formal education

USAGE SUMMARY

"formal education" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It's used to refer to educational instruction that is provided in a structured setting, such as in a school or university. For example: "John invested in his formal education by taking college courses in his spare time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Education was classified as: no formal education or one or more years of formal education.

BMC Public Health

His formal education was limited.

The New Yorker

Formal education is often overrated.

The New Yorker

And so Gogol's formal education begins.

The New Yorker

Newcomb had little or no formal education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What was your formal education like?

The New York Times

Formal education, however, proved a torment.

The New Yorker

His early formal education was humanistic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor had he had a formal education.

The Economist

Sheikh Zayed himself received no formal education.

The Economist

He had no formal education".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational backgrounds, clearly specify the level of "formal education" achieved (e.g. high school diploma, bachelor's degree) to provide precise information.

Common error

Avoid using "formal education" interchangeably with informal learning experiences. "Formal education" refers to structured learning environments, while informal learning encompasses self-directed study, on-the-job training, and life experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal education" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the structured educational system involving schools, colleges, and universities. Ludwig AI validates this use through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal education" is a prevalent noun phrase denoting structured learning within institutional settings. Ludwig AI analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, scientific, and business contexts. While "formal education" is broadly applicable, remember to specify the level achieved for clarity and avoid conflating it with informal learning. Ludwig's examples underscore its wide usage and contextual flexibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

structured learning

Emphasizes the structured aspect of the educational process, rather than the institutional.

institutionalized education

Highlights the role of institutions in providing the education.

schooling

A more general term referring to the process of attending school.

academic training

Focuses on the training received within an academic setting.

conventional education

Highlights the traditional and standard nature of the education.

traditional schooling

Emphasizes the traditional methods used in education.

curriculum-based learning

Highlights the curriculum aspect of learning.

organized instruction

Focuses on the structured and organized nature of the teaching.

prescribed education

Focuses on the regulated and mandatory aspect of education.

accredited education

Emphasizes that the education has been officially recognized.

FAQs

How do you define "formal education"?

"Formal education" refers to structured, curriculum-based learning provided by institutions like schools, colleges, and universities.

What are some benefits of pursuing "formal education"?

"Formal education" can lead to increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and improved critical thinking skills.

How does "formal education" differ from informal learning?

"Formal education" is structured and institution-based, while informal learning is self-directed and can occur in various settings.

What are some alternatives to "formal education"?

Alternatives include vocational training, apprenticeships, and self-study. These options may be suitable depending on individual goals and circumstances. The following sentences could be used as alternatives "structured learning", "institutionalized education".