The phrase "a formality for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or procedure that is done as a matter of routine or protocol, often without much significance.
Example: "The meeting was just a formality for approving the budget, as everyone had already agreed on the numbers."
Alternatives: "a mere formality for" or "a procedural step for".
Police in Scotland will open a fatal accident inquiry, a formality for any unnatural death.
By tradition, the final stage is largely a formality for the man wearing the leader's yellow jersey.
The announcement on Sunday was essentially a formality for Ms. Quinn, who has spent years preparing a bid for mayor.
He needs only one point to take the title, and that, of course, will be merely a formality for the German driver, 24.
Victory looked a formality for Saints after the opening quarter, when they led 12-0 aftwo triesries from the wing Adam Swift.
The moves are essentially a formality for the Mets, who have made it clear they want to sign Wright and Dickey, both All-Stars, to contract extensions during this off-season.
Besides, obtaining a wide international recognition is not a mere formality for a new state, even though the European identity of its citizens is beyond any doubt, as it is the case for Scottish and Catalan people.
The handover was something of a formality, since for more than half a century everyone had thought that this remote patch of bottomland was actually part of Mexico.
In principle, that is a formality, because for several years practically the only real force in the republic has been made up of structures under Kadyrov's control: the Chechen interior ministry unit known as the "oil regiment", the Sever (north) battalion of Chechen special forces and Kadyrov's security guard, which is considered all-powerful.
The menu was just a formality reserved for first-timers.
But the evidence is clear that the process is viewed by colleges as a compliance obligation and a graduation formality for students.
