in formal settings

USAGE SUMMARY

"in formal settings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to describe a place, event, or situation where formal language and behavior are expected; for example, "At work, it is important to remember that in formal settings, the way you dress and carry yourself can make a difference in how people perceive you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Previous studies argue that in informal learning, where learners set their own goals, intrinsic motivation is often higher than in formal settings where goals are pre-set (Jones, Scanlon, & Clough, 2013).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

An additional dimension is the shift from a traditional binary or multipolar set of interactions among discrete government actors in formal settings towards a more dynamic "networked" approach to engagement, aided by instant communication capabilities and newly developed social media platforms and tools.

Global health, science and practice

A man who is at his most uncomfortable with formal addresses in formal settings was called on to give one that he knew would set the tone of his first term.

The New York Times

Peña Nieto is a fluent English speaker but switches to Spanish in formal settings.

The Washington Post

Certain rules of grammar and standard vocabulary are expected in formal settings like the workplace.

The Economist

His style, using richly dressed figures in formal settings, deeply influenced later developments in Persian painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

As humans we engage in this more or less continuously both in our everyday lives and in more formal settings.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Especially in rally speeches (but also in more formal settings), Obama uses memorable slogans – such as "Yes, we can" and "Pass this bill" – that recall the social movements of the 1960s.

The Guardian - Opinion

Glimpses of Justice Thomas in less formal settings are rare.

The New York Times

Mr. Lee said that in more formal settings, such as meetings, he usually addresses his mother as "Lucille".

The New York Times

Much of the Baroque chamber repertory now performed in more formal settings was created under exactly those circumstances.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for an international audience, be mindful that perceptions of "formal" can vary across cultures. Provide specific examples or clarify expectations to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex vocabulary or convoluted sentence structures when aiming for formality. Clear and precise language is more effective than attempting to sound sophisticated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in formal settings" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the location or context of an action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase describes where certain behaviors or language conventions are expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in formal settings" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe environments that require adherence to specific standards of behavior or communication. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for describing situations where formality is expected. As seen across many Ludwig examples, this phrase is used in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While the phrase is versatile, consider its formality level and the specific nuance you wish to convey; alternatives like "in professional contexts" or "on formal occasions" might be more appropriate depending on the situation. Finally, remember that clarity and precision are more important than using overly complex language to achieve formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in official environments

Focuses on the official aspect of the setting, implying a structured and regulated environment.

in professional contexts

Highlights the professional nature of the situation, emphasizing workplace or career-related scenarios.

in structured environments

Emphasizes the organized and planned nature of the settings.

on formal occasions

Refers to specific events or instances that are formal in nature.

under formal circumstances

Highlights the formality of the conditions or situations.

in conventional situations

Emphasizes adherence to established norms and customs.

in academic environments

Specifically relates to educational or scholarly settings.

in regulated environments

Implies control and guidelines within the specified places.

at formal gatherings

Refers to events where people come together in a formal manner.

within formal parameters

Indicates actions or discussions that occur within defined formal boundaries or guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "in formal settings" to describe where specific behaviors, language, or attire are expected. For example, "Certain rules of grammar are expected "in formal settings" like the workplace."

What are some alternatives to saying "in formal settings"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in professional contexts", "on formal occasions", or "in official environments".

Is it always necessary to use formal language "in formal settings"?

While formal language is generally expected "in formal settings", the degree of formality can vary. Consider your audience and the specific context to determine the appropriate level of formality.

What's the difference between "in formal settings" and "in informal settings"?

"In formal settings" refers to environments where specific rules, procedures, and etiquette are expected, such as workplaces or official events. "In informal settings", on the other hand, describes more relaxed and casual environments where these expectations are less strict.