officially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "officially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is done in a formal or authorized manner. Example: "The new policy will officially take effect on January 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By worrying coincidence, the day that we've arrived in Grenada is officially the start of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

The Guardian - Travel

Paul showed no indication that his position had changed since last week's extended floor speech – not officially a filibuster – and that he would do whatever it took to block the Patriot Act's renewal.

The Guardian

More than two-and-a-half centuries on it has grown into a small, thriving, officially bilingual city, currently bracing itself for another fierce battle between French and English invaders.

The Guardian - Sport

A representative for Uber said the company had not been officially notified of any ban in Delhi.

The Guardian

The lack of a convincing answer has left the generals vulnerable to even deeper cuts than those due to be officially announced on Thursday.

The Guardian

For the second year in a row, tourists have been permitted to line up in the race, officially known as the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon – after Kim il-Sung's birthplace, against professional athletes from North Korea.

The Guardian

They were officially freed to speak in 1975, but few did.

The Guardian

Officially, Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood claimed they opposed FGM, but prominent members and allies of the group expressed support for it.

The Guardian

Cuba will be officially removed from the terrorism list 45 days after the president's message was sent to Congress.

The Guardian

Australia's sole Olympic triathlon champion Emma Snowsill has officially called time on her storied career.

The Guardian - Sport

According to the country's electoral commission, a deadline for parties to submit their lists of candidates must be set around 40 days after parliament is officially dissolved and elections are held 43 days after the registration deadline.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "officially" to clearly indicate that an action, announcement, or status change has been formally recognized or sanctioned by an authority. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "officially" in casual conversation or informal writing where a less formal term like "really" or "actually" would be more appropriate. Using "officially" in these contexts can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "officially" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that an action is performed or a state is recognized in a formal or authorized manner. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this adverb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "officially" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to denote actions, announcements, or statuses that are formally recognized or authorized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to add legitimacy and clarity, often appearing in news, formal business communications, and scientific reports. While "officially" is versatile, it’s best reserved for scenarios where formality is key; alternatives like "formally" or "in an official capacity" may suit particular nuances. By understanding its function and appropriate register, writers can effectively employ "officially" to enhance the precision and credibility of their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formally

Indicates adherence to established procedures or customs, similar to "officially" but may emphasize procedure over authorization.

in an official capacity

Highlights the role or position from which an action is taken, specifying it is done as part of one's duty.

by authority

Emphasizes that something is done with the permission or power granted by a higher entity.

on the record

Indicates that a statement or action is public and documented, usually in a formal setting.

publicly

Focuses on the open and accessible nature of an announcement or event, differing from "officially" in that it does not necessarily imply authorization.

in accordance with regulations

Highlights the adherence to established rules and guidelines, making it suitable in formal contexts.

under seal

Refers to something authorized and protected, often implying confidentiality until a specific time.

with due authorization

Emphasizes that an action is permitted and sanctioned by the appropriate authority.

as per protocol

Indicates adherence to established procedures and etiquette, suitable for formal situations.

under the auspices of

Highlights sponsorship or endorsement by an organization or individual.

FAQs

How can I use "officially" in a sentence?

Use "officially" to indicate that something is done in a formal or authorized manner. For example: "The new policy will "officially" take effect on January 1st."

What can I say instead of "officially"?

You can use alternatives like "formally" or "in an official capacity" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "officially" in informal contexts?

While grammatically correct, using "officially" in informal contexts may sound overly formal. Consider using alternatives like "really" or "actually" for a more natural tone.

What's the difference between "officially" and "formally"?

"Officially" implies authorization or recognition by an authority, while "formally" suggests adherence to established procedures or customs. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the authority or the procedure.