a formal call

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal call" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an official or structured invitation or request, often in a professional or ceremonial context. Example: "The organization issued a formal call for proposals to encourage innovative solutions to environmental challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The Charge d'Affaires paid a formal call every week.

The New Yorker

Their respective governing bodies, the benches, exercise the exclusive right of admitting persons to practice by a formal call to the bar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The provisional authority put out a formal call for applications from airlines around the world on July 2, with a deadline of July 8.

The New York Times

Soon afterwards Mr Hohn announced that, with Mr Breuer already on his way, he would not go ahead with a formal call for his head at the AGM, a motion he had filed on April 14th.

The Economist

Mr. Coutau of the canton said plans for the site would fall together in the coming months, probably after a formal call for bids, and a decision would be made by the canton's cabinet by the end of this year.

The New York Times

At one point, according to a British press report, Cagan expressed hatred toward Iranians, prompting a formal call for her resignation from the National Iranian American Council, which represents about one million Iranian-Americans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But as an organization's size increases, so does the likelihood that it is running under a more formal call center environment.

Forbes

He noted that the first such formal call came a decade earlier and, he noted, "There were about 10 people here.

Los Angeles Times

Under normal circumstances, the Senate might simply reapprove the bill by unanimous agreement, bypassing the need even for a formal roll call vote.

The New York Times

Activities include role playing a staff meeting, practising how to make a formal telephone call, editing an application form and planning what to wear to an interview.

The Guardian

The chief complication is in the Senate, where the Republican leadership would like to pass the same measure on Tuesday without a formal roll call vote and then join the House in adjourning until Jan . 20

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal call" when you want to emphasize the official and structured nature of a request, invitation, or announcement. This implies that the communication follows established protocols and is not casual.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal call" in casual or informal settings. Its precise and somewhat stiff tone can sound out of place if used when a simple request would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal call" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it signifies an official or structured request or announcement, adhering to established protocols.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal call" denotes an official or structured communication, typically used in professional, governmental, or academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and provides examples from reputable sources. While it's suitable for formal contexts, it's best to avoid using it in casual situations where simpler language would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "an official request" or "a structured invitation" can be used depending on the specific context. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formal solicitation

Replaces "call" with a more specific term, focusing on the act of requesting something.

a formal plea

Substitutes "call" with a term indicating a request made with urgency or emotion.

a formal demand

Replaces "call" with a term conveying a strong requirement or expectation.

a regular call

Modifies "formal" to indicate a routine or scheduled communication.

a solemn call

Changes "formal" to emphasize the serious or ceremonial nature of the communication.

a ceremonial call

Replaces "formal" with a term that specifically suggests a ritualistic or traditional communication.

a formal recommendation

Shifts the context to an official endorsement or suggestion.

a formal defense

Changes the context to a structured argument or justification.

a formal invitation

Modifies the context to a structured request for someone's presence or participation.

a formal requirement

Changes the context to a mandatory condition or stipulation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal call" to describe an official request or announcement. For example, "The government issued "a formal call" for proposals" or "The ambassador paid "a formal call" on the president".

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

You can use alternatives like "an official request", "a structured invitation", or "a formal solicitation depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "a formal call"?

"A formal call" is appropriate when referring to structured or official requests, announcements, or invitations that follow established protocols. It's commonly used in professional, governmental, or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "a formal call" and "a casual request"?

"A formal call" implies a structured and official communication, often following specific protocols. In contrast, a "casual request" is informal and doesn't necessarily adhere to any particular procedures.