No, that wording isn’t idiomatic in formal English; use “Is this correct?” or “Is this phrasing acceptable?”
You’re trying to ask for confirmation in a high-register context, but the phrasing in the title sounds off. The fix is simple: pick a clear subject, use the right determiner (this or that), and add a noun that names what you’re checking—sentence, phrasing, figure, or policy. Small tweaks make the question sound natural in email, academic writing, or any professional note.
What The Question Tries To Say
The intent is “Is this language suitable for a formal setting?” Native-like versions keep the grammar tight and the request specific. Here are options you can plug in without fuss:
- “Is this correct?”
- “Is this phrasing acceptable?”
- “Is this wording appropriate for a formal message?”
- “Does this sentence read correctly?”
- “Would this be suitable for a formal email?”
Each line names what’s being checked (phrasing, wording, sentence) and matches a formal register.
Is This Wording Correct In Formal Writing?
Yes. The structure “Is this/that + noun + complement?” works well. Keep the question short. Add context right after it, so the reader knows what to evaluate. One or two lines of background is enough.
| Situation | Natural Question | Tone Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business email | “Is this phrasing acceptable for the client note?” | Direct, polite, clear scope |
| Report or memo | “Does this sentence read correctly in the methods section?” | Names the section; easy to review |
| Academic writing | “Is this wording appropriate for the abstract?” | Matches formal register |
| Technical doc | “Is this statement accurate for the release notes?” | Checks correctness and scope |
| Chat with a manager | “Is this sentence okay for the update?” | Short and respectful |
| Customer reply | “Would this be suitable for a formal response?” | Softer modality; safe tone |
When To Use This Or That
This points to text you just wrote or pasted. That points to something slightly farther away in the thread or to a prior version. In most quick checks, this feels natural because you’re referencing the line right under the cursor. If you’re referring back to a quoted sentence or an earlier draft, that fits.
Pair the determiner with a noun: this sentence, this note, that wording. Leaving the noun out can sound vague in formal settings.
How Formal Register Shapes The Question
Register is the level of formality you choose for a context. In formal settings, writers favor precise nouns, plain verbs, and clear structure. For a quick primer, see guidance on formal and informal language and a short overview of levels of formality. Those two pages show how context drives word choice and tone.
Polite Alternatives For Email And Chat
Sometimes you want more than a bare “Is this correct?” Here are options that keep the tone crisp without sounding stiff:
- “Could you confirm whether this sentence works?”
- “Would you mind checking if this note reads clearly?”
- “I’m planning to send this to the client—does the wording fit a formal tone?”
- “I’ve drafted the line below; does it look right to you?”
These lines add a touch of courtesy while still asking a yes/no question.
Punctuation And Articles That Keep It Polished
Question Mark Placement
Place a single ? at the end. Multiple marks undercut formality. Avoid mid-sentence question tags when the goal is a clean, scannable check.
Articles And Determiners
Use this/that with a clear noun. If the noun is countable and singular, an article often helps: “Is this the correct policy reference?”
Comma Use Around Clarifiers
Short clarifiers can follow your question: “Is this sentence correct, or should I rephrase?” Keep extras brief to avoid muddle.
Mini Style Rules That Matter Here
Plain Verbs Beat Heavy Nominals
Use check, confirm, revise, send. Avoid heavy nominal chains like “conduct a verification of the phrasing.”
Active Voice Helps Reviewers
“Please confirm whether this sentence works” sets a clear action. Passive voice can hide who should respond.
Specific Beats Vague
Swap “this” alone for “this sentence” or “this paragraph.” The reader knows exactly what to judge.
Model Lines You Can Paste
Short Checks
- “Is this sentence correct for a formal email?”
- “Does this note read correctly?”
- “Is this phrasing acceptable for the memo?”
Softened Requests
- “Could you confirm whether this wording fits the brief?”
- “Would this be suitable in a formal reply?”
- “Happy to revise—does this version work?”
Context-First Prompts
- “Client update below—does this sentence read correctly?”
- “Abstract draft: is this wording appropriate?”
- “Release notes line: is this accurate?”
Common Pitfalls And What To Say Instead
These slip-ups make messages feel clunky. Swap them for clean, natural lines.
| Problem Line | Better Version | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| “Is that correct formal?” | “Is this wording appropriate for a formal note?” | Fixes word order; adds a noun |
| “Is that correct for formal?” | “Is this correct for a formal email?” | Adds a clear context |
| “Is that ok for formal?” | “Would this be suitable for a formal message?” | Polite modal; precise noun |
| “It correct?” | “Is this correct?” | Restores subject and verb |
| “Is that sentence is correct?” | “Is that sentence correct?” | Removes duplicate verb |
| “This correct?” | “Does this read correctly?” | Uses a full question |
Why The Original Wording Sounds Wrong
The phrase puts an adjective (formal) at the end without a noun that it modifies. In English, adjectives usually sit before a noun (formal letter) or after a linking verb with a clear subject (The letter is formal). In a question, you need a subject and a predicate that fit together cleanly: “Is this sentence correct?” not “Is that correct formal?”
Tone Choices Across Settings
Email To A Client Or Executive
Keep the ask short and focused. One line to request the check. One line to explain the purpose. One line to thank the reader.
Subject: Quick wording check
Could you confirm whether this sentence works for the client note?
I’m sending the update by 3 pm.
Thanks,Peer Review In A Document
Inline comments help. Point to the exact place, ask the question, add a clear decision path.
Comment: Does this phrasing read correctly for the methods section?
If not, I can switch to "We collected..."Academic Or Research Context
Be precise about section and function: abstract, introduction, claim, or citation. Reviewers respond faster when the scope is narrow.
Determinants, Deixis, And Reader Clarity
This and that are pointers. In writing, they need an anchor. Pair them with a noun or with an exact quote. Readers scan fast; a named target saves time.
Micro Rewrites That Upgrade The Line
Swap Vague Fillers
Cut “kind of,” “a bit,” and other hedges. Formal register favors clean cuts.
Pick Straightforward Synonyms
Choose use over heavier choices. Pick help over pompous options. Fancy words don’t equal formality.
Keep Contractions In Check
Contractions are fine in many workplaces. If the audience is very strict, swap them out. Aim for consistency within the message.
Quick Templates With Context
Paste the template, tweak the bracketed parts, and send.
- “Could you confirm whether this sentence works for the [report section]?”
- “Would this be suitable for a formal reply to [name/team]?”
- “Is this phrasing acceptable for the [document type] due [date/time]?”
- “Does this read correctly, or should I switch to [alternative]?”
Reader Signals That Keep Messages Clear
Front-load the ask. Put the line you want checked right under the question. Add a deadline or purpose. Keep the signature tidy. These small moves help reviewers process your request fast.
Takeaways For Formal Requests
- Use this/that with a noun: this sentence, that wording.
- Pick a plain verb: confirm, check, revise.
- Keep the question short; add one line of context.
- Match register to audience. For quick guidance, see the British Council note on formal vs informal English and Purdue OWL on tone and audience.
- Avoid bare adjectives at the end of a question. Anchor them to a noun.