formally greet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally greet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of greeting someone in a formal manner, often in professional or ceremonial contexts. Example: "During the ceremony, the host will formally greet all the guests as they arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is now waiting to formally greet the couple to the ceremony.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The US President was cheered by Kenyans who lined the streets as he was driven through Nairobi from the airport where he was formally greeted by President Uhuru Kenyatta and other top officials.

Independent

United were formally greeted by Channel 5, whose press office wrote in a message posted on Twitter: "A warm welcome to Manchester United to [sic] the C5 team... #europaleague".

The Guardian - Sport

And it came from the light, brilliance and infinite depth – the shining – of gems and jewels". Wearing a dark suit and tie, Kazumi Arikawa, formally greets guests as they enter Nobu Fifty Seven in New York with a handshake and a bow.

Forbes

Raynor's Raiders appear and are formally greeted by Selendis as past allies, Selendis explains her actions and intentions which leaves the player with one out of two options.

Wikipedia

"When he met his lover's parents, who came from France to pick up the coffin, he could only greet them formally and say, 'Your son was an excellent officer.' " "We have a big support system for war widows in this country," he added.

The New York Times

Upon entering the Ellwood House, guests of Isaac or Perry Ellwood would have been greeted or formally welcomed by members of the family.

Wikipedia

Francis, who was formally installed a day earlier, greeted a diverse group of religious leaders in the ornate Clementine Hall inside the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican.

The New York Times

Eckstein, 33, who is a mere 10 years younger than me, is the only major league player who greets me so formally.

The New York Times

Robert Lynn, the new Newport Harbor boys' water polo and swim coach, was formally introduced at a meet and greet Sunday at the school.

Los Angeles Times

The most common form of hello is 'Nomoskar', which is to greet someone you know formally or who is just a casual acquaintance.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally greet" when the situation calls for a high degree of respect and adherence to protocol. This is especially relevant in professional, diplomatic, or ceremonial settings.

Common error

Avoid using "formally greet" in casual or informal situations. Overly formal language can create distance and appear unnatural in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally greet" functions as a verb phrase, where "formally" modifies the verb "greet". It describes the manner in which someone is welcomed, emphasizing the adherence to protocol and etiquette. Ludwig confirms its usability in formal settings.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formally greet" is a verb phrase that describes the act of welcoming someone in a formal or official manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and appropriate use in English, particularly in professional, diplomatic, or ceremonial contexts. While not a very common phrase, it effectively conveys respect and adherence to protocol, and can be replaced by alternatives such as "officially welcome" or "extend a formal greeting" depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extend a formal greeting

Highlights the act of offering a greeting that adheres to protocol.

officially welcome

Focuses on the official aspect of the greeting, often implying an organizational or institutional context.

present a formal welcome

Highlights the act of delivering a welcome message with proper decorum.

greet ceremoniously

Highlights the ritualistic or ceremonial nature of the greeting.

receive with honors

Emphasizes the respect and distinction given to the person being greeted.

accord a formal reception

Emphasizes the structured and official nature of the welcome.

acknowledge formally

Focuses on the act of recognizing someone in an official capacity.

pay formal respects

Focuses on showing deference and adherence to proper etiquette.

salute respectfully

Implies a gesture of respect, often in a military or hierarchical setting.

address with formality

Emphasizes the manner of speaking and the use of proper titles and language.

FAQs

How do you use "formally greet" in a sentence?

You can use "formally greet" to describe an official welcoming, such as: "The president will "officially welcome" the visiting delegation at the state dinner."

What does "formally greet" mean?

"Formally greet" means to welcome someone in a manner that adheres to established customs, etiquette, or protocol, often in an official or ceremonial context. It suggests a higher level of respect and adherence to rules than a simple greeting.

What are some alternatives to "formally greet"?

Alternatives include "officially welcome", "extend a formal greeting", or "receive with honors", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "formally greet"?

It is appropriate to use "formally greet" in situations where there is a need to show respect and follow protocol, such as at official ceremonies, diplomatic events, or high-level business meetings. It's less suitable for casual or informal settings.