formal edition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal edition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a version of a document, book, or publication that is officially sanctioned or presented in a polished manner. Example: "The formal edition of the report will be released next week, incorporating all the necessary revisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In addition they allowed a record of whatever changes were made: instead of worrying whether a possible adjustment might ruin an image, an artist could simply stop work, make some proofs of the current image, or even a formal edition, and resume work.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here we mainly introduce the four formal editions of the catalogues.

Geoscience Letters

He has translated profusely from the Russian, Hungarian and Italian, among other languages, and a new edition of his somewhat formal version of Beowulf has just been published by Carcanet (£6.95), its first appearance in Britain since 1952.

The Guardian - Books

Still, many scientists believe more research will clarify how binge eating disorder fits into the eating disorder spectrum, and whether it should be included as a formal diagnosis in future editions of the manual.

The New York Times - Science

On July 13 , 2009 without any formal announcement, Resident Evil 4: Mobile Edition was released by Capcom for the iOS platform via the App Store in Japan, but was quickly removed, though some players were able to purchase and download the game.

Wikipedia

A "subscribers' edition" (edition abonné) with a formal paywall was launched in 2010; it includes an enriched PDF format of the paper.

The Guardian

This was finally published in 1955 with the title Formal Logic; it ran into a second edition in 1962.

SEP

Mr. White seems more formal and circumspect, given certain word changes in this fourth edition.

The New York Times

America is a far less formal country that it was even 10 years ago, and this new edition, while recognizing that fact, retains a stiff if amiable tone.

The New York Times - Books

To explore the presence and types of sleep disorders in chronic patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation using formal diagnostic criteria based on the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, 2nd edition.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The magazine's upcoming March edition calls on the House of Representatives to "immediately open a formal impeachment inquiry".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific publication or document, specify the "formal edition" to distinguish it from drafts, proofs, or unofficial versions. This clarifies that you're referring to the finalized, approved version.

Common error

Avoid using "formal edition" when "standard edition" is more appropriate. "Formal edition" implies official approval or a polished presentation, while "standard edition" simply refers to the commonly accepted version.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal edition" functions as a noun phrase, where "formal" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "edition". It specifies a particular version of a publication or document, often highlighting its official or finalized status, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal edition" is a phrase used to denote an official, carefully prepared, or finalized version of a document or publication. While Ludwig indicates that its usage is relatively rare, it is grammatically correct and carries a specific meaning that distinguishes it from more general terms like "regular edition". When precise and official language is required, "formal edition" is an appropriate choice, particularly in professional, scientific, or news-related contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official version

Replaces "formal" with "official", emphasizing the authorized nature.

authorized edition

Similar to "official version", highlighting the permission or approval aspect.

standard edition

Focuses on adherence to established norms or specifications.

definitive edition

Suggests the most complete and authoritative version.

critical edition

Implies a version thoroughly examined and annotated by scholars.

revised edition

Indicates changes or updates have been made to a previous version.

published edition

Emphasizes the act of making the edition available to the public.

complete edition

Highlights that the edition contains all available content.

ceremonial edition

Used when the edition is linked to a formal event or custom.

prescribed edition

Used when an authority mandates the use of this edition.

FAQs

What does "formal edition" mean?

A "formal edition" refers to a version of a document or publication that has been officially sanctioned, carefully prepared, and presented according to established standards. It often implies a finalized and approved version, suitable for official use or record.

When should I use the term "formal edition"?

Use "formal edition" when you need to specify that you are referring to the official, finalized, or carefully prepared version of a document, publication, or artwork. This is especially important when unofficial or draft versions may also exist.

What are some alternatives to "formal edition"?

You can use alternatives such as "official version", "authorized edition", or "definitive edition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "formal edition" the same as "regular edition"?

No, "formal edition" and "regular edition" are not the same. While a regular edition is simply the standard or commonly available version, a "formal edition" implies a higher level of scrutiny, approval, or official status.