formal institution

USAGE SUMMARY

'formal institution' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any type of organization which is established for a specific purpose and has a hierarchical structure, such as a university, a government agency, or a corporation. For example, "The formal institution of the United Nations was established to promote international cooperation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Mills School of Controlled Kicking is not a formal institution.

The New Yorker

The Supreme Council of the Inquisition (or Suprema) was the only formal institution established by the Catholic Monarchs for all their kingdoms together.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At a formal institution, Barack Obama was a loose presence, joking with students about their romantic prospects, using first names, referring to case law one moment and "The Godfather" the next.

The New York Times

"Whenever a formal institution validates or confirms that a same-sex family is valid," he said, "and there are no measurable negatives to it, or deterrents to it, it means a great deal, frankly".

The New York Times

Although China's strong response prevented the "quad" from developing into a formal institution, the four countries have been building strategic collaboration on a bilateral and — in the case of India, Japan and America — even trilateral basis.

The New York Times

The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra first took shape as a formal institution in a city more accustomed to informal ones, which partly explains why it found greater traction and purpose after the deep trauma of Hurricane Katrina.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

With this paper, we contribute to the institutional analysis of emerging technological fields as we examine how the effects of formal institutions depend on informal institutional structures.

Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions

They report slow development of efficient and legitimate formal institutions in Russia and China resulting in institutional voids.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

One criterion specified that informal providers be entrepreneurs and not collect payment from formal institutions, while another stated that informal providers operate beyond any institutional oversight.

Health Policy and Planning

These entrepreneurs mainly relied on informal institutional arrangements of their trusted networks to fill the void of formal institutions.

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Other, less formal, institutions mattered, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social structures or systems with defined rules and procedures, use "formal institution" to emphasize its structured nature.

Common error

Avoid using "formal institution" when describing loosely structured or community-based groups that lack established hierarchies and official recognition. A book club, for example, is not a "formal institution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal institution" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to an organization or system with established rules, procedures, and hierarchies. Ludwig provides several examples of its use in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Encyclopedias

11.11%

Less common in

Wiki

11.11%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formal institution" refers to an established organization or system with defined structures and procedures. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the structured nature of the entity you are describing, distinguishing it from informal groups or loosely organized entities. For alternatives, consider phrases like "official organization" or "established body", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official organization

This alternative highlights the official recognition and authority of the institution, emphasizing its established status.

established body

This phrase focuses on the long-standing existence and recognition of the institution.

structured organization

This term emphasizes the hierarchical and rule-based nature of the institution.

recognized establishment

This stresses the acknowledged and accepted nature of the institution within a specific context.

conventional institution

This term indicates adherence to traditional norms and practices within the institution.

accredited organization

This suggests the institution has met specific standards and has been officially recognized.

chartered body

This implies the institution was created and is governed by a formal charter or legal document.

systematic entity

This focuses on the ordered and methodical approach of the institution's operations.

statutory organization

This term highlights that the organization is established by a statute or law.

corporate body

This indicates the institution is legally recognized as a separate entity with its own rights and responsibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "formal institution" to refer to entities like universities, government agencies, or corporations. For example, "The university is a well-respected "formal institution" in the region."

What's the difference between a "formal institution" and an "informal group"?

A "formal institution" has defined rules and hierarchies, like a government agency. An "informal group", like a club, lacks such structure and operates on looser social connections.

Which is correct, "formal institution" or "official institution"?

Both "formal institution" and "official institution" are correct, but "formal institution" emphasizes structure and procedure, while "official institution" stresses recognition and authority. Choose the one that best fits the context.

What are some examples of a "formal institution"?

Examples of a "formal institution" include a university, a bank, a government department, or a hospital. These all have established structures and protocols.