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Meaning & use

formulas

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈfɔː.mjə.ləz/
US/ˈfɔːr.mjə.ləz/

“formulas” is a form of “formula”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. nounplural

    Plural of formula: sets of letters, numbers, or symbols that state a rule or fact.

    Grammar: This is the regular plural; the other plural is 'formulae', common in British scientific writing.

    Patterns

    • a mathematical formula
    • a chemical formula
    • use a formula

    The teacher wrote two formulas on the board for us to memorize.

    These chemical formulas show how the atoms are joined together.

    She checks her formulas carefully before sending the report.

  2. nounplural

    Plural of formula: fixed sets of words or steps used for a particular purpose.

    Grammar: Countable; usually refers to repeated, agreed ways of doing or saying something.

    Patterns

    • a formula for something
    • follow a formula
    • a peace formula

    The two sides are still looking for a peace formula that both can accept.

    His speeches follow the same formula every time.

    There is no simple formula for success in business.

Word forms

singularformula
irregular pluralformulae

Common combinations

mathematical formula
He used a mathematical formula to work out the area.
chemical formula
Water's chemical formula is H2O.
a formula for success
Hard work is no guaranteed formula for success.
follow a formula
The recipe follows a simple formula.
magic formula
There is no magic formula for learning a language quickly.

Synonyms and how they differ

equation
An equation states that two expressions are equal, so it is narrower than a general formula.
rule
A rule is a general instruction or principle, while a formula is often written with symbols.
recipe
Recipe is figurative and informal for a way of achieving something, not for math or science.

Word family

formula noun
The singular form.
formulate verb
To express an idea or plan clearly and carefully.
formulation noun
The act of expressing something carefully, or the result of doing so.
formulaic adjective
Made from fixed, repeated words or patterns, often without original thought.

Commonly confused: formulas or formulae? formulas or formularies?

formulas vs formulae

Formulae is the other plural of formula, preferred in British scientific English; formulas is more common in American English.

formulas vs formularies

A formulary is a list of medicines or set of formulas, so it is a different word with a different plural.

Practice

Which sentence uses the plural correctly?

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