In several national traditions, the title is reserved for government members of cabinet rank, often a formal distinction within it, or even its chief.

Through most of this paper we make no formal distinction between the text of a program and its value (semantics).

In Nigeria, there is no formal distinction between barristers and solicitors.

The key formal distinction, however, is the different rights with regard to the courts in which they may appear.

There is also a formal distinction between the divine attributes and the powers of the soul.

There is however no longer a formal distinction between an inn and other kinds of establishment.

There was no formal distinction between the two in Mesoamerica.

This principle was later developed by Scotus into the formal distinction.

Individuation is distinguished from a nature by means of a formal distinction on the side of the thing.

There is no formal botanical distinction between plantains and bananas.