formal couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pair of individuals who are in a serious or official relationship, often in a social or ceremonial context. Example: "At the gala, they were the epitome of a formal couple, dressed elegantly and engaging in polite conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wikipedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mitford had been unhappily married since 1933 to Peter Rodd and formed a liaison during the Second World War with a Free French officer, Gaston Palewski, who became the love of her life, although the pair were never a formal couple.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We also show that the formal coupling of classical Fisher–Haldane Wright population genetics equations with diffusion terms inaccurately describes the development of resistance in a spatially heterogeneous pest population, notably overestimating the speed with which Bt resistance is selected in populations of pests targeted by Bt crops.

Theoretical Population Biology

The dance, for two couples, displays Mr. Corbin's affinity for formal structures coupled with emotional yearning.

The New York Times - Arts

The formal requests, coupled with promises of confidentiality, contributed to the bishop's decision to turn over the names, Mr. DeRosa said yesterday.

The New York Times

The structure comprises two (DippBDI) magnesium units bonded to a [ nBu2P8]2− cluster dianion derived from the formal reductive coupling of two neutral P4 units.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

In the future, it would be interesting to couple formal models with formal specification models in other domains such as in the domain of the Internet of Things, networks of consumer electronics and more.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

The administration laid out its latest plan in less formal ways a couple of weeks earlier, according to a senior official who declined to be identified discussing private deliberations.

The New York Times

In the couple-group dating stage, couples went on more formal dates with other couples within their Circle.

BMC Nursing

The Weddings/Celebrations pages typically publish formal portraits of couples and individual brides.

The New York Times

The formal ambiguity is coupled with a fierce desire to bridge the divide between art and everyday life.

The New York Times - Arts

Modern stylistics uses the tools of formal linguistic analysis coupled with the methods of literary criticism; its goal is to try to isolate characteristic uses and functions of language and rhetoric rather than advance normative or prescriptive rules and patterns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formal couple" when you want to emphasize the serious, official, or ceremonial nature of a relationship, especially in contexts like weddings, galas, or historical accounts.

Common error

Avoid using "formal couple" in informal settings. It is better to use terms like "partner" or "significant other" unless the situation explicitly calls for a more formal description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal couple" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "formal" modifies the noun "couple". Ludwig examples show it is used to describe a pair of individuals in a serious or official relationship, often in social or ceremonial contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal couple" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a pair in a serious or official relationship, often observed in formal settings. While not frequently used according to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media, Science and Wiki contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the context and whether the formality warrants the use of this specific phrase. If formality isn't a key aspect of the situation, alternatives like "official pair" or "elegant duo" might be more fitting. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable, particularly when a serious or official relationship is involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official pair

Focuses on the official or recognized nature of the relationship, rather than the formality.

ceremonial duo

Emphasizes the role of the pair in a ceremony or formal event.

elegant duo

Highlights the refined and stylish appearance of the pair.

conventional couple

Stresses adherence to traditional norms and expectations in the relationship.

traditional pair

Similar to 'conventional couple' but emphasizes the lineage or historical aspect.

established couple

Implies a long-standing and recognized relationship.

recognized pair

Highlights the public acknowledgement or acceptance of the relationship.

courtly couple

Suggests a refined and gracious manner of interacting, often associated with historical courts.

stately pair

Emphasizes the dignified and imposing presence of the two individuals.

respectable couple

Highlights the socially acceptable and admirable nature of the relationship.

FAQs

How to use "formal couple" in a sentence?

You can use "formal couple" to describe a pair of individuals in a serious or official relationship, particularly in formal settings. For instance, "The museum hosted a gala, and the attendees included several elegant formal couples."

What can I say instead of "formal couple"?

You can use alternatives like "official pair", "ceremonial duo", or "elegant duo" depending on the context.

Is "formal couple" appropriate for describing any romantic relationship?

No, "formal couple" is best suited for describing relationships where there's a sense of tradition, ceremony, or public recognition. For everyday relationships, terms like "partner" or "significant other" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "formal couple" and "traditional couple"?

"Formal couple" emphasizes the setting or the way the couple presents themselves, such as in formal attire or at a formal event. "Traditional couple" "traditional pair" stresses adherence to traditional values and societal expectations in their relationship.