formulaic expressions

USAGE SUMMARY

"formulaic expressions" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when discussing phrases or statements that are commonly used and have a fixed structure or formula. For example, "In business writing, it is important to avoid using too many formulaic expressions, as they can make the writing appear unoriginal and lacking in creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Literature

Linguistics

Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Aside from repetition of entire episodes, folk literature of all kinds is filled with formulaic expressions.

Britannica

Whether composed orally or written down, the stories are meant to be recited, and they employ many of the formulaic expressions of oral tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Knowing the essentials of a number of traditional stories, and armed with a stock of ready-made formulaic expressions to describe common occurrences such as meetings, partings, passages of time, and victories or defeats, the oral bard improvises a tale.

Britannica

Formulaic expressions of sympathy aside, there is little sense that the European Union as a whole finds it intolerable that hundreds of thousands of Greeks are living without electricity or that millions have no access to public health care.

The Guardian - Opinion

Especially common are noun and epithet combinations such as "the dark earth," "the broad sky," "the bronze-corsleted Achaeans," "swift-footed Achilles," or "white-armed Hera". Besides epithets, other formulaic expressions include "answered and addressed him" or "pondered in his heart and mind". There is formulaic action, too: repeated scenes and motifs.

Columbia University

Though he acknowledges, as he told me in an e-mail, that "high-priority chunks need to be taught," he worries that "the 'new toy' effect can mean that formulaic expressions get more attention than they deserve, and other aspects of language — ordinary vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and skills — get sidelined".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

They use the common devices of oral literature such as repetition and enumeration and formulaic expression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With the formulaic expression "the same again," he ties his meaning to the context of prior turns (the trip to Mexico), in this way conveying meaning over and above that contained within the formulaic phrase.

Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics

He achieves this extended telling by using verbal resources such as nouns, numbers, a formulaic expression, and words like "but" to mark continuation and contrast, and "no" to negate an event (here, his stroke) and thus indicate a time before it occurred.

Clinical Linguistics and Phonetics

In New York Theater Ballet's small-scale production on Sunday, both Philip King (in the double role of Drosselmeyer's Nephew and the Nutcracker Prince) and Steven Melendez (in the double role of Doctor Stahlbaum and the Sugar Plum cavalier) were exemplars of the way good manners and classical grace can turn seemingly formulaic roles into expressions of humanity at its most touchingly chivalrous.

The New York Times - Arts

Not cliches, but formulaic language that enables quick expression of thought and allows more time for immediate expression of more vital information".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing texts, be specific about which "formulaic expressions" are used and their potential impact on the overall meaning or effect.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "formulaic expressions" in creative writing, as this can make your work sound unoriginal and predictable. Balance their use with more unique and descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulaic expressions" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It identifies specific instances of standardized or conventional language patterns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formulaic expressions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe standardized language patterns. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and prevalence across various contexts. While frequently found in academic and analytical discussions, it's important to be mindful of their impact on originality in creative writing. Alternatives such as "stock phrases" or "set phrases" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. By understanding the function and purpose of "formulaic expressions", writers can effectively analyze and utilize them while maintaining a balance between clarity and creativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stock phrases

Focuses on the common and readily available nature of the expressions.

set phrases

Underlines the fixed and predetermined nature of the expressions.

standardized expressions

Stresses the uniform and consistent use of the expressions.

conventional phrases

Emphasizes the adherence to established norms and practices in language use.

routine expressions

Highlights the habitual and predictable use of the expressions.

clichéd expressions

Highlights the overused and sometimes unoriginal quality of the expressions.

stereotypical phrases

Focuses on the predictable and oversimplified nature of the expressions.

prefabricated phrases

Suggests that the phrases are ready-made and not original.

canned phrases

Similar to prefabricated, this emphasizes the lack of freshness and originality.

boilerplate phrases

Implies a lack of originality.

FAQs

How can I avoid using too many "formulaic expressions" in my writing?

To avoid overuse, focus on expressing your ideas in your own words and try to find fresh and original ways to convey your message. Consider using "stock phrases" or "conventional phrases" only when necessary for clarity or emphasis.

What's the difference between "formulaic expressions" and clichés?

"Formulaic expressions" are simply standardized phrases, while clichés are overused expressions that have lost their impact. While all clichés might start as "formulaic expressions", not all "formulaic expressions" are clichés. Strive to use original language instead of both "clichéd expressions" and overused formulas.

In what contexts are "formulaic expressions" most appropriate?

"Formulaic expressions" are often appropriate in formal or technical writing where clarity and precision are prioritized over originality. They are also common in oral traditions and ritualistic language. You might want to use instead more descriptive language.

What are some examples of "formulaic expressions" in everyday language?

Examples include greetings like "How do you do?", polite phrases like "Thank you very much", and common sayings like "Time will tell". Recognizing these patterns can help you identify and analyze "formulaic expressions" in different contexts. Other examples are "set phrases" and "stereotypical phrases".