a formal appointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal appointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a scheduled meeting or engagement that is official or serious in nature. Example: "I have a formal appointment with the board of directors to discuss the new project proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

She replied, "There was no 'effective' end date, because there was never a formal appointment or title after January 20".

The New Yorker

Her work was usually on an informal, unpaid basis, but when he was chief entomologist in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1879 81), she received a formal appointment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The arrangement fooled no one, but enabled the United States to tell Beijing that the religious leader did not have a formal appointment with the president.

The New York Times

Sir David was given his job by the prime minister without a formal appointment process, and though an able and formidable character, will be responsible for keeping the NHS within budget and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sandler said a formal appointment of advisers had not been made, despite speculation a few weeks ago that Morgan Stanley had been selected, and stressed that a timetable for a sale was not in place.

The Guardian - Business

"Veterans prefer a formal appointment and written communications, and boomers love lots of meetings," says Ann T. Gallagher, president of Gallagher Consulting Group.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Nevertheless, despite the lack of any formal appointment, Kantakouzenos placed Andronikos III's sons and the Empress-dowager Anna of Savoy under armed guard in the palace, and in a meeting of the Byzantine Senate claimed for himself the regency and governance of the state by virtue of his close association with the deceased Emperor.

Wikipedia

The Commons culture, media and sport select committee, which has released its report after the government's publication in May of the white paper on the BBC, also endorsed the creation of a Scottish Six news programme and questioned the decision to appoint the BBC Trust chair, Rona Fairhead, as head of a new BBC unitary board without a full formal appointment process.

The Guardian

They have been leading a determined effort to obstruct the formal appointment of Edward Luck, a professor at Columbia University, as a special UN adviser on the issue.

The Economist

He will take several days to form a cabinet, with his formal appointment by Emperor Akihito expected as early as Friday.

The New York Times

By 1904, when she received formal appointment as a lay missionary, the school had grown to include a collegiate department.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal appointment" when emphasizing the official nature of a meeting, such as with superiors, clients, or in academic settings. This phrase adds a level of seriousness and professionalism to your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal appointment" when a simple "meeting" or "consultation" suffices. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stiff and unnatural. Reserve it for situations where the level of formality is genuinely required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal appointment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal appointment" is a noun phrase used to describe a scheduled meeting of an official or serious nature. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and appropriate use across various contexts. Its frequency is categorized as common with notable usage in news, scientific, and business related contexts. When using this phrase, consider the formality of the situation and whether a simpler term like "meeting" would suffice. Alternatives include "an official meeting" or "a scheduled engagement". Always maintain the right level of formality in your writing for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official meeting

Replaces 'formal appointment' with a more general term for a scheduled meeting with official standing.

a scheduled engagement

Emphasizes the time-bound and pre-arranged nature of the meeting.

a prearranged meeting

Highlights that the meeting was arranged in advance.

an official summons

Implies a mandatory or required appearance.

a professional consultation

Highlights the expert or advisory nature of the meeting.

a sanctioned conference

Suggests the meeting has been officially approved or endorsed.

a designated time

Focuses on the specific allocation of time for a purpose.

a pre-booked session

Emphasizes the act of booking the appointment in advance.

an arranged interview

Specifically refers to a meeting for interviewing someone.

a set meeting

Replaces both words with simple synonyms.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal appointment" to describe a scheduled meeting that requires preparation and adherence to protocol. For example: "I have "a formal appointment" with the dean tomorrow to discuss my research proposal."

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

You can use alternatives like "an official meeting", "a scheduled engagement", or "a prearranged meeting" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "A formal appointment" implies an official and structured meeting, while "an informal appointment" suggests a casual and relaxed meeting.

What's the difference between "a formal appointment" and "a meeting"?

"A meeting" is a general term for any gathering, while "a formal appointment" implies a prearranged and official meeting, often with specific objectives and protocols.