formally correct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally correct" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that adheres to established rules or standards, particularly in formal contexts such as writing or speech. Example: "The document must be formally correct to meet the requirements of the submission guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Due to the subjectivity of the assumptions necessary for these corrections, we have chosen to not formally correct the P-values reported and thus acknowledge that the results should be interpreted with caution with the possibility of false-positive discovery.

Carcinogenesis

We have developed a percolation model of catalyst deactivation which is formally correct both at microscopic and macroscopic length scales.

Chemical Engineering Science

We follow abstract interpretation both to approximate the concrete semantics and to prove our results formally correct.

Science of Computer Programming

But Mr. Krugman has been reluctant to formally correct his misstatement, starting when I raised the issue with Gail Collins, editor of the editorial page, on the day his column appeared.

The New York Times

On the contrary, |1° − 351 ° | = 1 ° ⊖351° =  350° is formally correct too, but leads to overestimate an error that is in fact small, which is a problem for iterative implementation of the ML method).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In this study, we did not formally correct our results for multiple comparisons, although our two-stage design serves to control Type I error, lending further support to the overall negative results.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

He also formally corrected an erroneous 2004 Ohio voter turnout percentage that a Times reader had brought to my attention two days earlier.

The New York Times

"Since this misinformation came from within DoD, it will be invaluable if this information is formally corrected by the right people in DoD," Holmes wrote.

The Washington Post

At this point, the band formally corrected the earlier mistake and officially adopted their original name of "Crunch".

Wikipedia

P-values were not formally corrected for multiple testing as this was an explorative study.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

This was an explorative study and therefore the p-values were not formally corrected for multiple testing.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formally correct" in academic or scientific writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific standards or rules being adhered to. Providing explicit references or citations can enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "formally correct" as a substitute for clear and concise language. While adhering to formal standards is important, prioritize effective communication and ensure that your writing remains accessible to your intended audience.

Linguistic Context

"Formally correct" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that adheres to established rules, procedures, or standards. Ludwig provides examples showing it's often used in academic and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formally correct" is used to describe something that adheres to established rules or standards. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is grammatically sound, and it is most commonly found in science, news, and academic contexts. While "formally correct" signifies adherence to standards, it is important not to sacrifice clarity for formality. Alternatives include "technically accurate" or "officially valid". Remember to use this phrase judiciously to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Technically accurate

Emphasizes accuracy from a technical standpoint, often implying precision in detail.

Officially valid

Highlights the official recognition or authorization of something.

Strictly accurate

Stresses the precision and rigorous adherence to correctness.

According to protocol

Focuses on adherence to a specific set of rules or procedures.

Precisely right

Indicates exactness and correctness in a given context.

Duly authorized

Emphasizes that something has been properly approved or sanctioned.

Legally sound

Highlights that something is in compliance with legal requirements.

Per the rules

Stresses adherence to a specific set of established rules.

By the book

Implies that procedures were followed exactly as prescribed.

In due form

Indicates that something is presented or executed according to the required format or procedure.

FAQs

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

You can use "formally correct" to describe something that adheres to established rules or standards. For example: "The document must be "formally correct" to meet the submission guidelines."

What is a good alternative to "formally correct"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "technically accurate", "officially valid", or "strictly accurate".

Is it better to be "formally correct" or informally correct?

Whether to be "formally correct" or informally correct depends on the context. Formal correctness is important in professional or academic settings, while informal correctness may be acceptable in casual communication.

What does it mean if something is "formally correct" but misleading?

It means that while something adheres to established rules or standards, it can still be misinterpreted or misunderstood. This often happens in statistics, where a calculation may be "formally correct" but still provide a misleading impression about a phenomenon.