formal training

USAGE SUMMARY

"formal training" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any type of training or education program that is structured and organized. For example, "She completed several courses of formal training before getting hired by the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"That requires formal training.

The New York Times

He has no formal training.

The New Yorker

He had no formal training.

The New York Times

Studied: No formal training.

The Guardian - Arts

Training: "No formal training.

The Guardian - Arts

She has no formal training.

The New York Times

The painter had no formal training.

The Economist

John Martin, a painter without formal training?

The New York Times - Arts

He had no formal training in composition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I haven't done any formal training.

Independent

Mr. Rohrer had little formal training.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of structured learning over self-taught methods, use "formal training" to highlight the credibility and standardization of the education.

Common error

Avoid using "formal training" when referring to self-taught skills or on-the-job experience. "Formal training" implies a structured curriculum and often, certification.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "formal training" is as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to structured and organized educational programs. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase is widely recognized and accepted in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formal training" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase that refers to structured educational programs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, particularly in news media, science, and business. While it maintains a neutral to professional register, it's essential to differentiate it from informal learning experiences. When writing, use "formal training" to highlight the importance of structured and certified education, but avoid using it when referring to self-taught skills or on-the-job experiences. Several alternatives, such as "structured education", "official instruction", and "accredited program", can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

structured education

Emphasizes the structured aspect of the educational program, rather than specifically mentioning training.

official instruction

Focuses on the official or sanctioned nature of the teaching provided.

accredited program

Highlights the accreditation or validation of the training program.

certified course

Underscores that the training leads to a certification upon completion.

systematic learning

Focuses on the systematic nature of the learning process.

organized study

Highlights the organized aspect of studying, rather than a specific training program.

classroom education

Specifies that the education occurs in a classroom setting.

vocational education

Points to training focused on specific job skills.

professional development

Implies ongoing training to enhance professional skills.

skill enhancement program

Focuses on the enhancement of skills through a structured program.

FAQs

How is "formal training" typically used in a sentence?

"Formal training" is generally used to describe structured educational programs, such as: "The job requires applicants to have undergone "formal training" in engineering".

What are some alternatives to "formal training"?

Depending on the context, you could use "structured education", "official instruction", or "accredited program" as alternatives to "formal training".

Is "formal training" necessary for all professions?

No, "formal training" is not always necessary. Some professions value experience or natural talent more than "formal training", while others require specific certifications obtained through structured programs.

What's the difference between "formal training" and "on-the-job training"?

"Formal training" refers to structured educational programs, while "on-the-job training" involves learning skills and knowledge while actively working in a specific role. "Formal training" often precedes employment, whereas on-the-job training occurs during employment.