formally approved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally approved" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been officially sanctioned or accepted through a formal process. Example: "The new policy has been formally approved by the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The commissioners formally approved it on Thursday.

The New York Times

The settlement was formally approved in April 2016.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The nomination must be formally approved by the Senate.

The Guardian

The plan must be formally approved by NATO.

The New York Times

The nomination has to be formally approved by the Senate.

The Guardian

Pernetti still has to be formally approved by the university's board of governors.

The New York Times

Within hours of that announcement, Gentiloni convened his cabinet and formally approved the state rescue plan.

The Guardian - Business

The budget will be formally approved at the end of October.

The Guardian - Business

The blueprint, if formally approved in June, could have longer-term implications.

The New Yorker

China's Parliament formally approved constitutional amendments on Sunday that address private property and human rights.

The New York Times

Initially, officials here said an amnesty would have to be formally approved before troops would arrive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally approved" to emphasize that a decision or action has undergone a structured and official process, providing a sense of legitimacy and authority.

Common error

Avoid using "formally approved" in casual or informal settings where a less formal term like "okayed" or "accepted" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally approved" functions as a verb phrase, where 'formally' modifies 'approved'. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It signifies that an action, plan, or document has been officially sanctioned or accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formally approved" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something has been officially sanctioned through a formal process. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various domains. It is most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using "formally approved", it is important to maintain a professional tone and to reserve it for situations where the official nature of the approval is relevant. Be mindful of overuse in informal settings. Alternatives such as "officially sanctioned" or "duly authorized" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially sanctioned

Emphasizes the official authorization aspect, similar to "formally approved" but focuses on the sanctioning body.

duly authorized

Highlights the correct and appropriate authorization process, conveying a sense of legitimacy.

officially ratified

Stresses the formal confirmation process, often used for agreements or treaties.

endorsed by

Focuses on the support and recommendation given by an authority.

sanctioned by

Similar to "officially sanctioned", emphasizing the authoritative permission granted.

cleared by

Indicates that something has passed a necessary review or approval process.

validated by

Focuses on the confirmation of accuracy or legitimacy.

formally adopted

Highlights the formal acceptance and integration of something into a system or process.

given the green light

An idiomatic expression indicating approval or permission to proceed.

passed with flying colors

Indicates approval with exceptional success or enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "formally approved" in a sentence?

Use "formally approved" to indicate that something has been officially sanctioned after a structured process. For instance, "The budget was "formally approved" by the board of directors."

What are some alternatives to "formally approved"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "officially sanctioned", "duly authorized", or "officially ratified".

Is it correct to say "formal approved" instead of "formally approved"?

No, "formal approved" is grammatically incorrect. The adverb "formally" is needed to modify the verb "approved", indicating the manner of approval.

What's the difference between "formally approved" and "informally approved"?

"Formally approved" implies a structured, official process with documentation and authorization. "Informally approved" suggests a casual, unofficial agreement without strict procedures.