a formal property

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal property" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing characteristics, attributes, or specifications that are defined in a formal manner, often in academic or technical writing. Example: "In mathematics, a formal property of a geometric shape can help determine its classification."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Its length is a formal property.

The Guardian - Books

And what finally unlocks the secret of a piece may not be a formal property at all.

The New York Times - Arts

On reflection, this is largely why I felt impelled to become a novelist myself – so perhaps this is a form of influence, albeit one that Williamson's work shared with many others; still, this was a formal property of the text, not to do with its specific content.

The Guardian - Opinion

These examples may point to a general problem with the attempt to derive impartiality from universalizability: whereas the latter, at least on a Kantian interpretation, is a formal property of moral judgments, moral impartiality, as we have seen, is a substantive rather than a formal concept.

SEP

The stumbling block might be that background independence simply isn't a formal property of theories at all. Gordon Belot (2011b) has recently argued that background independence is partly an interpretive matter, and that one can have varying levels of background independence (the latter notion is also defended by Lee Smolin, 2006).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Following this line, we can construct a type-theoretical formal property theory.

SEP

Washington should also encourage Haiti to institute a formal, inclusive property rights system.

Forbes

The land quality and fertility has to be sufficient to be hypothecated and a formal land property title is necessary.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

People who lack formal property and business rights can't get a bank loan to start a business or ink legally enforceable contracts.

Forbes

Granting formal property titles is essential in the long run, to allow people to raise loans and trade their property.

The Economist

Mr de Soto argues that bureaucracy and the lack of formal property rights are major causes of poverty in developing countries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal property", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the property 'formal'. Provide specific details or references to formal systems or definitions to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal property" loosely to describe any characteristic. Reserve it for properties strictly defined within a system of rules, logic, or established convention. Otherwise, a simpler term like 'characteristic' or 'attribute' may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal property" functions as a noun phrase, where 'formal' modifies 'property'. It typically serves to identify or describe attributes that are strictly defined within a specific system or framework. Ludwig's examples show its use in diverse fields like literature analysis, moral philosophy, and quantum physics.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal property" is a phrase used to describe characteristics or attributes that are strictly defined within a particular system or framework. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and is most commonly encountered in academic and scientific contexts, as well as in news media. While its frequency is relatively rare, its proper usage involves ensuring that the context clearly defines the formal system to which the property belongs. Alternatives such as "an official attribute" or "a defined characteristic" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official attribute

Replaces 'formal' with 'official', emphasizing the authorized or recognized nature of the property.

a defined characteristic

Substitutes 'formal' with 'defined', focusing on the clear and specific nature of the property.

a structured feature

Replaces 'formal' with 'structured', highlighting the organized or systematic aspect of the property.

a codified trait

Emphasizes that the property is part of a recognized system or code.

a prescribed quality

Implies the property is mandated or set by a rule or standard.

a technical specification

Highlights the precise and specialized nature of the property, especially in technical contexts.

a standardized aspect

Focuses on the property being consistent and uniform across different instances.

a conventional attribute

Suggests the property follows established norms or practices.

an explicit characteristic

Emphasizes that the property is clearly stated and not implied.

a systematic feature

Highlights the methodical and ordered nature of the property.

FAQs

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

You can use "a formal property" when describing a characteristic or attribute that is defined within a specific, structured system. For example, "In mathematics, symmetry is "a formal property" of certain geometric shapes".

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

"A formal property" is defined and recognized within a specific framework or system, while "an informal property" is more general and may not be strictly defined or universally recognized. For example, elegance could be considered "an informal property" of a design.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a formal property"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an official attribute", "a defined characteristic", or "a structured feature".

In what fields is the term "a formal property" commonly used?

The term "a formal property" is frequently used in fields like mathematics, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy, where formal systems and precise definitions are essential.