formal communication

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal communication" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to structured and official methods of conveying information, often in professional or academic contexts. Example: "In our organization, we prioritize formal communication to ensure clarity and professionalism in all interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

For more than three centuries, formal communication in the scientific community has relied on the scholarly and professional periodical, widely distributed to tens of thousands of libraries and to tens of millions of individual subscribers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We haven't had any formal communication with Apple," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Indeed, there has been no formal communication yet between Giuliani Partners and WorldCom.

The New York Times

It was the family's first formal communication with a senior police officer.

The Guardian

(A spokeswoman for CACI said that the company had "received no formal communication" from the Army about the matter).

The New Yorker

E-mail correspondence is now, in most relationships, the least personal, most formal communication two people can have.

The New Yorker

The activists say they have not received any formal communication from the owners seeking possession of the building.

The Guardian

Famously, following the controversial Glazer family takeover in 2005, Gill ended formal communication with United's major fans groups.

Independent

"In addition, we ask for formal communication channels to be established to convey the results of US research developments to Gulf war veterans living here in the UK".

The Guardian

In his report, Smith said a lack of formal communication between the hospital and police, and between police officers themselves, allowed the whole station to form the impression that Dhu was "faking it".

The Guardian

The safety board and the F.A.A. have a formal communication process in which the board's chairman sends a letter to the F.A.A. administrator, who must reply within 60 days.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formal communication", ensure the context aligns with the intended level of formality. This phrase is best suited for professional, academic, or official settings.

Common error

Avoid using "formal communication" in casual or informal contexts. Opt for simpler terms like "talking" or "messaging" when the situation doesn't require a structured approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal communication" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object, referring to the structured and official exchange of information. Ludwig examples show it in contexts ranging from scientific communities to corporate governance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal communication" is a widely used and grammatically correct noun phrase that denotes structured and official information exchange. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is most commonly found in scientific, news media, and formal business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the setting is appropriate for its formal tone, avoiding overuse in casual situations. Common alternatives include "official correspondence" and "structured dialogue". Adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors will enhance clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official correspondence

Replaces "communication" with "correspondence", implying written or documented communication, adding a layer of formality.

structured dialogue

Replaces "communication" with "dialogue", emphasizing the structured nature of the interaction.

documented exchange

Highlights the documented aspect of the communication, making it more formal.

prescribed interaction

Emphasizes that the communication follows a set pattern or protocol.

standardized reporting

Focuses on the consistent and uniform nature of the communication, usually for reporting purposes.

ceremonial discourse

Suggests a highly formal and ritualized form of communication, often in ceremonial settings.

written statement

Specifies that the communication is in written form and official.

executive briefing

Implies a concise and formal communication of key information to executives.

protocol-driven messaging

Highlights that the communication adheres to strict protocols and procedures.

sanctioned disclosure

Emphasizes that the communication is officially approved and allowed.

FAQs

How can I effectively implement "formal communication" in my workplace?

Establish clear channels for official announcements, document important decisions in writing, and ensure all employees understand the communication protocols. This minimizes misunderstandings and promotes transparency.

What distinguishes "formal communication" from informal communication?

"Formal communication" is structured and follows established protocols, while informal communication is casual and spontaneous. Formal methods include memos and reports, whereas informal methods include chats and casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "formal communication" over other methods?

Use "formal communication" when documenting important decisions, conveying official policies, or addressing sensitive issues. It ensures clarity and provides a record of the exchange.

What are some examples of channels used for "formal communication"?

Common channels for "formal communication" include official email, memos, reports, and presentations. These methods ensure information is conveyed accurately and consistently.