1.   As a mere formality, Minton, like others, was then reappointed on to the staff.

2.   They were never intended to be observed out of mere formality and empty ritual.

3.   Though I have tried to take his place, it is mere formality.

4.   With the Cold War almost over, the talks were a mere formality.

5.   Votes were a mere formality, a gesture towards Party democracy.

6.   The statistics for this question are a mere formality and have therefore been omitted from the report.

7.   Although a second vote, after a public hearing, is needed to formally rescind the ban, this is considered a mere formality.

8.   Border crossings between Egypt, the Gaza Strip and Israel would be mere formalities, of course.