formally adopted

USAGE SUMMARY

"formally adopted" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to the official acceptance or approval of a policy, document, or decision. Example: "The new policy was formally adopted by the board during the meeting." Alternative expressions include "officially accepted" and "ratified."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Susan was never formally adopted, though she took his name.

The Guardian

The name Democratic Party was formally adopted in 1844.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Later, Kadir Baksh formally adopted him and designated him as the next head of the gharana.

The Guardian - Tech

The government formally adopted the sustainable development goals in Paris last year.

The Guardian

The McCurdys never formally adopted Williams, but he considers them his parents.

The New York Times - Sports

The children took his name, but her stepfather never formally adopted them.

The Guardian - Books

It was merely "recognised" by governments, not formally adopted under the UN process.

The Guardian

No gay couple had formally adopted – or long-term fostered, as we did – before.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was never formally adopted, and no one ever hinted at her true parentage.

The New York Times

The couple then formally adopted Dorothy, and Ruth adopted Hodgson's daughter, Julia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But until the constitution is formally adopted, no one can be sure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally adopted", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific entity or body that performed the adoption and the subject of the adoption. For example, "The committee formally adopted the proposal."

Common error

Avoid using "formally adopted" when a less formal term like "accepted" or "approved" would be more appropriate. "Formally adopted" implies a specific process or procedure, so it should be reserved for situations where such a process occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally adopted" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically describes the action of officially and legally accepting or approving something, such as a policy, a law, or a person. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, from legal adoptions to the adoption of policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally adopted" is a common verb phrase used to describe the official and legal acceptance or approval of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure that the context implies a specific, structured process. For alternatives, consider "officially approved" or "legally recognized", depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember that the phrase implies a level of formality, so consider whether it's the right fit for the context. With its consistent usage and clear meaning, "formally adopted" remains a reliable choice for expressing official acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally accepted

Emphasizes the act of receiving or agreeing to something formally.

formally endorsed

Similar to "formally adopted", but highlights the support given.

officially approved

Focuses on the act of approval rather than the formal process of adoption.

formally ratified

Stresses the completion of a formal approval process.

legally recognized

Emphasizes the legal aspect of the action.

officially implemented

Focuses on the action of putting a plan or decision into effect.

duly ratified

Highlights the process of confirmation or validation.

legitimately adopted

Highlights the legitimacy and validity of the adoption.

officially sanctioned

Stresses the authorization or permission aspect.

lawfully enacted

Focuses specifically on the legal implementation of something.

FAQs

What does "formally adopted" mean?

The phrase "formally adopted" signifies that a decision, rule, or person has been officially and legally accepted or incorporated into a group, system, or family through a structured and often documented process.

How to use "formally adopted" in a sentence?

You can use "formally adopted" to describe the official approval of a policy: "The board "formally adopted" the new regulations". Or to describe a legal adoption: "She "formally adopted" the child after a lengthy legal process".

What can I say instead of "formally adopted"?

You can use alternatives like "officially approved", "legally recognized", or "formally accepted" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "informally adopted"?

While "informally adopted" is not as common as "formally adopted", it can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is accepted in a less official manner, without the full legal or procedural requirements. However, be mindful of the context, as it might imply a lack of legitimacy.