formally clear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally clear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is clear in a formal context, such as a document, presentation, or communication. Example: "The report must be formally clear to ensure that all stakeholders understand the findings and recommendations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the monograph that accompanied the exhibit, its curator, John Szarkowski, describes Eggleston's work as "sharply incised, formally clear, fictive, and mysteriously purposeful".

The New Yorker

"We feel it's safe to go," he said, explaining that the federal agency could not formally clear the ship for departure because the Norwalk-like virus was not one that required a quarantine.

The New York Times

Once again, he was able to formally clear himself of charges, but he emerged from the episode a marked man.

Huffington Post

"It would be marvelous to think that the ordinary, vernacular life in and around Memphis might be in its quality more sharply incised, formally clear, fictive, and mysteriously purposeful than it appears elsewhere," the curator continues in his essay -- but of course this is not the case.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Thirteen months later, he was formally cleared.

The Guardian

Though released from jail, Mr. Sharmaidze has not been formally cleared of murder.

The New York Times

The man, Billy Dunlop, was formally cleared in 1991 after two juries deadlocked.

The New York Times

After being formally cleared of Nickell's murder, Stagg announces his intention to sue the police.

The Guardian

Galileo hopes to raise some $300m to pay for acquisitions.Quietly, the European Commission formally cleared the $15 billion merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas.

The Economist

In October 1996, when it became obvious that Mr. Jewell had not been involved in the bombing, the Justice Department formally cleared him.

The New York Times

A12 Ethics Inquiry Clears Lawyer A prosecutor who presented varying accounts of the same murder in two Florida trials was formally cleared in an ethics inquiry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally clear" when you want to emphasize that a clearance or approval has gone through the proper channels and is officially recognized. For example, "The audit report must be "formally clear" to ensure compliance."

Common error

Avoid using "formally clear" when describing situations where approval is implied but not officially documented. For instance, don't say "The project was "formally clear" to proceed" if there's no written authorization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally clear" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the official approval or clearance of something. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase indicates that established procedures have been followed.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formally clear" is used to denote official approval or clearance, typically in contexts where documented procedures are important. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in formal settings. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent across reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. When seeking alternatives, "officially cleared" or "duly authorized" can serve as close substitutes, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Be sure to avoid using "formally clear" in contexts lacking official documentation to prevent misapplication of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Officially cleared

Emphasizes the official nature of the clearance or approval.

Duly authorized

Focuses on the authorization aspect, suggesting proper procedures were followed.

Formally approved

Highlights the approval process, indicating an official sanction.

Officially sanctioned

Similar to officially approved, but may imply a stronger endorsement.

Properly authorized

Stresses the correctness and legitimacy of the authorization.

Officially absolved

Suggests that someone has been formally cleared of blame or responsibility.

Formally exonerated

Emphasizes the clearing of blame, similar to absolved but more legalistic.

Duly ratified

Emphasizes the formal confirmation or validation of something.

Officially ratified

Combines the official nature with the confirmation aspect.

Completely cleared

Indicates a thorough and unambiguous clearance.

FAQs

What does "formally clear" mean?

The phrase "formally clear" means that something has been officially approved or cleared through established procedures. It indicates that all necessary steps and requirements have been met, and the matter is resolved according to formal rules and regulations.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "formally clear"?

Use "formally clear" when referring to situations where official processes and documentation are involved. This is suitable for legal, business, or bureaucratic contexts where formal authorization is required.

Which is a better alternative to "formally clear", "officially cleared" or "completely cleared"?

The better alternative depends on the context. "Officially cleared" is closer in meaning to "formally clear", emphasizing the official nature of the clearance. "Completely cleared" suggests a thorough and unambiguous clearance, which may or may not involve formal processes.

How does "formally clear" differ from simply saying "clear"?

"Clear" on its own implies that something is free from obstruction or ambiguity. Adding "formally" specifies that the clearance is official and follows established protocols, adding a layer of legitimacy and documentation that is absent from a simple "clear".