formal church

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal church" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a church that adheres to traditional practices, rituals, or a structured form of worship. Example: "The formal church service included hymns, prayers, and a sermon delivered by the pastor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

They spent a week living apart until the more formal church wedding in Port Said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The process, known as "laicization," is a formal church juridical procedure that requires Vatican approval, and can take far longer if the priest objects.

The New York Times

Some want permission to shed the outer layer -- "the Superman cape," as Father Moulatsiotis described it -- when they are not performing a formal church service.

The New York Times

The couple were married in 1980, and two years ago held a formal church wedding at St. Jerome's Church, neighbors said.

The New York Times

"To say the river is a sacramental commons means people can experience the creator in creation, outside the formal church settings".

The New York Times

But other Hispanic-Americans who have drawn such distinctions between clergy and faith have moved away from the formal church in growing numbers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Less formal churches with lay ministers have siphoned off hundreds of thousands of Catholics in the United States, many of them Hispanic.

The New York Times

Evangelizing is a delicate issue in Afghanistan, a conservative Islamic country where there are no known native Christians and no formal churches, although some foreign embassies hold services within their own compounds.

The New York Times

Up until now, he noted, power has been in the hands of "government, big business, formal education, church".

The Guardian - Books

Less formal protestant churches have repentance as a more personal matter between you and God, and usually have only a few sacraments such as the Sacrament of Communion and of Baptism.

WikiHow

Any formal revision of church law is along process.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the setting of a wedding, use "formal church" to denote a traditional and possibly elaborate ceremony in a church building.

Common error

Avoid using "formal church" when you simply mean a religious institution. Formality refers to the style and structure of worship, not necessarily the church's significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal church" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective. It describes a specific type of church characterized by its adherence to traditional rituals and structured practices. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal church" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a church that adheres to traditional rituals and structured practices. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and understandable in written English. It is frequently used in news articles, encyclopedias, and general discussions about religion. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context accurately reflects the church's style of worship, distinguishing it from less structured or contemporary forms. Alternative phrases like "traditional church" or "established church" can provide similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

traditional church

Emphasizes adherence to long-established customs and practices.

established church

Highlights the official recognition and status within a society.

structured religious organization

Focuses on the organizational aspect with a defined hierarchy and set of rules.

conventional church

Stresses adherence to accepted norms and standards.

orthodox church

Implies strict adherence to traditional doctrines and practices.

liturgical church

Highlights the use of prescribed forms and rituals in worship.

ceremonial church

Emphasizes the importance of rituals and ceremonies.

high church

Refers to churches with elaborate rituals and a strong emphasis on sacraments.

organized religion

Focuses on the structured and institutional aspects of religious practice.

official religious institution

Highlights the recognized or sanctioned status of the religious body.

FAQs

How can I use "formal church" in a sentence?

You can use "formal church" to describe a church that adheres to traditional practices or a structured form of worship. For example, "The wedding was held in a "formal church" with a traditional ceremony."

What is a good alternative to "formal church"?

Alternatives to "formal church" include "traditional church", "established church", or "structured religious organization", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What characterizes a "formal church" wedding?

A "formal church" wedding typically involves traditional vows, specific attire, and adherence to established religious rituals within a church setting.

Is "formal church" the same as "organized religion"?

While related, "formal church" refers specifically to the style and structure of a particular church, whereas "organized religion" is a broader term encompassing any religion with established institutions and hierarchies.