formally referring

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally referring" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of mentioning or alluding to something in a formal context or manner. Example: "In academic writing, it is important to be formally referring to the sources you have used to support your arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But Mr. Miliband argued that if the E.U. does not rethink its foreign policy, "we will find that the G-2 emerges informally if not formally," referring to the United States and China.

The New York Times

It was during this fourth report, published early in 2005, that the ISG started formally referring to the experiment as the 'Randomised Badger Culling Trial' or RBCT.

History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Based on registry data from 21,000 hospital-based births at a tertiary care centre in northeastern Tanzania, we found that 80% of birthing women were self-referred and only 20% were formally referred through the national referral system.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

We wanted to compare CS rates among women formally referred for hospital delivery versus self-referred women.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

We wanted to compare Caesarean section (CS) rates among women formally referred to a tertiary care centre versus self-referred women, and to assess the effect of referral status on adverse outcomes after CS.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

In references to passenger services, the east building was formally referred to as the North Bank Station (or North Bank Passenger Station), but alternatively was known by various other names, including North Bank depot, Hoyt Street depot, Hoyt Street terminal, 11th & Hoyt Streets depot, 10th & Hoyt depot, or similar.

Wikipedia

This should have been regarded as "political activity", it said, and formally referred to the executive for consent.

The Guardian

The unusual dispute over the baronetcy, which was created by Charles II, was formally referred to the JCPC by the Queen.

The Guardian

It includes interviews with a certain former American president to whom the paper formally refers in the third person.

The New York Times

The Commissioner will then make a decision on whether to formally refer the matter to the CPS.

Independent

The unusual dispute over the Scottish baronetcy, created by Charles II in 1683, has been formally referred to the judicial committee by the Queen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that your use of "formally referring" aligns with the context; it signals that the reference is intentional and officially recognized, adding a layer of authority to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "formally referring" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound stilted or pretentious if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally referring" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate that a particular term, concept, or entity is being mentioned or alluded to in an official, structured, or recognized manner. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formally referring" is a verb phrase that signifies that a term or concept is being mentioned in an official or structured manner. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in English writing. While "formally referring" is more frequent in news and media, and science contexts, it should be used judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal. When writing, it's best to maintain consistency in register and avoid overuse of this phrase. When it comes to selecting a synonymous phrase, ensure you pick something that matches the degree of formality you're aiming for.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally mentioning

A more general alternative, focusing on the act of formal mention.

explicitly citing

Highlights the act of mentioning something directly and clearly, especially in academic or legal contexts.

specifically referencing

Emphasizes directness and intentionality in making a reference.

officially designating

Focuses more on the act of assigning a formal designation or title.

officially terming

Emphasizes the act of assigning a specific term or name in a formal setting.

officially alluding to

Similar to 'referring', but implies a more indirect or subtle reference in an official capacity.

officially styling

Focuses on the act of formally giving something a particular style or name.

expressly denoting

Focuses on using specific symbols or terms to represent something formally.

formally acknowledging

Highlights recognizing something officially, which may include a reference.

formally identifying

Highlights formally establishing the identity of something, which may involve reference.

FAQs

How to use "formally referring" in a sentence?

You can use "formally referring" to indicate that something is officially named or referenced. For example: "The document is "formally referring" to the act as 'Section 3.2'."

What can I say instead of "formally referring"?

You can use alternatives like "officially designating", "explicitly citing", or "formally mentioning" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "formally referring" or "informally referring"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Formally referring" implies an official or structured reference, while "informally referring" suggests a casual or unofficial one.

What's the difference between "formally referring" and "generally known as"?

"Formally referring" suggests an official naming or citation, while "generally known as" indicates a common, but not necessarily official, name or description. For example, a scientific name is how something is "formally referring", while its common name is what it's "generally known as".