a formal matter

USAGE SUMMARY

'a formal matter' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is usually used to refer to a situation or activity that has to follow specific rules or procedures. For example, "The president handled the dispute as a formal matter, following all of the required protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

As a formal matter, there is only so much that an executive order can do.

The Washington Post

The Maples opinion doesn't cite the Bowles case – not surprisingly, because as a formal matter, the questions each presented are distinct.

The New York Times

The completeness of the basis is, however, a formal matter, not dependent on these or any other readings of the formulas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Will the historic referendum in a country with a large Catholic majority have any effect on what the Supreme Court decides?As a formal matter, foreign countries' norms concerning individual rights have little bearing on the meaning of America's constitution.

The Economist

Her assistants — including Rachele Giudici, her studio manager; Davide Legittimo, her video specialist; and Markus Huber Recabarren, who helps design her installations — argued that adding the new video was, as a formal matter, pretty ragged and that it was also a disservice to the older work.

The New York Times - Magazine

"While the timing is a formal matter for Sir John Chilcot we have always said the inquiry should report as soon as practically possible".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

9. High Commissioner would be happy if it were possible to obtain from Poland a positive reaction in any formal matter which might arise in the near future so that new methods may be given a good initiation.

Yale University

When defined as a matter of rights and duties and a passport, citizenship is a purely formal matter of having a certain objective status in a society.

Comparative Migration Studies

Unlike Galilean idealization, which involves a distortion of a real system, approximation is a purely formal matter.

SEP

"As a purely formal matter, one could argue that Olson and Boies are correct," Hunter said.

The New Yorker

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the level of formality required. In some situations, a more direct or informal phrase might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal matter" when the intent is to emphasize the importance of something, rather than the adherence to specific procedures. For instance, avoid using it to say "It's important" as there are better alternatives such as "This is a critical issue" or "This requires serious attention".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a formal matter" is to act as a noun phrase. It often serves as a subject complement, direct object, or object of a preposition, denoting something that is handled according to established rules and procedures. Ludwig confirms the appropriate usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal matter" is a noun phrase commonly employed to signify situations governed by specific rules or procedures. Ludwig AI validates its appropriate use across various contexts, primarily in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, consider its level of formality and ensure that the context aligns with its intended meaning. The analysis indicates the phrase's grammatical correctness and suggests that it’s well-suited for professional and neutral communication, emphasizing the structured handling of issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a procedural formality

Emphasizes the step-by-step nature and established customs of the procedure.

an official undertaking

Highlights the sanctioned and authorized nature of the matter.

a legal requisite

Focuses on the matter being required by law.

a customary procedure

Points out the standard and expected way of doing things.

a regulatory compliance issue

Highlights adherence to rules and guidelines.

a bureaucratic necessity

Stresses the need for administrative or governmental processes.

a protocol requirement

Emphasizes adherence to established protocols or conventions.

a statutory obligation

Underscores the legally binding nature of the matter.

an administrative detail

Focuses on the logistical and operational aspects.

a technical specification

Highlights the detailed and precise nature of the matter in a technical field.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal matter" to describe something handled according to specific rules. For example, "The investigation was treated as a formal matter, adhering to all established protocols."

What phrases are similar to "a formal matter"?

Alternatives include "a procedural formality", "an official undertaking", or "a legal requisite", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a formal matter"?

Use "a formal matter" when referring to situations that require strict adherence to procedures, regulations, or established protocols, particularly in legal, business, or governmental contexts.

Is "a formal matter" the same as "an important matter"?

No, while both phrases relate to subjects of attention, "a formal matter" implies adherence to specific rules or processes, whereas "an important matter" simply indicates significance or consequence. It's important to recognize this "critical issue".