formal backing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal backing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to official support or endorsement for a proposal, idea, or initiative. Example: "The project received formal backing from the university, which helped secure additional funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

(In 1937 it received formal backing from the government, but World War II stopped further progress).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The president's decision to seek the formal backing of Congress took Washington by surprise.

The Guardian

In the 81-seat upper house, Mr. da Silva has formal backing from just 31 senators.

The New York Times

As it is, the proposal will still reach Dr. Paige, but without the commission's formal backing.

The New York Times - Sports

West Ham's proposal, already backed by the regional political authority, received formal backing Monday from another major stakeholder, U.K. Athletics.

The New York Times - Sports

Lacking formal backing and support, the current escalation on the Palestinian side could very well subside, although the conditions that have prompted it will inevitably remain.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Analysts say China could pressure Taiwan by trying to buy off a few of Taiwan's 22 remaining formal diplomatic allies, scaling back tourist visits or asking exchange students to stay home.

Los Angeles Times

Connected by a formal back garden and sharing a name, Millan House, they are today a co-op.

The New York Times

The formal back-and-forth between questioner and answerer, the emotionally protective structure of courtroom procedure, is absent.

The New Yorker

The effect is completed by a pristine formal back garden, where weddings are frequently held in the warmer months.

The Guardian - Travel

10. (S) AN EMPTY CHANNEL: The King said "three years ago" Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei had sent his adviser Ali Akbar Velayati with a letter asking for Abdullah's agreement to establish a formal back channel for communication between the two leaders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formal backing" when you want to emphasize the official or institutional nature of the support, as opposed to informal or personal endorsements.

Common error

Avoid using "formal backing" when the support is merely implied or anecdotal. Ensure there's an official record or declaration of support to justify its use.

Linguistic Context

Formal backing functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or following a preposition. It indicates the presence of official or authorized support for a particular idea, proposal, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal backing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies official endorsement or support. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, it emphasizes the legitimacy and credibility of a subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Alternatives include "official endorsement" or "institutional support". When employing this phrase, ensure the support is genuinely official to avoid misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official endorsement

Emphasizes the official nature of the support.

formal approval

Highlights the act of formally approving something.

official support

A more general term for support from an official body.

formal endorsement

Stresses the act of publicly declaring support.

institutional support

Indicates support coming from an institution.

explicit approval

Focuses on the clear and unambiguous nature of the approval.

sanctioned approval

Emphasizes the authorized or sanctioned nature of the backing.

authorized support

Highlights that the support has been officially authorized.

ratified approval

Suggests that the approval has been formally ratified or confirmed.

validated support

Implies that the support has been checked and validated.

FAQs

How is "formal backing" used in a sentence?

You can use "formal backing" to describe official endorsement or support for an idea, project, or person. For example, "The proposal received "formal backing" from the board of directors."

What are some alternatives to "formal backing"?

Alternatives include "official endorsement", "formal approval", or "institutional support". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "formal backing" the same as "informal support"?

No, "formal backing" implies official, recognized support, often from an organization or authority. "Informal support", on the other hand, refers to unofficial encouragement or assistance.

When is it appropriate to use "formal backing" in writing?

Use "formal backing" when you want to emphasize the official or institutional nature of the support being described, rather than personal or unofficial approval.