official

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "official" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is authorized, formal, or recognized by an authority. Example: "The official statement from the company clarified their position on the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the Global Times is an offshoot of the Chinese Communist party's official newspaper, the People's Daily, we can assume its blunt diagnosis reflects the governmental view.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's official!

The New York Times

The official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, said photographs from North Korea showing a rocket launched from the sea appeared to be authentic.

The Guardian

However, a South Korean defence official said separately that North Korea could develop a fully operational submarine with ballistic missiles within two or three years.

The Guardian

North Korea's recent test-firing of a ballistic missile from a submarine was "very serious and concerning", South Korea said on Monday, with one defence official suggesting Pyongyang could have a fully operational platform in two or three years.

The Guardian

Pyongyang's official KCNA news agency said on Saturday North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, oversaw the test-launch of the missile from an offshore location.

The Guardian

English is the official language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whelan has the official backing of Fifa in his fight for freedom.

The Guardian - Sport

Emmerich happened also to be a former Treasury and Downing Street official and could "speak Kingman's language".

The Guardian

In a highly critical report on Monday, marking the first anniversary of the official outbreak in west Africa, the charity said the governments of Guinea and Sierra Leone obstructed the early response and contributed to the loss of life.

The Guardian

This article has been amended to make clear that the MSF report marks the first anniversary of the date of the official outbreak of Ebola in west Africa.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "official", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and scope of the authority being referenced. For example, specify "official statement from the company" rather than just "official statement".

Common error

Avoid using "official" when the authority is unclear or lacks widespread recognition. Claiming something is "official" without proper backing can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The word "official" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something is authorized, recognized, or derived from a position of authority. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "official" is frequently used as both an adjective and a noun to denote authority, legitimacy, and formality. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it appears most often in news and media contexts, signaling information that is sanctioned or recognized by a governing body. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, clarity in its usage is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Understanding the scope of authority and choosing contextually appropriate alternatives can enhance precision and credibility. The high frequency and authoritative sourcing underscore its importance in conveying accurate and trustworthy information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized

Implies endorsement or permission by an authority.

approved

Emphasizes formal acceptance or agreement.

certified

Suggests a formal verification of accuracy or quality.

validated

Indicates confirmation or support for something's correctness.

recognized

Highlights formal acknowledgment or acceptance.

sanctioned

Suggests formal approval or authorization, often with a moral or legal dimension.

formal

Indicates adherence to established customs or rules.

state-approved

Refers to something approved or sanctioned by a government entity.

government-endorsed

Highlights backing or support from a governmental body.

licenced

Implies that something has been granted legal permission.

FAQs

How can I use "official" in a sentence?

You can use "official" to describe something authorized or recognized by an authority. For example, "This is the "official policy" of the company", or "The "official language" of Anguilla is English."

What's the difference between "official" and "formal"?

"Official" implies authorization or recognition by a specific authority, while "formal" refers to adherence to established customs or rules. An "official document" might also be a formal document, but not every formal event needs to be official.

What can I say instead of "official"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "authorized", "approved", or "validated".

When is it appropriate to use "official"?

Use "official" when referencing something that has been formally recognized, sanctioned, or authorized by a governing body or recognized authority. This includes "official statements", "official records", and "official appointments".