formal application

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal application" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a structured request or submission, often in contexts like job applications, college admissions, or official requests. Example: "To apply for the scholarship, you must submit a formal application by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A formal application is then made to the leadership team.

The New York Times

By December 1997, everything was in place and the formal application to the court was made.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maura Campbell, a board spokeswoman, said a fax did not count as a formal application.

The New York Times - Sports

The formal application is usually made when a preapproval is written.

The New York Times

It submitted a formal application to Apple a few weeks ago, Mr. Odland said.

The New York Times - Tech

Turkey's formal application for membership was submitted in 1987, seven years before Poland's and Hungary's.

The Economist

But no formal application has been made for the state designation, a precursor to the federal designation.

The New York Times

At that point the association was told it had to make a formal application to the council.

The New York Times

County council spokesman Peter Doyle said that no formal application for a motorway sign had been made.

The Guardian

Mr. Carvalho, an 18-year veteran of the school district, was appointed without a formal application process.

The New York Times

No formal application for alternations has been submitted, said Terry Rosen Deutsch, the agency's chief of staff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal application", ensure all required documentation is complete and accurately presented to avoid delays or rejection.

Common error

Avoid using "formal application" when referring to preliminary inquiries or casual expressions of interest; reserve it for official submissions that require specific forms and procedures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal application" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a structured and official request or submission, often requiring specific documentation and procedures, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal application" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a structured and official request or submission. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts, indicating its professional register. When using this phrase, ensure that all necessary documentation is complete and accurate. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's important to distinguish it from informal inquiries and use synonyms like "official request" or "written submission" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formal submission

Highlights the formal nature of the submission.

Official request

Emphasizes the official nature of the application.

Formal request

Emphasizes the formal nature of the request.

Written submission

Highlights the act of submitting a document.

Structured application

Emphasizes the structured aspect of the application.

Application process

Highlights the process of applying.

Documented request

Focuses on the documentation involved in the request.

Official procedure

Focuses on the process involved.

Application form

Refers specifically to the document used for applying.

Official channel

Focuses on official channels used for applications.

FAQs

How is a "formal application" different from an informal one?

A "formal application" involves a structured process, often with specific forms and documentation, while an informal inquiry is less structured and may simply involve asking about opportunities without a formal submission.

What are some synonyms for "formal application"?

You can use alternatives such as "official request", "written submission", or "formal submission" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "formal application"?

Use "formal application" when referring to a structured, official process of requesting or applying for something, such as a job, membership, or permit.

What information is typically included in a "formal application"?

A "formal application" usually includes personal information, educational background, work experience, references, and a statement of purpose, all presented in a standardized format.