formally authorize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally authorize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the official granting of permission or approval for an action or decision, often in a legal or organizational context. Example: "The board of directors will formally authorize the new policy during the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

McConnell, backed by the intelligence committee chairman, Richard Burr, is backing an alternative that would formally authorize the bulk surveillance program, as well as every other investigative authority for the government under Section 215 of the Patriot Act, which is currently set to expire on 1 June.

The Guardian

The individual states also have laws that prohibit any gambling enterprises that they do not formally authorize.

The New York Times

In 1937 he had the Politburo formally authorize physical torture of "enemies of the people," and he would add the words "Beat, beat!" next to a victim's name.

The New York Times - Books

That's Cecilia!" Meanwhile, the longtime parish priest, who insisted that he did not formally authorize the touch-up, has been exiled to Zaragoza.

The New York Times

Unlike Mr. Bush's father, who long resisted asking for a Congressional resolution of support for the Persian Gulf war, the president has asked Congress to formally authorize the use of force.

The New York Times

PAGE A11 A TOUGHER NEGOTIATING PARTNER The Bush administration's quest for a deal with Iraq that would formally authorize an unlimited American troop presence there beyond George W. Bush's presidency appears to be unraveling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In May the Ottoman Parliament passed legislation formally authorizing the deportation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The interrogators went far beyond the brutality that they had been formally authorized to inflict.

The New Yorker

Two of the organizations, the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute, had been formally authorized by the Egyptian government to monitor the parliamentary elections set to resume next week.

The New York Times

The trip comes as the president and his advisers are trying to convince Congress to pass a measure formally authorizing a punitive strike.

The New York Times

It and the International Republican Institute had been formally authorized by the Egyptian government to monitor the country's parliamentary elections in early January 2012.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally authorize" when emphasizing the official or legal nature of an approval or permission. This phrase is particularly appropriate in contexts involving governments, organizations, or legal proceedings.

Common error

Avoid using "formally authorize" in situations where informal consent or agreement is sufficient. The phrase implies a documented, official process, which may be inappropriate in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally authorize" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an official act of granting permission or approval. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts requiring explicit and documented authorization.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formally authorize" is a verb phrase used to describe the official act of granting permission or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in formal contexts, particularly within news, scientific, and business domains. While not exceedingly common, its use underscores a need for clarity and formality in official communication. Related phrases include "officially approve" and "grant formal approval". Ensure to use it accurately to reflect the official nature of the authorization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially approve

Replaces "authorize" with "approve", emphasizing the act of giving consent or agreement in an official capacity.

formally sanction

Substitutes "authorize" with "sanction", suggesting a more official or legal endorsement.

officially validate

Uses "validate" instead of "authorize", highlighting the act of confirming or ratifying something officially.

legally empower

Emphasizes the legal aspect of authorization, suggesting that someone is being given legal power or right.

grant formal approval

Rephrases the query using "grant" and focusing on the approval aspect.

give official permission

Breaks down the query into simpler terms using "give permission" with the addition of "official."

issue a formal mandate

Replaces "authorize" with "issue a mandate", implying a formal command or instruction.

formally commission

Uses "commission" instead of "authorize", often implying the start of some activity or project.

formally recognize

Similar to "authorize" but focuses on the act of formally acknowledging something's legitimacy or existence.

certify officially

Highlights the certification or validation aspect of the authorization.

FAQs

What does "formally authorize" mean?

The phrase "formally authorize" means to give official or legal permission for something. It implies a documented process and official endorsement.

How to use "formally authorize" in a sentence?

You can use "formally authorize" to describe an official act of approval, such as: "The board of directors must "officially approve" the budget before it can be implemented."

What are some alternatives to "formally authorize"?

Alternatives to "formally authorize" include "officially approve", "formally sanction", or "grant formal approval".

Is it redundant to say "formally authorize"?

While "authorize" can imply formality, using "formally authorize" emphasizes the official nature of the authorization, which can be useful for clarity in legal or official contexts. Its usage can also depend on the situation and if the context is clearly formal.