a formal solicitation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal solicitation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are requesting something in a structured and official manner, often in business or legal settings. Example: "The company issued a formal solicitation for bids on the new project, inviting qualified contractors to submit their proposals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

NCI is gathering ideas for how to go about setting up businesses in the nuclear cities and plans to put out a formal solicitation to the private sector next year.

Science Magazine

As part of a formal solicitation in January, the agency said it is seeking a site in the Washington region that can accommodate 2.1 million square feet of office space.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Within an hour of the formal solicitation of bids by institutional investors, the entire order book had been filled.

The Economist

Research funding agencies increasingly recommend formal solicitation of stakeholder input as an important initial step in designing CER studies.

BMC Nephrology

NSA Aziz agreed that the GOP wished to avoid a formal referral to the UN 1267 committee, expressing serious concern over the broadcast and publication of the Al Akhtar and Al Rashid zakat solicitations and particular irritation over the remarks by the Parliamentary Secretary for Defense.

The Guardian

A formal inquiry may follow.

The Economist

A formal investigation is continuing.

The New York Times

It was a formal dinner.

The New Yorker

A formal bailout is unlikely.

The New Yorker

Is it a formal deal?

Forbes

A formal inquiry began last year.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, "a formal solicitation" is best used when describing a structured process for gathering stakeholder input or research participants.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal solicitation" in casual contexts; it implies a structured and official process. Use more informal language when the situation doesn't require such formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal solicitation" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the act or process of formally requesting something, like bids or proposals, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Formal & Business

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal solicitation" is a noun phrase used to describe the act of officially requesting something, typically in business, legal, or academic settings. As Ludwig AI explains, it implies a structured process with clear guidelines. While grammatically correct and understandable, it is not a common phrase, and its use should be reserved for contexts where formality is required. Consider alternatives like "an official request" or "a formal invitation to bid" if the situation warrants a more direct or specific phrasing. Its formality makes it unsuitable for informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official request

Focuses on the official nature of the request, omitting the proactive aspect of 'solicitation'.

a formal invitation to bid

Specifically refers to inviting bids in a formal setting, adding context about the request.

a written request

Emphasizes the written form of the solicitation, highlighting the medium of communication.

an open call for proposals

Highlights the openness of the solicitation to various proposals, focusing on inclusivity.

a formal application process

Shifts focus to the application process triggered by the solicitation, emphasizing the procedure.

a public announcement seeking

Highlights the public nature of the announcement and its intent to seek something.

a formal expression of interest

Emphasizes the formal declaration of interest, shifting away from active solicitation.

a formal bidding process

Focuses on the overall process of formal bidding, rather than the act of soliciting itself.

an official inquiry

Highlights the official nature of the inquiry, not necessarily a solicitation but a request for information.

a formal request for information

Specifies the type of request as being for information, which may or may not be a solicitation.

FAQs

How is "a formal solicitation" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a formal solicitation" is usually employed when describing an official request for bids, proposals, or information. For example: "The government issued "a formal solicitation" for the construction project."

What are some alternatives to "a formal solicitation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an official request", "a formal invitation to bid", or "an open call for proposals".

When should I use "a formal solicitation" versus "a general inquiry"?

"A formal solicitation" implies a structured and official process for requesting something, typically involving specific guidelines and procedures. "A general inquiry", on the other hand, is a more casual and less structured request for information.

Is "a formal solicitation" suitable for informal communication?

No, "a formal solicitation" is not suitable for informal communication. It is best reserved for official or professional contexts where a structured and documented request is required. In informal settings, simpler phrases like "asking for" or "requesting" are more appropriate.