formal business

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal business" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of communication, attire, or setting that adheres to established protocols and standards in a professional context. Example: "The meeting will require formal business attire, so please dress accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a very formal business meeting," Mr. Daly replied.

The New York Times

The guests wore formal business suits, despite the summer heat.

The Economist

A formal business card, complete with the prominent designation: "Owner".

The New York Times - Sports

It tracks 125 formal business barter networks worldwide.

The New York Times

There is also the issue of formal business education.

The New York Times

Here, a group of men in formal business suits sit at a conference table.

The New Yorker

He stands in stark contrast to most Olympic officials, who rarely stray from formal business attire.

The New York Times - Sports

It says formal business is what normal committee members must be doing to claim travel allowance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Contracts spell out acceptable behavior between companies that have formal business relationships.

The New York Times

Matriarchs with little formal business experience sit on the boards of industrial giants.

The New York Times

The nonprofit institute has no formal business arrangement with any clients or officials in Latin America.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a professional setting or attire, use "formal business" to clearly convey a sense of seriousness and adherence to established standards.

Common error

Avoid using "formal business" in casual settings or when describing informal interactions. Opt for phrases like "professional interaction" or "business discussion" instead to maintain the appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal business" functions primarily as a modifier, describing various aspects of business that adhere to established protocols and standards. Ludwig examples show it modifying attire, meetings, arrangements, and education, indicating its versatility in specifying the nature of business activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formal business" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe aspects of business that adhere to established protocols and standards. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from attire to agreements, and its primary purpose is to convey professionalism and seriousness. While it's most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage ensures clear and effective communication in professional environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Professional enterprise

Underscores the level of professionalism expected in business dealings.

Official enterprise

Emphasizes the official nature of the business operation, focusing on established procedures and regulations.

Corporate formality

Highlights the structured and procedural aspects within a corporation.

Business protocol

Focuses on the established rules and etiquette within a business setting.

Official commerce

Emphasizes the official and regulated aspects of trade and commerce.

Standard business practices

Refers to the common and accepted ways of conducting business.

Structured commerce

Highlights the organized and systematic approach to commercial activities.

Traditional business

Highlights the adherence to conventional business practices.

Established business

Focuses on the long-standing and recognized nature of a business.

Business decorum

Emphasizes the appropriate behavior and etiquette expected in business.

FAQs

How to use "formal business" in a sentence?

You can use "formal business" to describe settings, attire, or relationships that adhere to established professional protocols. For example: "The meeting required "formal business attire"" or "They had a "formal business agreement"".

What can I say instead of "formal business"?

You can use alternatives like "professional business", "official business", or "corporate affairs depending on the specific context".

Which is correct, "formal business" or "business formal"?

"Formal business" refers to the broader concept of structured and official business practices, while "business formal" typically describes a specific dress code. Therefore both expressions are used with different meaning.

What's the difference between "formal business" and "casual business"?

"Formal business" implies a structured, official environment with strict protocols, while "casual business" suggests a more relaxed atmosphere with less rigid rules.