a formal connection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal connection" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a relationship or link between two things that is official or official-looking. For example: - The scientists discovered a formal connection between high levels of stress and increased risk of heart disease. - The lawyer argued that there was a formal connection between the evidence presented and the defendant's guilt. - The two companies formed a formal connection through a merger, joining forces to increase their market power.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

(Mr. Wyatt appeared to be the only artist at the festival with a formal connection to Downtown Records).

The New York Times - Arts

If however, there is a formal connection between classroom learning and hands-on extracurricular activity like actually starting a business, then the concept thrives, she said.

The New York Times

The complex ongoing "voice-over" narration by nebbish-husband Chester Tibbet about family life with his wife, Betsy, and their five-year-old boy genius, Farley, actually has a formal connection to the inventive narration in "Murder, Morphine and Me".

The New Yorker

Therefor a formal connection between state-of-the-art mean value models and the crank angle resolved physical model must be established.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

We present a formal connection between supervisory control theory in the field of control engineering and reactive synthesis in the field of formal methods.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

We prove a formal connection between dialogues and three well-known argumentation semantics (i.e. grounded, admissible and ideal extensions), by giving soundness results for our dialogue models with respect to these semantics.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But Baldwin has never worked at Keele in any capacity, or been a student there, or had any formal connection with the place.

The Guardian

"We don't have any formal connection with them," said Alice Khatib, a spokeswoman for Take the Square.

The New York Times

In his later years, he refused any formal connection to musical institutions.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither Cohen nor his doctor made any formal connection between the old pains that he'd described from his youth and this recent health scare.

The New Yorker

If the S.E.C. is right that a friendship can be enough to show the requisite fiduciary duty for insider trading, then it will expand the potential for pursuing cases based only on personal relationships even if the trader did not have any formal connection to the source of the confidential information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing agreements or partnerships, use "a formal connection" to denote a structured and official relationship between entities. This emphasizes the legitimacy and defined nature of the link.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal connection" when describing a superficial or weak link. Ensure the connection genuinely involves established protocols, agreements, or structures, rather than just appearing official on the surface.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal connection" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a relationship that is official, structured, or recognized in some defined way. This contrasts with informal or casual links.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

25%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal connection" is a noun phrase used to describe an official, structured, or recognized relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for professional contexts. While not the most common phrase, its usage is precise and conveys a specific type of relationship distinct from informal or casual links. Alternative phrases, such as "an official link" or "a structured relationship", can be used to emphasize different aspects of the connection. Remember to use "a formal connection" when describing relationships backed by agreements, protocols, or established recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official link

Replaces 'formal connection' with more emphasis on the official or sanctioned nature of the link.

a structured relationship

Highlights the organized and defined nature of the relationship, rather than just its formality.

an established association

Emphasizes the long-standing or recognized nature of the association.

a legal affiliation

Indicates a connection recognized and formalized by law.

a documented tie

Stresses the evidence and record of the connection.

a recognized bond

Highlights the acknowledged and accepted nature of the bond.

a sanctioned partnership

Implies the connection has been approved or authorized by a governing body.

an accredited association

Suggests the connection has met certain standards and received accreditation.

a codified agreement

Points to an agreement that has been formalized into a code or set of rules.

a systematic integration

Emphasizes the methodical and organized way in which things are connected.

FAQs

How can I use "a formal connection" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal connection" to describe an official relationship or link between two or more entities. For example: "The research established a formal connection between diet and disease."

What are some alternatives to "a formal connection"?

Alternatives include "an official link", "a structured relationship", or "an established association", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a formal connection" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal contexts, using "a formal connection" in informal writing might sound overly stilted. Consider using simpler alternatives like "a link" or "a tie" in casual settings.

What's the difference between "a formal connection" and "an informal connection"?

"A formal connection" implies an official or structured relationship, often involving documented agreements or protocols. In contrast, "an informal connection" suggests a less structured, often personal or casual relationship.