized adaptation

Suggests the change is made to adapt to new circumstances, and it has been approved.

a prescribed adjustment

Uses "prescribed" to indicate that the adjustment is required or recommended by an authority.

a regulatory modification

Specifically implies an official change to regulations.

a chartered addendum

Uses "addendum" to specify an addition made to a charter, and it has been made formally.

a documented alteration

Highlights the fact that the change is recorded and official.

FAQs

How is "a formal amendment" typically used in legal or official contexts?

In legal and official settings, "a formal amendment" refers to a change to a law, constitution, contract, or other official document that has been officially proposed, voted on, and ratified according to established procedures. It signifies a legally binding alteration.

What is the difference between "a formal amendment" and "a revision"?

While both "a formal amendment" and "a revision" involve making changes, "a formal amendment" specifically implies an official, legally recognized alteration to a document. A revision can be a more general term for any kind of change, not necessarily legally binding or officially ratified.

When should I use "a formal amendment" instead of "an unofficial change"?

Use "a formal amendment" when the alteration has been officially recognized and incorporated into the original document through a defined legal or procedural process. Avoid using it when referring to "an unofficial change", which lacks legal standing or formal approval.

What are some common examples of situations requiring "a formal amendment"?

Examples include changing a country's constitution, modifying the terms of a contract after it has been signed, or altering the bylaws of an organization. These situations require "a formal amendment" to ensure the changes are legally valid and enforceable.