formal farewell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal farewell" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you are describing a structured or official goodbye, such as in a speech, letter, or ceremony. For example, "The event concluded with a formal farewell from the host." Alternative expressions include "official goodbye" and "ceremonial farewell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"Tsalani bwino," Altman said, as a formal farewell.

The New Yorker

Eleonora Abbagnato was promoted to the rank of étoile, and Agnès Letestu made her formal farewell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On January 10 , 2017 President Barack Obama delivered his formal farewell address to the country in Chicago, the city that had given him his political start.

Harvard University

She also sang in "The Days Before" at Lincoln Center in New York in 1999, a year before her formal farewell to the stage.

The New York Times - Arts

Sunday evening's show in Providence, Rhode Island, was a formal farewell to the practice that McGrath called "the hooks on which a circus is hung", paraphrasing PT Barnum.

The Guardian

Britain began its formal farewell to the queen mother today with a display of pageantry and decorousness that recalled a time when the monarchy defined the country's sense of duty and the royal family commanded unquestioning respect.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

There will be plenty of formal farewells and grand eulogies.

The Guardian

Honorable mentions go to Nick Lowe, Hayes Carll, Jackie Oates and Ry Cooder; formal farewells to Glen Campbell and Etta James who signed off on formidable careers with fine digitised adieux.

Independent

And when, weeks later, we gathered again at the house to say those formal farewells, I went up to your study looking for "Leaves of Grass" and found, instead, your orderly desk, unused, your manuscripts neatly stacked, the framed photographs of your girls, and, like a private message from Whitman, who saw things whole, the small dried body of a mouse.

The New Yorker

Here in Kansas, the base and the small towns nearby have begun to resemble an enormous machine in an endless cycle: bringing soldiers home with late-night celebrations in gymnasiums and screaming roadside banners, and then sending them off again, with fresh uniforms, new DVD players and snapshots, and formal farewells.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, family, it's time for me to go back to work, so I love you, see you later!" In the seventh, with prompting from Giants announcer Mike Krukow, a swaying Scully helped lead the crowd in the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game". In one of his final moments before his formal farewells, he dropped a final word of wisdom, a slight rewording of a quote from Dr. Seuss.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formal farewell" when describing a goodbye that adheres to established protocols or customs, such as a retirement ceremony or a diplomatic departure.

Common error

Avoid using "formal farewell" when the context requires a more personal or heartfelt goodbye. A "formal farewell" can sometimes sound impersonal if not delivered with genuine emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal farewell" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "formal" modifies "farewell". It describes a specific type of goodbye that adheres to established customs or protocols. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing events, speeches, and ceremonies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formal farewell" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a goodbye that adheres to specific customs or protocols. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most frequently found in news and media, academic writings, and wiki articles, highlighting its usage in official or structured contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the formality of the situation, avoiding its application in casual settings where a simpler goodbye would suffice. Remember to consider alternatives like "official departure" or "ceremonial goodbye" to best fit the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official departure

Focuses on the official nature of the leaving.

official leave-taking

Focuses on the act of officially departing.

ceremonial goodbye

Emphasizes the ritualistic aspect of the farewell.

ritualized adieu

Similar to ceremonial goodbye, focusing on the ritual.

conventional parting

Highlights the typical and expected manner of saying goodbye.

structured parting

Highlights the planned and organized nature of the farewell.

solemn send-off

Emphasizes the serious and respectful nature of the farewell.

prescribed valediction

Stresses the obligatory or required nature of the farewell.

dignified au revoir

Highlights the respectful and graceful nature of saying goodbye, borrowing a french expression.

grandiose valediction

Emphasizes an over-the-top, theatrical farewell.

FAQs

How can I use "formal farewell" in a sentence?

You might say, "The ambassador delivered a "formal farewell" before departing for his home country", indicating a structured and official goodbye.

What is an alternative to "formal farewell"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "official departure", "ceremonial goodbye", or "structured parting".

Is "formal farewell" appropriate for casual situations?

No, "formal farewell" is best suited for official or structured goodbyes. In casual situations, simpler phrases like "goodbye" or "see you later" are more appropriate.

What distinguishes a "formal farewell" from a simple "farewell"?

A "formal farewell" implies a structured, often public, and sometimes ceremonial goodbye, whereas a simple "farewell" is a general expression of parting.