a simple formality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple formality" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that must be done in order to meet a legal or bureaucratic requirement, but it is not difficult or complicated to do. For example, "Filling out the paperwork is just a simple formality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is a simple formality, no reason for you to feel anxious.

The New York Times

Flores also says the law's requirement that exploration will be subject to "independent Environmental Impact Assessments EIAis) is misleading because the government has turned the EIAs into a "simple formality", and SERNAP, which must evaluate the EIAs, has "no independence and does what the government wants".

The Guardian

[A Wayleave is a legal document requiring mutual agreement between the landlord and BT to grant access to the premises and carry out the required work. It should be a simple formality.] Feb 18: Exponential-E receive an estimate from BT that the landlord "should be in possession of the [Wayleave] documentation sometime [w/c 21 Feb]".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But hidden within such a seemingly simple formality is an opportunity to make a lasting impression.

Forbes

In the deliberate, simple formality of its staging, in which eight radiantly clean-scrubbed performers embody 60 different people against Robert Brill's bare-bones set, "Laramie" often brings to mind "Our Town," the beloved Thornton Wilder study of life, love and death in parochial New Hampshire.

The New York Times

This step is a mere formality.

The Washington Post

"The election is a mere formality".

The New York Times

The second round was a mere formality.

The Guardian - Sport

That a victory would prove a mere formality.

The New York Times - Sports

Their "ratification" is a mere formality.

HuffPost

Her husband's call had been a routine formality, a simple confirmation that he was still alive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrases like "a mere formality" when you want to really stress the insignificance of an action. Be mindful of your tone because it can be perceived as dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple formality" to describe tasks that actually require significant effort or have complex implications. This can lead to frustration and mistrust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple formality" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement. It describes a task, process, or requirement, emphasizing its lack of complexity or difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the usage aligns with standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple formality" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its purpose is to describe a task or requirement that is not complex or difficult. While useful for setting expectations, it's important to avoid overstating the simplicity to prevent potential frustration. Consider alternatives like "a mere formality" or "routine procedure" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mere formality

Emphasizes the insignificance or perfunctory nature of the formality.

a routine procedure

Focuses on the standardized and habitual nature of the process.

a standard practice

Highlights that it's a customary or established way of doing something.

a matter of course

Implies that something is expected and happens automatically.

a pro forma step

Suggests the action is done only to satisfy a minimal requirement.

a legal technicality

Highlights the minor legal aspect of the formality.

an elementary requirement

Stresses that it is an easy or fundamental requirement.

a basic necessity

Emphasizes the essential nature of the formality, albeit simple.

just going through the motions

Suggests that the action is performed without real purpose or enthusiasm.

a quick tick-box exercise

Highlights the perfunctory and effortless nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple formality" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple formality" to describe a process or requirement that is not complicated. For example, "Submitting the form is "a simple formality" to complete the registration."

What's the difference between "a simple formality" and "a mere formality"?

While both phrases suggest an action is not significant, "a mere formality" emphasizes the insignificance and can sometimes imply it's unnecessary, while "a simple formality" focuses on the ease and lack of complexity.

Is "a simple formality" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While it suggests ease, it can sometimes imply that the task lacks importance or impact, which might be undesirable in certain contexts.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to use the phrase "a simple formality"?

It's appropriate when describing routine administrative tasks, introductory steps in a process, or when reassuring someone that a requirement is not overly complicated. Consider saying "The health check is "a simple formality"."