formulaic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulaic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is characterized by a fixed or conventional form, often lacking originality or creativity. Example: "The movie's plot was so formulaic that I could predict the ending within the first ten minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Westlife's continued popularity and has done little to silence their critics, who have spent over a decade railing against the boyband's safe and formulaic brand of mum-friendly ballads.

The Guardian - Music

Of course programmes are formulaic, and of course ratings are relentlessly pursued, and of course they are regarded as the measure of value when the criteria are set by a senior management that has been recruited from such places as the marketing department of Coca-Cola, a product that has always to be the same.

The Guardian - Opinion

To make something so formulaic is surprising for Amazon, which is getting lots of plaudits for its groundbreaking series Transparent, including a win for best comedy at the Golden Globes.

The Guardian

One of the tricks Silver Linings Playbook uses to cloak its formulaic, arthritic bones is a deceptively fresh angle that attempts to render it relevant to the modern-day consciousness, being that of the scarily destructive nature of mental illness.

The Guardian - Film

Technically part of his Jack Ü project with Diplo, but sure to get an outing, this is Skrilli at his least formulaic and most Timmy Mallett-bonkers.

The Guardian - Music

In the polite, formulaic world of company reporting, this is a warning klaxon.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will not accept a formulaic setting of rents and a formulaic transfer of value because that would be completely against the free market," says Ted Tuppen, Enterprise's boss.

The Economist

He decided to offer online courses because he felt that the Chinese approach to higher education was too formulaic.

The Economist

He has said little about what he will do in office beyond the usual formulaic pledge to fight corruption.

The Economist

At one point we see a very different sort of documentary being filmed in the gallery, with an ostentatious presenter and a formulaic script.

The Economist

State Street and Mellon have been lobbying hard, arguing that the Basel 2 charge for operational risk is too formulaic.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing creative work, use "formulaic" to specifically denote adherence to established patterns, rather than simply implying it's bad. This adds precision to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "formulaic" in casual conversations where simpler words like "predictable" or "conventional" might suffice. The term is best suited for analytical or critical discussions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "formulaic" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that closely follows a set pattern or formula. As Ludwig AI indicates, the term suggests a lack of originality or creativity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "formulaic" describes something that adheres closely to a predetermined pattern, often lacking originality. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It's frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, indicating a common presence in analytical discussions. While "formulaic" can be neutral, it often carries a negative connotation when critiquing creative works. To improve your writing, use it precisely to denote pattern adherence and avoid overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "conventional" or "predictable" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conventional

Emphasizes adherence to established norms and practices, suggesting a lack of deviation.

stereotypical

Highlights the use of oversimplified and often inaccurate generalizations.

predictable

Focuses on the ease with which future events or outcomes can be anticipated.

unoriginal

Directly points out the absence of new or inventive qualities.

hackneyed

Suggests the expression or idea has become trite and stale through overuse.

banal

Highlights the lack of depth or substance, indicating something is commonplace and uninteresting.

trite

Similar to hackneyed, but emphasizes the lack of freshness and originality.

clichéd

Indicates the use of overused and predictable expressions or ideas.

stock

Implies a standardized and readily available nature, lacking individual characteristics.

routine

Focuses on the repetitive and unvarying nature of the process or action.

FAQs

How can I use "formulaic" in a sentence?

You can use "formulaic" to describe something that closely follows a pattern or formula, lacking originality. For example, "The movie's plot was "formulaic" and predictable."

What's the difference between "formulaic" and "conventional"?

"Formulaic" specifically refers to a strict adherence to a formula or pattern, often implying a lack of creativity. "Conventional" simply means conforming to accepted standards or norms.

What can I say instead of "formulaic" to describe something unoriginal?

You can use alternatives like "stereotypical", "predictable", or "unoriginal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "formulaic"?

While "formulaic" often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of originality, it can also be neutral when simply describing something that follows a set pattern or process without judgment.