a formal response

USAGE SUMMARY

'a formal response' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a response which is appropriate for a professional or serious situation. For example, "We sent a letter requesting more information, and received a formal response the next day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

DuPont plans to file a formal response this week.

The New York Times

(Update: Tennessee offered a formal response Monday night).

The Washington Post

Lawyers for Ms. Stewart filed a formal response earlier this month.

The New York Times

However we await a formal response from your office to our invitation.

The Guardian

The company said it planned to make a formal response after it completed its review.

The New York Times

"We have not yet received a formal response from the government".

The New York Times

The accountant has not entered a formal response to the government's allegations.

The New York Times

Royal Mail will present a formal response to the shareholder vote in the new year.

The Guardian - Business

We will analyze it properly, and we'll send a formal response.

The Washington Post

The school has yet to file a formal response to the lawsuit.

The Washington Post

But Israel is expected to provide a formal response on Tuesday.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business or academic settings, always acknowledge receipt of "a formal response", even if further action is required.

Common error

Avoid using overly casual language when expecting or delivering "a formal response". Maintain a professional tone throughout the communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal response" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It refers to a reply or answer that adheres to established protocols and is often documented. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal response" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe an official, structured, and often written reply. As shown in the examples from Ludwig, it’s prevalent in news, business, and academic settings, maintaining a professional tone. When crafting your own formal responses, remember to maintain clarity and professionalism while avoiding overly casual language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a correct and usable phrase, making it an essential part of effective communication in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official reply

Replaces "response" with "reply" and "formal" with "official", emphasizing the official nature of the answer.

an official statement

Replaces the word response to statement, making it a more structured and precise alternative.

a structured reply

Highlights the organized and methodical nature of the response.

a considered reply

Highlights that the answer was carefully thought out before being given.

a written answer

Focuses on the written form of the response, implying a documented reply.

a measured answer

Conveys that the response is carefully balanced and restrained.

a documented answer

Emphasizes that the response is recorded and can be referred to later.

a standard response

Suggests that the response follows a pre-defined format or template.

a legal answer

Implies that the response is crafted in accordance with laws and regulations.

a diplomatic answer

Suggests the response is crafted to be tactful and avoid conflict.

FAQs

How do you use "a formal response" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal response" to describe a reply that adheres to established protocols. For instance, "The company issued "a formal response" to the allegations made in the report".

What is the difference between "a formal response" and "an informal response"?

"A formal response" is typically written, structured, and adheres to specific guidelines or protocols. An informal response, on the other hand, is more casual and may be verbal or unstructured.

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

You can use alternatives like "an official reply", "a written answer", or "a structured reply" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to request "a formal response"?

It's appropriate to request "a formal response" when dealing with serious matters, legal issues, official inquiries, or when you need a documented and structured reply for record-keeping purposes.