a formal listing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal listing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an organized and official enumeration of items, names, or details. Example: "The report included a formal listing of all the participants in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The New York Post, the first to report that the apartment was available, offered one of the rare descriptions of the layout, given that there was never a formal listing.

The New York Times

After any episode that warrants discipline, the state is supposed to serve the employee involved a notice of discipline, a formal listing of accusations, but none was issued in this case, despite the presence of a witness and of physical evidence.

The New York Times

Mr. Wetzler said that, since the vast majority of whitebark pine trees grow on lands belonging to the Forest Service, the declaration that the listing is "warranted but precluded" would lead foresters to adopt some safeguards for the trees but defer the extensive work of identifying critical habitat and taking other steps to protect them until a formal listing is made.

The New York Times

Ideally, this would take the form of increased public pressure on the Malagasy government to step up enforcement and a formal listing under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Barrett said.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The commission then sent a formal list of antitrust charges to the airlines in September.

The New York Times

By May, a formal list of as many as 100 military bases could be recommended for closing.

The Washington Post

The taxi driver may not have a formal list of demands but he gets his message across anyway.

The New York Times

But Richard Cauchi, a health policy expert at the National Conference of State Legislatures, said, "The Florida law appears to go further than other states in establishing a formal list of preferred drugs".

The New York Times

Swift's announcement did not specify the number of expelled Iranian banks or mention them by name, and the European Union has not yet announced a formal list.

The New York Times

PAGE B1 List to Coordinate Charity To coordinate charity for trade center disaster victims, the state attorney general has proposed creating a formal list of every person who gets help and how much money each recipient gets.

The New York Times

It has come under close scrutiny from the European Commission, which this week delivered to the company a "statement of objections," a formal list of problems to the deal, which could be a prelude to either concessions or an outright block.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal listing", ensure that the context clearly indicates the official or structured nature of the list being referred to. For less formal situations, consider using simpler alternatives like "list" or "record".

Common error

Avoid using "a formal listing" when a simple "list" or "record" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal listing" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it refers to an organized and official enumeration of items, names, or details.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal listing" is a noun phrase that signifies an organized and official enumeration, often used to emphasize precision and documentation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for neutral to formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and scientific publications. While the phrase may not be as common as simpler alternatives like "list", its use indicates a structured and legally recognized record. When deciding whether to use "a formal listing", consider the formality of the context and whether the emphasis on structure and officialdom is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official enumeration

Focuses on the act of counting or specifying items officially.

a structured inventory

Emphasizes the organized arrangement of items.

a systematic catalog

Highlights the methodical and comprehensive nature of the list.

a detailed register

Implies a thorough and precise record.

a prescribed record

Suggests that the list is required or mandated.

a sanctioned inventory

Indicates official approval or authorization of the inventory.

a legalized roll

Pertains to legality and that the list has been legally recognized.

a recognized schedule

Suggests that the list is accepted or acknowledged as the standard.

a documented compilation

Emphasizes the fact that the list is thoroughly documented.

an authorized registry

Underlines the permitted or officially approved nature of the registry.

FAQs

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

"A formal listing" typically refers to an official or structured enumeration. For example, "The company maintains "a formal listing" of all its assets."

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

You can use alternatives like "an official enumeration", "a structured inventory", or "a systematic catalog" depending on the context.

Is "a formal list" the same as "a formal listing"?

While similar, "a formal list" is more general. "A formal listing" often implies a more structured and detailed enumeration, making it suitable for contexts requiring precision.

When is it appropriate to use "a formal listing" over a simpler term like "list"?

Use "a formal listing" when you want to emphasize the official, structured, and often legally recognized nature of the enumeration. In less formal situations, "list" is usually sufficient.