formally said

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formally said" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been stated or expressed in a formal manner, often in official documents or speeches. Example: "The policy was formally said to be effective immediately during the press conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In October 1995, Mr Clinton formally said sorry for radiation experiments in the 1940s and 1950s.

The Economist

After decades of wavering, Rod Stewart has formally said no to reuniting with the Faces, according to keyboardist Ian McLagan.

The Guardian - Music

Microphone in hand, Mr. Hilfiger stopped on the runway after the finale and formally said goodbye and goodnight to an era.

The New York Times

EU tax commissioner Algirdas Semeta told the finance ministers that seven countries have formally said they would support the introduction of a small levy on financial trading.

The Guardian - Business

Microsoft slipped 44 cents, to $61.40, after the government formally said it had reached an agreement with the company on its long-running antitrust case.

The New York Times

After being traded to Toronto, David Cone suggests that with his departure, the Mets have formally said goodbye to the 1980s, when they won a World Series and were often a contender.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"But for the president of China to stand up and formally say" the wrong date, as Mr. Hu did recently, "is pretty amazing, really," she said.

The New York Times

"Of all the designers, he was the first to present his idea, and it was very clear, conceptually and formally," says Rolf Fehlbaum, the chairman of Vitra.

The New York Times - Style

However the papers do repeatedly show the British government formally saying it is for the Scottish executive to decide if Megrahi should be released on compassionate grounds, or under the prisoner transfer agreement signed by the British with the Libyans.

The Guardian

Dr. Fryer, then an untenured faculty member at Temple University, did not formally say he was the psychiatrist behind the mask until the association's annual meeting in Philadelphia 22 years later.

The New York Times

The former secretary of state did not formally say whether she supported same-sex marriage at all until March 2013, when she appeared in an online video released by the LGBT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign HRCC).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formally said" when you need to emphasize the official or explicit nature of a statement, especially when citing sources or reporting on announcements.

Common error

Avoid using "formally said" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "said" or "mentioned" when formality isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formally said" functions as a reporting verb phrase, indicating that a statement was made in an official or explicit manner. Ludwig shows that it is often used to report on official announcements or declarations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formally said" is used to indicate that a statement has been made in an official or explicit manner. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not extremely frequent, its usage adds a layer of formality and authority to reporting. When choosing alternatives, consider options like "officially stated" or "explicitly stated" to maintain a similar tone. While Ludwig AI confirms it's perfectly usable, ensure it aligns with your writing's tone and context to prevent sounding overly stilted in casual communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

officially stated

Emphasizes the official nature of the announcement or declaration.

explicitly stated

Highlights the clarity and directness of the statement.

formally declared

Similar to "formally said", but with a stronger emphasis on a formal declaration.

officially announced

Focuses on the act of making something known publicly and officially.

publicly stated

Highlights that the statement was made in a public forum.

expressly mentioned

Emphasizes that the information was specifically and clearly mentioned.

indicated formally

Focuses on a formal indication or signaling of something.

confirmed officially

Stresses that the information has been verified and validated by an official source.

asserted formally

Highlights a formal assertion or declaration of a fact or belief.

stipulated formally

Emphasizes that the information was formally stipulated or required as part of an agreement.

FAQs

What does "formally said" mean?

The phrase "formally said" means to state something in an official or explicit manner, often in a public or documented setting.

What can I use instead of "formally said"?

You can use alternatives like "officially stated", "explicitly stated", or "formally declared" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "formally said" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "formally said" is best suited for formal writing or speech. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "said" or "mentioned" are usually more appropriate.

How does "formally said" differ from simply "said"?

"Formally said" implies a level of officiality or explicitness that the verb "said" alone does not convey. It suggests that the statement was made in a formal setting or with official authority.