a formal check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal check" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to a written document that serves as evidence of a financial transaction, such as a cheque or a bank draft. For example, "The company provided a formal check for the amount of $1000."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was added there would be a "formal check" at the initial meeting on each production to make sure the training had been done.

The Guardian

Interior Minister Otto Schily, who once was the defense lawyer for members of the Red Army Faction terrorist group, said he was preparing a new package of security measures, including a formal check with domestic intelligence agencies before granting residence visas.

The New York Times

The use of FISA warrants was as a formal check more than an active restraint; but it was a check the president risked many honorable careers to overthrow.

Huffington Post

A formal check of multicollinearity was carried out using a variable clustering algorithm.

BMJ Open

Using a formal check list [ 10], we conceptualised the development of a self-administered general health profile with multi-dichotomous close-ended simple statements.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Sample size was given since we assessed all the students at the university, but a formal check revealed that in most analyses a 75% increase of risk could be ascertained at 80% probability.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

After a formal check-in process we were sitting across a pane of bulletproof glass from a sharply dressed FBI agent, relating our story and outlining the evidence we'd assembled showing we'd been beaten by cops and that the police were lying to cover for our attackers.

Vice

Many believed it involved a formal checking procedure and felt unconfident regarding how their breasts should feel.

BMJ Open

The presented flow is based on 'bounded model checking', a formal verification method.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Model Checking, a formal verification technique [ 21], can automatically verify or falsify that a model M satisfies a desired property expressed as a temporal logic formula   ψ, denoted by M ⊨ ψ.

BMC Systems Biology

We, then, introduced and applied a formal verification technique, Symbolic Model Checking, to automatically analyze the cells' proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis in the proposed signal transduction model of tumor microenvironment.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a verification process, use "a formal check" to convey that the process adheres to established procedures and standards.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal check" when referring to casual or preliminary assessments. Ensure the context involves an official, structured procedure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal check" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of examination or assessment that is conducted according to established procedures. Ludwig provides examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal check" is a noun phrase that denotes an official and structured examination process. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically sound and sees it used across various domains, including news, science, and business. While not as common as some alternative phrases, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian shows its validity and utility in conveying structured assessments. When writing, it's important to ensure that the context genuinely requires an official, structured procedure to avoid misusing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a structured assessment

Replaces 'check' with 'assessment' emphasizing a structured approach to evaluation.

a rigorous inspection

Substitutes 'check' with 'inspection', suggesting a more thorough and detailed examination.

an official audit

Replaces 'check' with 'audit' indicating a systematic and independent examination of records.

a systematic review

Uses 'review' instead of 'check' highlighting a methodical examination or evaluation.

a detailed verification

Replaces 'check' with 'verification', stressing the act of confirming the truth or accuracy of something in detail.

a mandatory inspection

Substitutes 'formal' with 'mandatory' indicating that the check is required by law or rules.

a standardized evaluation

Replaces both 'formal' and 'check' focusing on a consistent and uniform process of assessment.

a procedural review

Highlights the review as part of an established procedure.

a compliance examination

Focuses on checking for adherence to rules or standards.

a regulatory assessment

Implies that the assessment is conducted to meet regulatory requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal check" to describe a process or procedure that is carried out according to established rules and regulations. For example, "The company requires "a formal check" of all equipment before each use."

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

You can use alternatives like "a structured assessment", "a rigorous inspection", or "an official audit" depending on the context.

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

The choice between "a formal check" and "an informal check" depends on the context. "A formal check" implies a structured, official procedure, while "an informal check" suggests a more casual assessment.

What's the difference between "a formal check" and "a preliminary assessment"?

"A formal check" is a comprehensive and official examination, often following strict guidelines. "A preliminary assessment" is an initial evaluation to determine the need for further investigation.