a formal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a formal time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time that is designated for formal events or occasions, such as meetings, ceremonies, or appointments. Example: "The meeting is scheduled for a formal time, which is 3 PM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For further analysis of trends, a formal time series analysis would be ideal, but this has some pitfalls, as described by Zheng et al. [ 18], and requires rich data, i.e. daily counts, which was beyond the scope of this study.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the industrial/engineering sphere, practitioner response to process autocorrelation [ 61] was to embrace a time-series paradigm and apply SPC methods to the residuals of a formal time-series model [ 45, 62], albeit there were different tactical approaches [ 15, 63]; or to develop modified control limit schemes [ 64- 66].

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Day 5 – In the final session of the PBL each cluster gave a formal, timed presentation to, and responded to questions from their group (20/21 students) in relation to their allocated case.

BMC Medical Education

One Republican strategist in Washington said that by spurning two of the three commission debates, which would be more structured, Mr. Bush was showing "that he's concerned about filling the full two-minute answer" in a debate with formal time parameters.

The New York Times

Performing radiology based research or audit (including an intercalated BSc), spending formal time in a radiology department, or obtaining undergraduate tuition in radiology - although influential in the career decision making process - did not lead to a statistically significant effect on decision timing, although there were also trends to an earlier decision here.

BMC Medical Education

We found no convincing evidence of improvement in the reporting of CAM during the study period, but a controlled parallel intervention, or formal time series analysis of a more active feedback program would be needed in order to draw any confident conclusions about the potential for improvement.

Plosone

In addition to guidelines governing the use of flex time, many businesses have specific forms for a formal flex time request, whether it's for a day or an indefinite period.

WikiHow

Nearly two thirds of trainees spent formal time in a radiology department prior to applying.

BMC Medical Education

There is no formal time table for accomplishing a Chinese split.

WikiHow

He was highly active in opposing the government, to the point where academics consider him the "leader of the opposition", although this was not a formal title at the time.

Wikipedia

A formal real-time subjective listening test procedure is also developed in this paper.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a formal time" when referring to a prearranged or officially designated moment, particularly in contexts requiring structure or adherence to schedules.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal time" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "a set time" or "a specific time" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal time" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, specifying the type of time being referenced. It adds a layer of formality or structure to the concept of time, indicating a prearranged or designated moment as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a formal time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies a structured or officially designated moment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in science, news, and wiki contexts, indicating a register that ranges from neutral to professional. When writing, it's best to reserve "a formal time" for situations where you want to stress adherence to a schedule or protocol, avoiding its use in purely informal settings. Consider alternatives like "an official time" or "a scheduled time" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an official time

Replaces 'formal' with 'official', suggesting a more authoritative or recognized moment.

a scheduled time

Focuses on the planned or arranged aspect of the time.

a designated time

Emphasizes the assignment or appointment of a specific time.

an appointed time

Similar to 'designated time', highlighting a prearranged or set time.

a fixed time

Highlights the immutability or unchangeable nature of the time.

a set time

Indicates a time that has been decided upon and is not flexible.

a specific time

Emphasizes the exactness and particularity of the time.

a prescribed time

Suggests the time is dictated or mandated by a rule or authority.

a time of ceremony

Connects the time to a ceremonial or ritualistic event.

a customary time

Refers to a time that is traditional or habitually observed.

FAQs

How to use "a formal time" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal time" to indicate a scheduled or designated moment, like in the sentence "The meeting is scheduled for "a formal time", which is 3 PM sharp".

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

You can use alternatives like "an official time", "a designated time", or "a scheduled time" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a formal time" or "an official time"?

Both "a formal time" and "an official time" are correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "A formal time" implies adherence to protocol or structure, while "an official time" suggests authorization or recognition by an authority.

What's the difference between "a formal time" and "a specific time"?

"A specific time" simply indicates a particular point in time. "A formal time", on the other hand, suggests that the specified time is part of a structured event or schedule, implying a degree of planning or ceremony.