Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
before we formalize
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "before we formalize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to clarify or finalize details prior to making something official or binding. Example: "Before we formalize the agreement, let's review the terms one more time to ensure everyone is on the same page."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
But before we formalize the methodology, let us first move from the realm of philosophy to non-reductive naturalism in contemporary humanities scholarship more broadly.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
We formalize this result below.
Below we formalize the problem.
Science
We formalize this method next.
We formalize this definition as follows.
We formalize the game using the random walk framework.
We formalize this problem as follows [28, 89].
Science
We formalize it for fixed size and growing networks.
In Section 1.2, we formalize the problem of maximal profit.
In the following, we formalize the two steps.
We formalize the task as a binary classification problem.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "before we formalize" to clearly signal a transition from preliminary discussion to a concrete definition or established process. It adds a tone of planning and preparedness to your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "before we formalize" when simpler language like "before we define" or "before we finalize" would be more accessible to your audience. Not all contexts require formal diction.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "before we formalize" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a clause that specifies the necessary preparation or prior action before a formal process or definition is established. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Science
60%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "before we formalize" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a necessary preliminary step before making something official, structured, or clearly defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English, although it appears less frequently and often in scientific, news and business contexts. When writing, consider whether this level of formality is necessary, or if simpler alternatives like "before we finalize" or "before we define" might be more appropriate.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
prior to formalizing
Replaces "before we" with "prior to", creating a more concise phrasing.
before we concretize
Substitutes "formalize" with "concretize", focusing on making something specific and real rather than official.
before we make official
Replaces "formalize" with the phrase "make official", which is more explicit.
before establishing formally
Changes the verb to "establishing" and adds "formally" for emphasis, altering the structure slightly.
before solidifying
Replaces "formalize" with "solidifying", implying a process of making something firm or stable.
prior to specifying
Uses "specifying" instead of "formalize", highlighting the act of defining something precisely.
before defining precisely
Emphasizes the act of detailed definition, replacing the single word "formalize" with a two-word phrase.
before we codify
Substitutes "formalize" with "codify", suggesting the organization of rules into a code.
let's first establish
Changes the structure to an imperative, suggesting an action to be taken before formalization.
first, let's define
Reorders the sentence and uses "define" instead of "formalize", emphasizing the definition aspect.
FAQs
How can I use "before we formalize" in a sentence?
You can use "before we formalize" to introduce a specific action that needs to be done before something is made official or concrete, for instance, "Before we formalize the agreement, let's review the terms."
What is a good alternative to "before we formalize"?
Consider using alternatives like "prior to finalizing", "before we finalize", or "before establishing formally" depending on the context.
When is it appropriate to use "before we formalize"?
Use "before we formalize" when you want to indicate a step-by-step process towards something becoming official, standardized, or legally binding. This phrase works well in professional or academic settings.
What is the difference between "before we formalize" and "before we finalize"?
"Before we formalize" implies making something official or structured, whereas "before we finalize" suggests completing the last steps of a process to make it ready. The former focuses on structure, the latter on completion.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested