generally formal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generally formal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a style or tone that is typically formal but may have some flexibility or variation. Example: "The report is generally formal, but it includes some conversational elements to engage the reader."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Generally, formal containment explains cause and effect sequences amongst similar causes and effects.

SEP

Lang's relationship with his curates was generally formal.

Wikipedia

More generally, formal uncertainty analysis related to both efficiency and equity measures would be required for any future decision making in this setting.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Generally, formal business correspondence should and often requires a real signature to be included on the document in blue or black ink.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Semi-formal attire can be confusing, since these days it generally means formal.

WikiHow

Younger siblings generally exhibit formal respect to older siblings.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The emerging companies generally do formal and abstract work loaded with video screens.

The New York Times - Arts

The early poems are generally pretty formal, dainty and slightly constrained – though often beautiful.

The Guardian

In Moroccan communities in Israel, there are generally no formal invitations to Mimouna, but everyone comes.

The New York Times - Food

Nevertheless, this technique generally lacks formal semantics and it is unfit for model analysis.

Journal of Systems and Software

The hospital director, Dr. Cienfuegos, said American hospitals generally made formal arrangements with him directly and not with his emergency room.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "generally formal", ensure that the context allows for some level of informality or variation. Avoid using it in situations where strict adherence to formal rules is necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "generally formal" when the situation is unequivocally formal. This phrase implies some flexibility, which would be inappropriate if strict formality is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generally formal" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun to indicate the degree of formality. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a prevailing level of formality with some permissible variation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generally formal" is a useful tool for describing situations that are mostly formal but allow for some flexibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, especially in Science, News & Media and Wiki. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context allows for some informality or variation, and to avoid using it in situations where strict adherence to formal rules is necessary. Alternatives like "mostly formal" or "typically formal" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that "generally formal" softens the rigidity and indicates that a complete compliance to the formality is not requested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly formal

Indicates a state that is formal in the majority of cases, with few exceptions.

typically formal

Highlights the usual or expected formality in a given context.

ordinarily formal

Suggests formality is the normal condition, though other states are possible.

usually formal

Similar to 'typically', this emphasizes that formality is the more frequent occurrence.

largely formal

Indicates the element of formality is present on a large scale.

predominantly formal

Expresses the dominance of formality over other aspects.

commonly formal

Indicates the presence of formality is widespread or frequently seen.

customarily formal

Formal is the thing that is done by custom or habit

conventionally formal

Reflects adherence to traditional or established formalities.

in most cases formal

Expresses the formality, specifically, as something that happens in most situations

FAQs

How can I use "generally formal" in a sentence?

You can use "generally formal" to describe situations or styles that are mostly formal but allow for some flexibility. For example, "The tone of the report is "generally formal", but it includes some personal anecdotes."

What does "generally formal" mean?

"Generally formal" means something is mostly formal but may have some informal elements or exceptions. It suggests a prevailing formality with room for deviation.

Which is correct, "generally formal" or "completely formal"?

The choice depends on the context. "Generally formal" indicates a predominantly formal style with some flexibility, while "completely formal" implies strict and unwavering adherence to formality.

What are some alternatives to "generally formal"?

Alternatives include "mostly formal", "typically formal", or "largely formal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.