formality

USAGE SUMMARY

"formality" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a degree of politeness and correctness in social behavior that is expected by a group. For example: "The employees at the company had to adhere to a certain level of formality during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Flores also says the law's requirement that exploration will be subject to "independent Environmental Impact Assessments EIAis) is misleading because the government has turned the EIAs into a "simple formality", and SERNAP, which must evaluate the EIAs, has "no independence and does what the government wants".

The Guardian

But for truly untrodden Sri Lanka, foreign visitors should apply to the country's ministry of defence for permission (it seems to be a formality) to head north up the now repaired and demined A9 – once called the Highway of Blood.

The Guardian - Travel

As striking as his youthful look and reserved formality was the unmistakable sincerity of the thoughts and feelings behind them.

The Guardian - Music

That Blatter should even be standing for election when the Qatar matter remains unexplained and unresolved is incredible enough, that a fifth term is regarded as a formality defies belief.

The Guardian - Sport

Yellen, expected to be the first woman to head the Fed, took questions from the Senate banking committee ahead of her confirmation, which is expected to be a formality.

The Guardian - Business

From its stylish wooden decking and beach bar, just feet from the water's edge, you can enjoy all the spectacle and carnival of Negril's beach life, but the property itself is peaceful, and the service has all the efficiency of a much pricier hotel, with none of the formality.

The Guardian - Travel

Eurozone finance ministers still have to bless Latvia's membership next month, but that is expected to be a formality.

The Guardian

The key is that there is nothing wrong with alternatives, which allow a writer or speaker to pick a level of formality.

The Economist

"Formality is an antiseptic," says Mr Rodrigues.

The Economist

Chinese and other east Asian scholars argue vigorously (but politely) that the discipline is too heavily based on individualistic western concepts and takes too little account of collective norms.At least to outsiders, the biggest question is what politeness actually is, and how it relates to other vital but slippery concepts such as deference, friendliness and formality.

The Economist

And like a true penguin, he showed his commitment to his family with his surprising decision earlier this year to have his wife run in his stead.Once that decision was taken, it was almost a formality that she would go on to become the first woman to be elected as Argentina's president.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, adjust the level of "formality" to suit your audience and the context. A business report requires a higher degree of "formality" than a casual email to a colleague.

Common error

Avoid using overly formal language in informal settings, as this can sound stilted or unnatural. Conversely, do not use overly casual language in formal contexts, which can be perceived as unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The word "formality" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the state of being formal, adherence to established rules or customs, or a specific requirement. It is often used to describe the level of politeness and correctness expected in a given situation, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formality" is a versatile noun that refers to the degree of politeness, correctness, or adherence to conventions in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and business settings. The appropriate level of "formality" depends heavily on the audience and purpose of communication, with overly formal language potentially sounding stilted in casual environments, while overly casual language may be perceived as unprofessional in more formal settings. Understanding these nuances allows for effective and appropriate communication in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

level of formality

Specifies the degree to which interactions adhere to established rules or customs.

proper etiquette

Refers to the set of customs and rules for polite behavior in society.

degree of decorum

Emphasizes the extent to which behavior reflects politeness and good taste.

social grace

Refers to the ability to behave politely and respectfully in social situations.

strict adherence to protocol

Underscores the importance of following established guidelines and rules.

ceremonial procedure

Highlights the structured sequence of actions in a ritualistic event.

official procedure

Implies the adherence to established, often bureaucratic, processes.

observance of convention

Emphasizes the act of following established norms and traditions.

conventional practice

Focuses on widely accepted and traditional ways of doing things.

customary behavior

Highlights actions that are expected or typical in a given context.

FAQs

How can I adjust the level of "formality" in my writing?

Consider your audience and purpose. Use more formal vocabulary and sentence structures for professional or academic contexts, and less formal language for casual communication.

What's the difference between "formality" and "etiquette"?

"Formality" refers to the overall level of politeness and adherence to conventions, while "etiquette" refers to the specific rules of polite behavior in a given social context.

Is it always better to be more formal?

No, the appropriate level of "formality" depends on the situation. Being overly formal can create distance or seem insincere in casual settings.

What are some alternatives to using the word "formality"?

Depending on the context, you could use "decorum", "protocol", "etiquette", or "convention" to convey similar meanings.