The phrase "a formal reason" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a justification or explanation that adheres to established protocols or standards.
Example: "The committee provided a formal reason for their decision, citing the need for transparency and accountability."
Alternatives: "an official rationale" or "a legitimate explanation."
The police could easily have found a formal reason to declare the White Circle gathering on Sunday illegal and detain or fine participants.
Four could not be interviewed; one because of cognitive deterioration, three refused without a formal reason.
Five could not be interviewed: four GPs refused (two because of time constraint, two without a formal reason and one GP was abroad when the interviews were planned).
Of the 20 invited GPs five could not be interviewed: four GPs refused to participate (2 because of time-restraints (group 3), two without a formal reason (group 4)) and one GP was abroad (group 2) when the interviews were planned.
The core of this argument is the claim that the dominance of commodity forms in the economic sphere must necessarily lead to the dominance of rational calculation and formal reason in society as a whole.
The EU was unhappy because it had benefited from the deal, which had ended a stand-off that had left parts of the continent freezing.The formal reason for Ms Tymoshenko's arrest last week was "contempt of court".
Why? Morse admitted that there was no formal reason for that position.
The formal reason is that since the investigation began in Kutaisi, the trial should take place there too.
The formal reason given was that the results of such autopsied could be misused in lawsuits that ground zero workers filed.
Tomlinson claims that no formal reason for his dismissal was ever given, and that he was mid-assignment when he suddenly found himself barred from entering MI6 headquarters.
It is there for sound formal reasons, playing an integral part in beautifully made paintings.
