an official form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an official form" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a document that is recognized by an authority or organization as having a specific purpose or function. Example: "Please fill out an official form to apply for the grant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"And signed an official form calling Florida their home".

The New York Times

I explored the content of papal encyclicals, an official form of papal expression concerning the Catholic doctrine, and papal tweets.

The Washington Post

Yet the connection between the Percocos and COR and Chris Pitts L.L.C. is not as straightforward as the black and white of an official form might imply.

The New York Times

A Ukip source said James had filled in an official form to take over control of the party and added the words "under duress" in Latin.

The Guardian

Linich happened on his Warholian pseudonym while filling out the first line of an official form and simply reversing the instruction "Name: Billy".

The Guardian - Arts

Language has been important to him all his life, and now there's an official form of words to describe their relationship.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Please make any changes to the submitted and posted grades on an Official Grade Change form available to you on SIS or at the Homewood Registrar's Office.

Johns Hopkins University

They work the pumps efficiently, take payment and enter the transaction on to a large official form.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a stand-up comedian, pathological neediness is part of my make-up, so blogging is just a more official form of the brazen search for applause I'd be carrying out anyhow.

The Guardian

Usually, the petition is a short official form (obtained directly from the chapter) that demonstrates your eligibility and desire to become a member.

WikiHow

Getting written informed consent from potential participants, in the form of a signature on an official consent form, presented us with particular challenges.

Ageing and Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an official form", ensure you are referring to a document recognized and authorized by a relevant authority or institution. For example, use it when discussing applications, permits, or any formal request processes.

Common error

Avoid using "an official form" when describing informal or unofficial documents. "Official" implies authorization and recognition by an authority, so ensure the context matches this meaning. Use phrases like "a template" or "a sample document" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an official form" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a document that is recognized by an authority and is used for a specific purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

28%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an official form" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a document authorized and recognized by an authority. As Ludwig AI has pointed out, this phrase is most often found in news, academic, and professional contexts. It’s important to reserve this phrase for documents with genuine institutional backing and to avoid its use in informal situations. Alternative phrases such as "a formal application" or "a standardized document" can provide similar meaning, depending on the specific context. The high frequency and authoritative source support underscore the phrase's reliability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formal application

Emphasizes the structured and prescribed nature of the application process.

a standardized document

Highlights the uniformity and adherence to standards in the document.

a certified paper

Focuses on the certification or validation aspect of the paper.

a government-issued document

Specifies the issuing authority as a government entity.

a legally recognized form

Underscores the legal standing and acceptance of the form.

a mandated document

Highlights that the document is required by a higher authority.

a prescribed format

Focuses on the structured layout and format requirements.

a validated paper

Emphasizes the validation and authentication aspect of the document.

an authorized record

Highlights the authorized and legitimate nature of the record.

a documented procedure

Shifts focus to the procedural aspect of the documentation.

FAQs

How to use "an official form" in a sentence?

You can use "an official form" in a sentence to refer to a document that is recognized and authorized by a relevant authority. For example, "To apply for the scholarship, you must complete "an official form" and submit it by the deadline."

What can I say instead of "an official form"?

You can use alternatives like "a formal application", "a standardized document", or "a government-issued document" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "an official form" or "a official form"?

"An official form" is correct. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, while "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "an official form" and "a standard form"?

"An official form" implies a document authorized or recognized by an institution or authority, whereas "a standard form" simply refers to a document that is commonly used or follows a typical format. An official form is usually more formal and carries legal or institutional weight.