formal group

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formal group" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It refers to a specific type of social group that has a defined structure, rules, and expectations. This could include organizations, clubs, or professional associations. Example: "The students were divided into small formal groups to work on their research projects, each with a designated leader and specific tasks to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Group insurance, insurance provided to members of a formal group such as employees of a firm or members of an association.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Treaties were signed; formal group portraits were made.

The New York Times - Arts

Some systems do not recognize Reptilia as a formal group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Therefore there is no formal group called Invertebrata.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But she has no formal group around her. Instead campaign tacticians dominate Mr Gore's operation.

The Economist

And, although I did not join any formal group, the egalitarian precepts of feminism seemed like innate truth.

The Guardian

But at the teachers' formal group meetings, where they knew that another teacher might report their insults to the principal, they were more discreet.

The New York Times - Science

Speaking of the incoming Obama team, he said, "I don't think this is going to be a very early, formal group".

The New York Times - Food

The four men do not see one another socially as a formal group, colleagues say, but they are frequently together at meetings, arguing points of view.

The New York Times

Even after he posed for a formal group photo in the garden, Hollande seemed in no hurry to leave, sticking around to schmooze and pose some more.

The New York Times

He said he thought that the board could opt to remove Mr. Guarguaglini's powers, allowing him to become a "purely formal" group representative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "formal group", specify its purpose and structure clearly to avoid ambiguity. Mentioning the group's established rules or procedures can add clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "formal group" when referring to loosely organized or ad-hoc gatherings. A "formal group" implies a defined structure, membership, and purpose, unlike informal gatherings that may lack these elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal group" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a specific type of social entity with a defined structure. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, from insurance to scientific research.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal group" is a frequently used and grammatically sound noun phrase that denotes a structured entity with specific rules and purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When using "formal group", clarity is key, ensuring that the described entity genuinely possesses a defined structure. Alternatives like "official organization" or "structured team" can be employed depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Avoid using it for informal gatherings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official organization

Replaces 'group' with 'organization', emphasizing structure and authority.

structured team

Uses 'team' instead of 'group' and highlights the organized nature.

established association

Emphasizes the long-standing and recognized nature of the group.

recognized body

Focuses on the group's official recognition and function.

organized collective

Highlights the planned and coordinated nature of the group's activities.

constituted assembly

Stresses the formal establishment and gathering aspect.

official delegation

Specifies the group as representing others in an official capacity.

sanctioned entity

Emphasizes the authorization and approval given to the group.

chartered institution

Highlights the legal charter or foundation of the group.

hierarchical structure

Replaces the idea of a 'group' with its systematic, ranked arrangement.

FAQs

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

You can use "formal group" to describe entities with defined structures. For example, "The company established a "formal group" to address employee concerns".

What's an alternative to saying "formal group"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "official organization", "structured team", or "established association".

Is there a difference between a "formal group" and an informal one?

Yes, a "formal group" has a defined structure and purpose, while an informal group is more casual and may lack specific rules or organization.

What contexts is the term "formal group" most suitable for?

The term "formal group" is well-suited for discussing business structures, organizational hierarchies, and academic research involving defined groups.