without formal appointment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without formal appointment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is acting or performing a role without having an official or designated position. Example: "She took on the responsibilities of the project manager without formal appointment, demonstrating her leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sir David was given his job by the prime minister without a formal appointment process, and though an able and formidable character, will be responsible for keeping the NHS within budget and ensuring the delivery of high-quality care.

The Guardian - Opinion

I may not be an ambassador by formal appointment, but perhaps we should all think of ourselves as cycling envoys.

The Guardian

The Commons culture, media and sport select committee, which has released its report after the government's publication in May of the white paper on the BBC, also endorsed the creation of a Scottish Six news programme and questioned the decision to appoint the BBC Trust chair, Rona Fairhead, as head of a new BBC unitary board without a full formal appointment process.

The Guardian

In June 1768 she was given formal appointment as provincial printer.

Britannica

Affiliates do not have any formal appointment at Princeton University.

Princeton University

Aides said he was waiting for his formal appointment as chairman, which is expected this week.

The New York Times

The fact is that there will be no formal appointment at Ballydoyle this year.

Independent

Still others serve as acting supervisors while they await formal appointment as a supervisor.

The New York Times

Those objections were dropped, clearing the way for Augustine's formal appointment.

The Guardian - Film

By 1904, when she received formal appointment as a lay missionary, the school had grown to include a collegiate department.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She replied, "There was no 'effective' end date, because there was never a formal appointment or title after January 20".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without formal appointment" to clearly indicate that someone is performing a role or task without official authorization or designation. This can be useful in describing temporary or unofficial arrangements.

Common error

Avoid using "without formal appointment" when you actually mean someone lacks the necessary skills or qualifications for a role. The phrase specifically addresses the lack of official designation, not competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without formal appointment" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that an action or role is undertaken without official sanction or designation. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "without formal appointment" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe situations where an action or role is carried out without official designation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. While not extremely common, it appears in various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias. Related phrases include "unofficially designated" and "without a formal title", offering alternative ways to express a similar lack of official authorization. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the absence of formal designation and not a lack of skills or qualifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unofficially designated

Highlights the absence of an official designation.

without official assignment

Focuses on the lack of a formal assignment to a role or task.

without a formal title

Emphasizes the lack of an official title or position.

in an unofficial capacity

Indicates acting in a role without formal authority.

without being officially named

Focuses on the absence of a formal naming or appointment process.

without proper authorization

Implies a lack of proper approval or permission.

acting ad hoc

Suggests an action taken without pre-planning or formal structure.

without a formal process

Highlights the absence of a standardized procedure.

informally

Emphasizes the lack of formality in the process.

on an interim basis

Suggests a temporary arrangement without permanent formalization.

FAQs

What does "without formal appointment" mean?

It means someone is carrying out a role or task without having been officially appointed or designated to do so.

How to use "without formal appointment" in a sentence?

Example: "She assumed the responsibilities of the director "without formal appointment", pending the board's decision."

What are some alternatives to "without formal appointment"?

You can use alternatives like "unofficially designated", "without official assignment", or "without a formal title".

Is it better to have a formal appointment than to work "without formal appointment"?

It depends on the context. A formal appointment provides clarity and authority, while working "without formal appointment" can offer flexibility but might lack official backing.