formal steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"formal steps" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the specific measures that need to be taken in order to complete a process or achieve a goal. For example, "The government has taken formal steps to pass a new immigration law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Below, the formal steps involved in obtaining a warrant.

The New York Times

But these formal steps in themselvesdo not encompass the true meaning of participation in the OGP.

The Guardian

BUILDING elaborate models is among the first formal steps in creating a Disney attraction.

The New York Times

(An aide to Mr. Eldridge noted he never took any formal steps to establish a candidacy).

The New York Times

After some formal steps, the award will become official this summer.

The New York Times

Formal steps to create the regions are prohibited until next April.

The Washington Post

"We have no interest in taking formal steps against athletes or coaches who have not committed a doping violation.

The New York Times - Sports

"We only proceed to take formal steps if a service provider fails to respond appropriately to this initial contact.

Independent

It should be organized in accordance with the "five formal steps" of preparation, presentation, comparison, generalization, and application.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, in the third arc – our computational model – we show how each of these formal steps is available in implementation.

Artificial Intelligence

In the most scrutinized portion, on cross-straits ties, Mr. Chen offered good will and pledged not to take formal steps toward independence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a complex process, use "formal steps" to emphasize the structured and official nature of the procedure. This adds clarity and authority to your explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "formal steps" in casual or informal situations where simpler language would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily stiff or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formal steps" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb. As Ludwig AI confirmes, it refers to specific, structured actions or procedures that must be followed in a given situation. Examples include "taking formal steps" or "initiating formal steps".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal steps" is a commonly used phrase to describe structured and official procedures. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it’s important for conveying seriousness and adherence to protocol, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly stiff. Related phrases such as "official procedures" or "required actions" can provide suitable alternatives. When using "formal steps", ensure that the context warrants the emphasis on structured processes. Keep in mind that overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, so consider adopting simpler language in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official procedures

Focuses on the authorized or sanctioned nature of the process.

required procedures

Stresses the mandatory aspect of the steps involved.

prescribed actions

Emphasizes that the actions are dictated or required by a rule or authority.

necessary measures

Highlights the essential nature of the actions for achieving a particular outcome.

established protocols

Indicates a set of rules that are well-known and consistently followed.

standardized processes

Suggests actions that are uniform and consistently applied.

systematic actions

Highlights a structured and methodical approach.

conventional methods

Implies traditional and widely accepted ways of doing something.

structured approach

Focuses on the organized and planned nature of the actions.

regulatory compliance

Highlights the adherence to legal or industry standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "formal steps" to describe a structured process or procedure, such as "The company is taking "formal steps" to address the environmental concerns".

What are some alternatives to "formal steps"?

Alternatives to "formal steps" include "official procedures", "required actions", or "necessary measures", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "formal steps" over other similar phrases?

"Formal steps" is most appropriate when emphasizing the structured, official, or regulated nature of the actions being taken. For less formal situations, simpler phrases may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "formal steps" and "informal steps"?

"Formal steps" refer to established, official procedures, while "informal steps" suggest actions taken without adhering to a strict protocol. The choice depends on the context and the level of adherence to rules or regulations.