a formal move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is conducted in a serious or official manner, often in a professional or legal context. Example: "The board's decision to restructure the company was a formal move aimed at improving efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He said a formal move to recognise a Palestinian state would be in response to "extreme provocation from Netanyahu".

The Guardian

Any public statements against future bid intentions must be unambiguous, otherwise the individual or group would, under the Takeover Panel's rule 2.8, be prevented from making a formal move for six months.

Independent

Island Records' founder, Chris Blackwell, laments the fact that there wasn't a formal move to reach out to its 50 million users at a time when CD sales were tumbling.

The Guardian - Music

The Wigan manager remains the favourite to be the man Everton turn to replace Moyes, who will take over at Manchester United, but there is little prospect of a formal move being made until the Premier League season has ended.

The Guardian - Sport

The confectionery group has asked the Takeover Panel to make a "put up or shut up" ruling, which would require unsolicited bidder Kraft Foods to either make a formal move on its £10.2bn approach or walk away for at least six months.

The Guardian - Business

A formal move to incorporate quantum behavior in mental systems, without referring to quantum brain activity, is based on a state space description of mental systems.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A more formal move to a thematic approach could turn the Mercury Prize into something other than a tired music industry Groundhog Day.

Independent

This is an interesting formal move, and an apt expression of the narrator's — indeed the second generation's — quandary.

The New York Times - Books

He wanted to get Rollins's blessing before making any formal moves, he said — a couple of weeks ago, he mailed a letter to a P.O.

The New Yorker

In recent weeks, top Chinese officials, including Mr. Qian, have restated their longstanding threat to use military force if Taiwan makes any formal moves towards independence.

The New York Times

Davies added that no officer in the local party had called for her deselection and denied there were any formal moves to challenge her.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal move", ensure that the context clearly indicates the action is official, deliberate, and follows established procedures. This avoids ambiguity and reinforces the seriousness of the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal move" in contexts where the action is casual, informal, or spontaneous. The phrase implies a degree of planning and official procedure, which would be inappropriate for everyday actions or decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal move" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a specific action or step that is carried out officially and deliberately. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase commonly describes actions in professional or legal contexts, highlighting their structured and serious nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formal move" is a noun phrase used to describe an official and deliberate action, often in professional, legal, or governmental contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and appropriate use in serious or official contexts. While not overly frequent, it appears consistently in reputable sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times. Its appropriate substitutes include "an official action" and "a procedural step". It's important to avoid using this phrase in informal contexts where the action lacks the required level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An official action

This alternative replaces "move" with "action", emphasizing the official nature but being slightly more generic.

A procedural step

This alternative focuses on the process or procedure involved, which highlights the structured nature of the move.

An established process

This suggests a recognized and accepted series of actions or protocol.

A legal proceeding

Implies the "move" is within a legal context, focusing on judicial or statutory actions.

A sanctioned activity

Indicates the "move" has approval or authorization, putting emphasis on legitimacy.

A declared intention

Highlights the aspect of making intentions known in an official capacity.

A recognized attempt

Focuses on acknowledging an effort made officially.

An articulated approach

This expresses a method or way of approaching something that is stated clearly and officially.

A structured transition

Focuses on the shift or change as being deliberately organised.

A deliberate measure

Highlights the considered and intentional nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal move" to describe an official action or decision. For example: "The company's decision to merge was "a formal move" aimed at increasing market share".

What are some alternatives to "a formal move"?

Alternatives to "a formal move" include "an official action", "a procedural step", or "an established process", depending on the context.

Is "a formal move" appropriate for informal situations?

No, "a formal move" is generally not appropriate for informal situations. It implies a deliberate and official action, making it better suited for professional, legal, or official contexts.

What is the difference between "a formal move" and "a casual decision"?

"A formal move" suggests a structured and official action, while "a casual decision" implies a spontaneous or informal choice. The key difference lies in the level of planning and official procedure involved.