formal assent

USAGE SUMMARY

'formal assent' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express an agreement to something that is usually either legally or intellectually binding, and can be used in business or legal documents. For example: "The board of directors has given its formal assent to the proposed changes to the company charter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Unlike Congress, India's Parliament does not need to give formal assent.

The Economist

The efficiency measures still need the formal assent of member states and the European Parliament.

The New York Times

Without the formal assent of the union, the administration's strategy could be significantly slowed for months in labor negotiations.

The New York Times

Royal assent is a feature of constitutional law rather than merely parliamentary procedure: it is the method by which a bill that has passed through parliament becomes an act, and it amounts to a formal assent given by the sovereign.

The Guardian

The position of governor general in Papua New Guinea is largely ceremonial, but its functions include the ability to give formal assent to the appointment of a new prime minister.

The New York Times

Now that Parliament has agreed on the law, it requires just the Queen's formal assent to become law.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It will need "formal royal assent" by the governor general before it becomes law, but that is expected to be granted.

The Washington Post

Minutes after Gordon Brown visited Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday to draw a ceremonial line under 13 years of Labour power, he was followed through the portals of Buckingham Palace by David Cameron, his triumphant Conservative successor seeking formal royal assent to an unfamiliar coalition — Britain's first in 65 years — with the Liberal Democrats.

The New York Times

The new archbishop took the oath of allegiance to the Queen during the ceremony, and made a formal written declaration of assent to his election as Archbishop of Canterbury.

BBC

In Australia, the formal ceremony of granting Assent in parliament has not been regularly used since the early 20th century.

Wikipedia

Formal consent with the parent and assent with the child were obtained immediately before the interviews according to the protocol approved by the Hospital for Sick Children Research Ethics Board, Toronto Ontario, Canada.

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal assent", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific authority or body providing the agreement. For instance, "The board gave its formal assent to the merger" is more precise than "The merger received formal assent."

Common error

Avoid using "formal assent" when a casual agreement is intended. "Nodding in agreement" or "verbal confirmation" are more appropriate for informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal assent" functions as a noun phrase, signifying the act of officially agreeing or approving something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, indicating the agreement was given.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal assent" denotes an official agreement or approval, primarily utilized in legal, political, and business environments. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English, particularly in formal contexts. While not extremely frequent, the phrase is a precise way to convey that an agreement has been officially and formally granted. Related terms include "official approval" and "formal consent". When using this phrase, ensure the context is appropriate for its formal tone and that the authority providing the agreement is clear. A common error is using it in place of a simple, informal agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official approval

Emphasizes the official and sanctioned nature of the agreement, focusing on the act of approving.

formal consent

Highlights the voluntary agreement or permission given in a structured or official manner.

official endorsement

Stresses the support and backing given in an official capacity.

formal authorization

Focuses on granting the power or right to do something officially.

ratification

Implies a formal confirmation or validation of a previous agreement or action.

formal sanction

Emphasizes the authoritative permission or approval, often implying a moral or legal dimension.

legal approval

Specifically refers to approval that complies with laws and regulations.

official validation

Highlights the act of confirming the accuracy or legitimacy of something in an official capacity.

formal agreement

Broader term referring to a consensus reached through a structured process.

formal acquiescence

Suggests passive acceptance or agreement without active participation.

FAQs

How is "formal assent" used in legal contexts?

"Formal assent" often refers to the official approval of a legislative bill or a binding agreement. It signifies that all necessary procedural steps have been completed and that the agreement is legally valid.

What can I use instead of "formal assent"?

You can use alternatives like "official approval", "formal consent", or "official endorsement" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "formal assent" and "informal agreement"?

"Formal assent" implies a structured, often documented, approval process. "Informal agreement", on the other hand, suggests a casual understanding or consensus without official validation.

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

Use "formal assent" when describing situations involving laws, contracts, official permissions, or other scenarios where a structured and documented approval process is required. It emphasizes the legitimacy and compliance aspects of the decision.