a formal character

USAGE SUMMARY

"a formal character" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It typically means someone who is dignified and proper in their behavior or demeanor. For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "The Prime Minister conducted himself with a formal character throughout the entire speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It is evident that the resolution is forced by the political will and has a formal character.

The Guardian - Opinion

The title was given a formal character in 1520 and, under Charles I (1516 56; Holy Roman emperor as Charles V), the number of grandees was limited to 25.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The movie unearths some bravura archival moments (Jarmusch's archivist on the project, Sierra Pettengill, is one of the best) and his sit-downs are relatively revealing, but the movie is fundamentally lacking a formal character.

Vice

The movie unearths some bravura archival moments (Jarmusch's archivist on the project, Sierra Pettengill, is one of the best), and his sit-downs are relatively revealing, but the movie is fundamentally lacking a formal character.

Vice

The morphological data obtained from the new specimens in combination with characters of other groups of Ommatidae and other archostematan taxa were used in a formal character evaluation.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

It appears likely that a mobile pupa with movable mandibles as it is characteristic for Raphidioptera is ancestral for Holometabola even though this is not confirmed by a formal character analysis.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Notably, Carnap's dream of an inductive logic that would parallel deductive logic in having a purely formal character was ultimately abandoned as unworkable; the conclusion that confirmation is not a purely formal matter is often taken to be one of the lessons of Goodman (1955).

SEP

As a category, creativity is the "ultimate of ultimates" in Whitehead's words, but as such it is an abstraction, the formal character of any actual occasion.

SEP

While Protestant rites were less ceremonial than the Roman Catholic liturgies they replaced, almost everywhere they retained a more or less formal character.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when King George died in 1936, this once rigidly formal character emerged as a determined if eccentric royal matriarch with a mind of her own.

BBC

Finally, it is damaging the institutional and formal character of relations between a candidate country, Turkey, and an international organisation, the EU.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal character" to describe individuals or systems that adhere to established rules, traditions, or etiquette. Consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal character" in casual or informal settings where it might sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler, more conversational phrasing to describe someone's personality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal character" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor of a person, entity, or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies someone or something that adheres to established norms, rules, or etiquette. Examples in Ludwig highlight its usage in academic, news and encyclopedia sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal character" is a phrase used to describe someone or something that adheres to established rules, traditions, or etiquette. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing. While not overly common, the phrase appears in various reputable sources, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. The phrase conveys formality and adherence to standards and should be avoided in informal settings. When writing, consider related phrases such as ""a dignified demeanor"" or ""a stately presence"" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dignified demeanor

Focuses on the outward behavior and manner, emphasizing respectability and composure.

a stately presence

Highlights the impressive and dignified nature of someone's bearing.

a conventional personality

Emphasizes adherence to traditional norms and expectations.

a structured approach

Shifts the focus to a methodical and organized way of doing things, implying formality.

a ceremonious nature

Indicates a tendency to follow established rituals and protocols.

an official style

Focuses on the adherence to protocol and established norms, often in a professional environment.

a rigid personality

Emphasizes inflexibility and strict adherence to rules.

a proper attitude

Focuses specifically on correct and appropriate behavior.

an orderly fashion

Highlights organization and adherence to a set process.

a traditional mindset

Implies an adherence to established customs and ways of thinking.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with "a formal character"?

You can describe someone with "a formal character" as having "a dignified demeanor", exhibiting "a stately presence", or possessing "a conventional personality".

Is "a formal character" always a positive trait?

Not necessarily. While it can imply respect and adherence to standards, it can also suggest rigidity or a lack of warmth. The context determines whether it's perceived positively or negatively.

What's the difference between "a formal character" and "a rigid character"?

"A formal character" emphasizes adherence to rules and etiquette, while "a rigid character" suggests inflexibility and unwillingness to adapt. The former is about propriety; the latter, about inflexibility.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a formal character"?

It's suitable in contexts where discussing someone's adherence to traditions or protocols is relevant, such as describing a diplomat, a historical figure, or the structure of an organization.