a formal declaration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal declaration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an official statement or announcement is being made, often in legal, governmental, or organizational settings. Example: "The president made a formal declaration regarding the new policy changes that will take effect next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is a formal declaration to Russia politically that we are free, and declaring ourselves free forever".

The New York Times

But that did not amount to a formal declaration.

The Guardian

A formal declaration of sorts was expected early this week.

The New York Times

The article uses the Latin term "mea culpa," meaning "a formal declaration of fault/responsibility".

The New York Times

They presumably understood that a formal declaration of war is out of the question.

The New Yorker

A formal declaration of liberation would be made by Friday, he added later.

The Guardian

The fear is that one day Taiwan will make a formal declaration of independence.

The Economist

Mr. Catalfamo declined to comment on whether Mr. Pataki would make a formal declaration soon.

The New York Times

Their main aim is to deter a formal declaration of independence.

The Economist

The DPP has long wanted a formal declaration of independence for Taiwan from China.

The Economist

"It's a formal declaration of divided allegiance, civic bigamy, if you will".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always follow "a formal declaration" with clear and concise language to avoid ambiguity. Because the phrase suggests a level of importance, the subsequent message should reflect this.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal declaration" in casual or informal settings. Its gravitas can seem out of place, making your communication sound stilted or overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "an announcement" or "a statement" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal declaration" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of announcement or statement that carries significant weight and adheres to established protocols. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears in contexts requiring official and precise language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal declaration" is a noun phrase denoting an official and significant announcement, commonly used in formal contexts such as news reporting and academic discussions. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. When using this phrase, consider its solemn tone and ensure it aligns with the context. Alternatives like "an official announcement" or "a public proclamation" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance. Remember to avoid overusing it in informal settings to maintain appropriate register and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official announcement

Replaces "declaration" with "announcement", focusing on the act of making something known officially.

a public proclamation

Emphasizes the public nature of the declaration, suggesting a widespread dissemination of information.

a written statement

Highlights the written form of the declaration, useful when the medium is relevant.

a formal avowal

Replaces "declaration" with "avowal", stressing a solemn or emphatic assertion.

an explicit affirmation

Focuses on the clarity and decisiveness of the declaration.

an official decree

Implies a formal order or command, often with legal authority.

a formal pronouncement

Highlights the act of formally announcing something, often by someone in authority.

a legal certification

Specifies the legal validation aspect of the declaration.

a documented confirmation

Stresses the presence of documented evidence backing the declaration.

a ratified agreement

Implies that the declaration is part of an agreement that has been formally approved.

FAQs

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

Use "a formal declaration" when referring to an official announcement or statement, such as, "The company issued "a formal declaration" of bankruptcy" or "The government made "a formal declaration" of war".

What is the difference between "a formal declaration" and "an official statement"?

"A formal declaration" typically implies a higher degree of solemnity and significance compared to "an official statement". The former often marks a pivotal moment or decision, while the latter can refer to routine communications.

When is it appropriate to use "a formal declaration" over simpler alternatives?

Use "a formal declaration" when the situation involves legal, governmental, or organizational procedures where precision and adherence to protocol are important. For instance, it is appropriate in contexts concerning independence, war, or policy changes.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "a formal declaration"?

Alternatives include "an official announcement", "a public proclamation", or "a written statement". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.