mere formality

Frequency: 6.88.5 per million words

Used to describe an action that is done only to follow rules, but the outcome is already certain.

formalityADJECTIVE + NOUN

Categories:

mere

Examples (10)

  • Your acceptance into the club will be a mere formality.
  • The final interview turned out to be a mere formality.
  • For seasoned travelers, customs at that small airport is a mere formality.
  • With unanimous support, her confirmation was a mere formality.
  • Once the paperwork is filed, the approval is usually a mere formality.
  • He breezed through the exam; the oral defense was a mere formality.
  • By then, signing the contract had become a mere formality.
  • Provided the budget is passed, the vote tomorrow should be a mere formality.
  • To the reigning champion, the quarterfinal felt like a mere formality.
  • Is the background check a mere formality, or could it still derail the offer?