formal goodbye

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal goodbye" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where a respectful or official farewell is appropriate, such as in business correspondence or formal events. Example: "At the end of the meeting, he offered a formal goodbye to all attendees." Alternative expressions include "official farewell" and "ceremonial goodbye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He still did not touch Corrie, except for a grateful, almost formal goodbye.

The New Yorker

After Boehner's formal goodbye, and after the names of Ryan and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif).

Huffington Post

Finally, before we move along to the awards, we have to say a formal goodbye to John McLaughlin, who died earlier this week.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There were no tears, no formal goodbyes; it all happened too quickly for that.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am back in the docks of San Diego watching these tireless champions of the overdog filter past and say their starchy, formal goodbyes.

Independent

Turki, a 1968 graduate of Georgetown University, will return briefly in January after the Hajj pilgrimage, the busiest time of the year in the kingdom, to say formal goodbyes, according to an Arab official.

The Washington Post

During a family get-together on New Year's Day at her parents' apartment, Ms. Smith said, there was no explicit mention of what was to happen, and no formal goodbyes.

The New York Times

"Kathy, I wish you were here with me today … I want to tell you how much I love you," he announced to a surprised auditorium of Nato allies and Afghan dignitaries, after saying more formal goodbyes to his fellow soldiers and the country he had battled to shape.

The Guardian

Knowing death was near, the cardinal had said his formal goodbyes several times since he underwent surgery for a brain tumor last August: in a note to his fellow bishops last fall, when he visited the pope in February, and in a letter to the 875 or so priests of his archdiocese the same month.

The New York Times

Putin responded with Berezovsky's formal patronymic: "Goodbye Boris Abramovich".

The Guardian

Goodbye - the formal way of saying goodbye in German is "Auf Wiedersehen" but it is much more common to hear people say "bis den" (until then) or "tschüß" ('bye).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this phrase for narrative descriptions or formal reports rather than using it as a direct salutation in an email.

Common error

Do not use "formal goodbye" to describe casual partings between friends or family members as it creates an unintended sense of coldness or excessive distance. Stick to "farewell" or simply "goodbye" in those instances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal goodbye" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "formal" modifies the noun "goodbye". In the examples provided by Ludwig, it often serves as the direct object of a verb like "say", "offer" or "bid". According to Ludwig AI, this structure is standard and grammatically correct in all English variants.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "formal goodbye" is a precise linguistic tool used to describe partings that carry weight, tradition or professional significance. Ludwig AI shows that while the exact singular phrase is relatively rare compared to more casual alternatives, it is a staple in high-quality journalism and literature. It effectively differentiates a structured departure from a casual one. When using this phrase, writers should ensure the context justifies the adjective "formal", as it implies a level of decorum and distance that is inappropriate for intimate settings. For professional writing, it remains an excellent way to characterize a dignified end to a period of service or a significant relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official farewell

Emphasizes the sanctioned or public nature of the departure

professional sign-off

Specific to workplace communication and email correspondence

ceremonious parting

Highlights the ritualistic or elaborate aspect of saying goodbye

protocol-driven goodbye

Suggests the farewell follows specific diplomatic or social rules

stately valediction

A much more archaic and high-register term for a formal farewell

proper send-off

Focuses on the event or social gathering organized for a departure

ceremonial departure

Describes the act of leaving within a ritualistic framework

solemn adieu

Adds a layer of gravity and emotional weight to the parting

authorized leave-taking

Common in military or highly structured institutional contexts

formal dismissal

Implies that the departure was initiated by an authority figure

FAQs

How do I use "formal goodbye" in a professional email?

You typically do not write "formal goodbye" as the closing; instead, you might describe a meeting by saying, "After the presentation, we shared a "formal goodbye" with the board members."

What is a synonym for "formal goodbye"?

Depending on the context, you can use an "official farewell" or a "stately valediction" if the setting is very traditional.

Is "formal goodbye" more common than "official goodbye"?

Yes, "formal goodbye" is more frequently used to describe the etiquette and tone of a parting, whereas "official goodbye" often refers to a sanctioned or administrative process.

Can "formal goodbye" be plural?

Yes, in many instances found in Ludwig, such as in The New York Times, writers use "formal goodbyes" to describe several people parting ways at the end of an event.