formal awards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal awards" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to awards that are given in a structured, official manner, often in a ceremony or event setting. Example: "The university will be presenting formal awards to the top graduates during the commencement ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Choose Your Awards- Keep in mind that not all programs need formal awards, especially not expensive awards.

WikiHow

Like many a formal awards ceremony, the evening dripped with sentiment and went a bit overlong.

The New York Times - Arts

It will also be mentioned during the formal awards show on Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The formal award is the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.

The New York Times

But it occurred to Granneman to introduce a more formal award, and he did so in 2004 (Erik Coleman, No. 26).

The New York Times - Sports

The formal award is planned for September, and the deal is expected to see savings of around £1bn in decommissioning costs.

The Guardian - Business

(Mr. O'Leary, who now works for Wounded Warrior Project, actually received the medal in 2004, but had never been given a formal award ceremony. July 19 is the anniversary of his injury, known as his Alive Day).

The New York Times

A more formal award was the PDSA Dickin Medal, an animals' equivalent of the Victoria Cross, awarded by the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals charity in the United Kingdom to three horses that served in World War II.

Wikipedia

If you're giving the speech at a formal award ceremony, there may be a designated time limit for the acceptance speeches.

WikiHow

In only the second year of having a formal, stand-alone awards ceremony, the judges named a psychological drama set in the bleak beauty of the Arctic Circle as winner in the best film category.

The Guardian - Film

In recent years the cathedral has increasingly been used as a venue for concerts by bands including Elbow, as well as formal dinners and awards.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When starting an employee recognition program, clearly define the criteria for "formal awards" to ensure fairness and transparency.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "formal awards" must be expensive; meaningful recognition can often be achieved through simple, thoughtful gestures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal awards" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to structured and official recognitions or accolades. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase appears in varied contexts, like employee recognition programs or ceremonial events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33.33%

Wiki

33.33%

Science

33.33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal awards" is a noun phrase referring to structured and official forms of recognition, with Ludwig AI confirming its correctness. Though relatively rare, its usage is fairly consistent across News & Media, Wiki and Science. The phrase denotes a structured process to recognize achievements and is best employed when clarity and recognition through official protocols are needed. When aiming for a more descriptive or alternative nuance, consider options like "official honors" or "ceremonial awards".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Official honors

Focuses on the official nature of the recognition.

Formal recognitions

Highlights the structured and acknowledged form of appreciation.

Structured accolades

Emphasizes the planned and organized nature of the awards.

Ceremonial awards

Stresses that the awards are presented as part of a ceremony.

Presented awards

Focuses on the act of giving awards in a formal manner.

Institutional prizes

Indicates prizes given by institutions according to established rules.

Public acknowledgments

Highlights awards that are formally and openly recognized.

Sanctioned honors

Emphasizes the approved or authorized nature of the honors.

Established awards

Focuses on the awards having a long standing history or formal basis.

Decorations and awards

Broadens the scope to include medals and other forms of recognition.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "formal awards"?

You can use alternatives such as "official honors", "formal recognitions", or "ceremonial awards" depending on the context.

When are "formal awards" most appropriate?

"Formal awards" are typically best suited for situations where structured recognition is needed, such as at official ceremonies, annual employee recognition events, or academic achievements.

What is the difference between "formal awards" and informal recognition?

"Formal awards" imply a structured process and ceremony, while informal recognition is more casual and spontaneous, such as a verbal thank you or a small gift.

How can I make "formal awards" more meaningful?

Ensure that "formal awards" are tied to specific achievements and contributions, and that the selection process is transparent and fair to enhance their perceived value.