a formal bid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal bid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to proposals, auctions, or competitive offers, typically in business or legal settings. Example: "The company submitted a formal bid for the construction project, outlining all the necessary details and costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Magna expects to make a formal bid in the autumn.

The Economist

CyberWorks has yet to make a formal bid.

The New York Times

Neither suitor has yet made a formal bid, but the LSE is in talks with both.

The Economist

30 September: The Takeover Panel gives Kraft until 9 November to make a formal bid.

The Guardian - Business

But only Arsenal offered a formal bid and therefore an exit.

The Guardian - Sport

Euronext has been awaiting the commission's decision before deciding whether to make a formal bid.

The New York Times

Last week America's GE put in a formal bid for Alstom's energy arm, offering around $10 billion.

The Economist

Once Vodafone launches a formal bid, shareholders have up to 60 days, under Germany's takeover code, to vote their shares.

The Economist

An early rejection led the group to seek clearance from regulators in Europe and America for a formal bid.

The Economist

Mr. Kudrin said a formal bid to join the trade body would be ready in two to four months.

The New York Times

This person cautioned that work on the possible offer was continuing and might not lead to a formal bid.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal bid", ensure that all the necessary documentation and details are included to demonstrate a serious and well-considered offer.

Common error

Avoid using colloquial language or slang when presenting "a formal bid". Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal bid" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a structured and official offer or proposal, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a formal bid" is a noun phrase denoting a structured and official offer, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily used in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, it indicates a serious intention to acquire something or secure a contract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, wide usage, and suitability for professional and neutral communication. When crafting "a formal bid", prioritize comprehensive documentation and avoid colloquial language. Alternatives include "official proposal" or "written offer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal offer

Emphasizes the official nature of the offer, maintaining a similar level of formality.

official proposal

Replaces "bid" with "proposal" emphasizing the structured nature of the offer.

submitted proposal

Emphasizes the act of submitting a proposal formally.

written offer

Focuses on the documented form of the bid, highlighting that it is in writing.

official tender

Substitutes "bid" with "tender", often used in formal procurement processes.

official submission

Highlights the act of formally submitting a bid or proposal.

documented proposal

Focuses on the fact that the proposal is well-documented and structured.

stated intention to bid

Expresses the formal announcement of an intention to submit a bid.

presented tender

Highlights the act of presenting a formal tender for consideration.

lodged application

Replaces "bid" with "application", implying a formal request or application.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal bid" to describe the act of making an official offer, such as in the sentence, "The company submitted "a formal bid" for the construction project last week."

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

You can use alternatives like "official proposal", "written offer", or "formal offer" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a formal bid" or "an formal bid"?

"A formal bid" is correct. Since "formal" begins with a consonant sound, the article "a" should be used instead of "an".

What's the difference between "a bid" and "a formal bid"?

"A bid" refers to any offer, while ""a formal bid"" implies that the offer is officially presented, structured, and meets specific requirements.