formal document

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal document" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to any type of official document, such as a legal contract, a letter, a deed, a report, or a business agreement. For example: We had to sign a formal document in order to complete the sale of the property.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobody ever saw the formal document, if one existed.

The New Yorker

In North Korea, the supreme leader's statement carries a weight that surpasses any other formal document.

The New York Times

The pope will consider their ideas over the next year or so, then respond in a formal document.

The New York Times

But the formal document confirming the change made clear that the honour could also be bestowed on non-Australians.

The Guardian

While there are treaties to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, there isn't such a formal document governing their use.

The Washington Post

They are prepared in draft form initially, reviewed by an oversight committee, revised, and then published as a formal document.

Technical Career Survival Handbook 100 Things You Need to Know

The prime minister followed up the call by sending Clinton a formal document more fully outlining the proposals.

The Washington Post

Democrats and some Republicans said they were pleased that the president had decided to embody the agreement in a treaty rather than some less formal document.

The New York Times

"Candidly, what Barbara Joyce would have anticipated seeing was a codicil to the will, a formal document, not something with oil stains on it".

The New York Times - Sports

But when she remarried, and became pregnant, he had her jailed, saying he had never given her a formal document of divorce.

The New York Times

Such a will is a formal document that permits a person to record desires for how the end of life should be handled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting contracts or agreements, always refer to them as "formal documents" to emphasize their legally binding nature.

Common error

Don't assume a handwritten note or email thread constitutes a "formal document". Ensure it meets requirements like signatures, official letterhead, and notarization where necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal document" serves as a noun phrase, typically functioning as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a specific type of written material characterized by its adherence to established conventions and protocols. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal document" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to official or structured written materials. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. It's essential to distinguish between "formal documents" and informal notes, ensuring adherence to specific formatting and legal requirements when necessary. When writing, be mindful of the specific context and choose the most appropriate term to convey the intended meaning, considering alternatives such as "official record" or "legal document".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formal agreement

Is very similar, but it's more specific to the idea of agreeing on something.

legal document

Specifically refers to documents recognized and enforceable under the law.

signed contract

Implies a legally binding agreement with signatures as validation.

official record

Focuses more on the recording aspect of information rather than its format.

certified document

Indicates verification or authentication by an authority.

written agreement

Emphasizes the element of mutual consent and obligation.

authorized paper

Suggests permission or endorsement for the document's creation or use.

official statement

Highlights the communicative aspect and often implies an authorized announcement.

documented policy

Focuses on established rules or guidelines that are written down.

structured report

Highlights the organized and systematic presentation of information.

FAQs

How do you use "formal document" in a sentence?

You can use "formal document" in a sentence like this: "The lawyer requested a "legal document" and "official record"."

What's the difference between a "formal document" and an "informal note"?

A "formal document" is typically official, follows a specific structure, and may be legally binding. An "informal note" is casual, unstructured, and not legally binding.

What are examples of "formal documents"?

Examples of "formal documents" include contracts, "legal documents", official reports, and "certified documents".

When is it necessary to use a "formal document"?

It's necessary to use a "formal document" when you need a legally binding agreement, an official record, or an "authorized paper".