is very formal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very formal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the tone or style of a piece of writing, speech, or communication that adheres to conventional standards of formality. Example: "The language used in the report is very formal, making it suitable for a professional audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The act of shooting is very formal.

The Washington Post

Furthermore, 'American date culture is very formal, unlike our own, which is odd'.

Independent

Oddly, in this crumply ensemble, his striped, white-collared shirt is very formal and perfectly pressed.

The Times

Its core is very formal: 12 dancers track Stravinsky's music in simple circles and daisy chains.

The Guardian

Family and friends call Hlatshwayo "Tendi". "Rutendo is very formal," she explains.

Cornell University

"In my experience, the vast majority of students believe that LinkedIn is very formal and something you need [after] you get a job.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"You have to understand that Fiat, before he joined the company, was very formal," he said, and Mr. Marchionne wanted to "break the formality," by replacing solid office doors with glass ones, for instance, and declining to dress up.

The New York Times

Some people are very formal.

The New York Times

Discovered letters to be very formal.

The New Yorker

"It was very formal," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Our former queen was very formal.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting or event, use "is very formal" to indicate adherence to established customs and etiquette. This clarifies expectations and helps set the tone for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is very formal" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify how something is formal, such as the dress code, the language used, or the structure followed. This adds clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very formal" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to characterize something that strictly adheres to established conventions, rules, or etiquette. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing various contexts, such as events, documents, or personal styles.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very formal" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that adheres strictly to established conventions and rules. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context and specify how something is formal to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "is highly formal" or "is quite formal" can be used to fine-tune the degree of formality conveyed. By understanding its usage patterns and potential pitfalls, writers can effectively employ "is very formal" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is highly formal

Emphasizes a greater degree of formality compared to "is very formal".

is quite formal

Indicates a slightly lesser degree of formality than "is very formal".

is extremely formal

Highlights an even stronger sense of formality.

is exceptionally formal

Implies a rare or unusual level of formality.

is rigidly formal

Suggests an unyielding adherence to formal conventions.

is strictly formal

Indicates a firm and unwavering adherence to formal rules.

is conventionally formal

Highlights adherence to established formal customs.

is traditionally formal

Emphasizes the long-standing nature of the formality.

is officially formal

Denotes formality recognized or mandated by an authority.

is ceremoniously formal

Implies formality due to a specific rite or procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "is very formal" in a sentence?

You can use "is very formal" to describe a situation, event, or style that adheres strictly to traditional rules and etiquette. For example, "The wedding ceremony "is very formal", requiring all guests to wear tuxedos and gowns."

What are some alternatives to "is very formal"?

Alternatives to "is very formal" include "is highly formal", "is quite formal", or "is extremely formal", depending on the degree of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is very formal" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "is very formal" when you want to emphasize the strict adherence to conventions and rules in a particular context, whether it be an event, document, or social interaction.

What's the difference between "is very formal" and "is somewhat formal"?

"Is very formal" implies a high degree of adherence to traditional rules and etiquette, while "is somewhat formal" suggests a lesser degree of formality, allowing for some flexibility and deviation from strict conventions.