a more formal method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more formal method" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing approaches or techniques that are characterized by a higher level of formality or structure compared to others. Example: "In this research, we will employ a more formal method to analyze the data, ensuring accuracy and reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He halted 50 projects awaiting approval, and ordered the city to design a more formal method for deciding zoning requests.

The New York Times

The development of patient-generated quality standards may offer a more formal method of incorporating the views of service users into quality improvement initiatives.

BMJ Quality and Safety

To infer K values and determine the best level of structure supported by the data, a more formal method developed by Evanno et al. (2005) calculated the ΔK statistic, the modal value of which can be a useful ad hoc indicator for the level of uppermost hierarchical structure (Evanno et al. 2005).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is a lot to be said in favour of a less cliquey, more formal method of cabinet government, but it can only work if everyone can be relied on to obey the rules.

The Guardian - Opinion

In order to determine K, the smallest value of the estimated probability of data was chosen, and this value was then compared with the more formal method proposed by [ 23].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

This study concluded that there was a need for more formal methods with which to determine the target difference and improved reporting of its specification.

Cancer

It is found that a classical trial-and-error heuristic can be refined to a more formal approximation method and serve as a good alternative to other solution methods when the problem involves a large number of spatial units as is often the case with a raster-based GIS.

Computers, Environment and Urban Systems

For now, this platform is viewed as a hypothesis-generating system where potential signal would be validated against more formal methods, but it could potentially become a more confirmatory resource as our methods and validation are refined.

Drug Safety

The aims are (i) to discuss more formal methods of making multiple comparisons amongst level means in a single factor and (ii) to describe the analysis of more complicated designs in physical therapy research, which may involve more than one factor of interest.

Physical Therapy in Sport

Making and doing will in all cases involve transformation and change and can lead later to the analysis, generalisation and prediction you find in more formal methods of interpretation.

The Guardian

Of course, others will seek more formal methods of redress.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes or improvements, use "a more formal method" to indicate a shift towards greater structure and adherence to established rules.

Common error

Avoid using "a more formal method" when the context only requires slight adjustments. Ensure the situation genuinely warrants a shift to a more structured and regulated approach, not just a minor tweak.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more formal method" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a specific approach, procedure, or technique that exhibits a higher degree of structure, standardization, or adherence to established rules compared to an alternative. As Ludwig examples show, its role is to designate a particular way of doing something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a more formal method" is a noun phrase used to describe a structured, standardized, or official way of doing something, often in comparison to a previous, less formal approach. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and best suited for formal and professional contexts, such as academic, scientific, and business publications. It conveys a shift towards increased rigor, structure, or adherence to established protocols. While not exceedingly common, it is readily understood and appropriately used in contexts where improvements in efficiency, accuracy, or fairness are desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a more structured approach

Emphasizes the increased organization and systematization of the method.

a more rigorous technique

Highlights the stricter application of rules and higher standards of accuracy.

a more systematic process

Focuses on the methodical and organized nature of the approach.

a more codified procedure

Stresses the formalized and documented nature of the method.

a more regulated system

Highlights the increased control and adherence to rules within the system.

a more conventional methodology

Emphasizes adherence to established and widely accepted practices.

a more orthodox manner

Highlights adherence to traditional and established practices.

a more official channel

Highlights the use of approved or sanctioned routes.

a more prescribed process

Suggests a method with clearly defined and mandated steps.

a more standardized procedure

Implies uniformity and consistency in the application of the method.

FAQs

How to use "a more formal method" in a sentence?

You can use "a more formal method" when referring to a structured, standardized, or official way of doing something. For example: "The company adopted "a more formal method" for performance reviews to ensure fairness and consistency."

What can I say instead of "a more formal method"?

You can use alternatives like "a more structured approach", "a more systematic process", or "a more rigorous technique" depending on the context.

When should I use "a more formal method" instead of "a formal method"?

"A more formal method" suggests a comparison to a previous, less formal method. "A formal method" simply describes a method that is formal, without implying a change or comparison.

What's the difference between "a more formal method" and "a conventional method"?

"A more formal method" emphasizes structure and adherence to rules, while "a conventional method" highlights adherence to established and widely accepted practices. The first implies greater regulation, the second implies traditional acceptance.