formally asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally asked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request or inquiry that is made in a serious or official manner. Example: "During the meeting, she formally asked for clarification on the project's objectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spain formally asked for money to recapitalise its banks.

The Economist

President Elbegdorj, meanwhile, formally asked the United States to investigate.

The New Yorker

That is when union members formally asked about the fund.

The New York Times

That month, the F.C.C. formally asked Verizon about news reports detailing the charges.

The New York Times - Tech

When she got engaged, she formally asked me, and I accepted.

The New York Times

But one thing he has never formally asked the council for is more time for inspections.

The Economist

At the same summit, Mr Cameron formally asked for a review of Britain's EU membership terms.

Independent

Gen. Wafik Shoukair, formally asked the interior minister to remove him from his post.

The New York Times

After that number was pilloried in public, he formally asked the board to award him nothing.

The New York Times

He added that "we have formally asked the State Department for assistance with that.

The Guardian

Russian prosecutors investigating him for fraud have also formally asked for his extradition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally asked", ensure the context clearly indicates the request or inquiry was made through established protocols or in a serious, official setting.

Common error

Avoid using "formally asked" in casual conversations or informal settings where a simple request would suffice. Using it in these situations can make the communication sound unnecessarily stiff or bureaucratic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally asked" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action performed in a specific manner. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to denote the act of making a request or inquiry in an official or serious way. The adverb "formally" modifies the verb "asked", specifying the nature of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally asked" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an official or serious request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. When using "formally asked", it's crucial to ensure the context aligns with its formal connotation, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Related phrases like "officially requested" and "submitted a formal request" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially requested

Emphasizes the official nature of the request, often implying a bureaucratic or organizational context.

sought permission officially

Focuses on the act of seeking authorization in an official capacity.

submitted a formal request

Focuses on the act of presenting a request in a structured and prescribed format.

launched a formal inquiry

Implies starting an official investigation into a matter.

presented an official proposal

Highlights presenting a formal plan or suggestion for consideration.

made a written application

Emphasizes the act of applying formally in writing, usually for a job or position.

petitioned formally

Emphasizes the act of making a formal written request to an authority.

politely inquired

Highlights the courteous and respectful manner in which the question was posed.

lodged an official appeal

Specifically denotes the act of making a formal complaint or challenge to a decision.

tendered a formal invitation

Highlights the issuance of a formal invite, often for events or ceremonies.

FAQs

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

You can use "formally asked" when someone makes a request or inquiry in an official or serious manner. For example, "The company "formally asked" for an extension on the project deadline."

What's a good alternative to "formally asked"?

Alternatives to "formally asked" include "officially requested", "submitted a formal request", or "sought permission officially", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "formally asked" and "informally asked"?

"Formally asked" implies a structured, official request, while "informally asked" suggests a casual, unofficial inquiry. The choice depends on the context and the relationship between the parties involved.

Is it appropriate to use "formally asked" in an email?

Yes, using "formally asked" in an email is appropriate when making a serious or official request. However, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of the email to avoid sounding overly stiff or bureaucratic. You might consider using a more direct tone by officially requested.