It's not just a formality. It's also a matter of courtesy.

这不只是形式，这也是礼貌上该做的事。

youdao

Writing powerful thank-you letters is not just a formality.

书写有力度的感谢信并不仅仅是一种形式。

youdao

You said my coming here was just a formality to sign the contract.

你说我这次只是来签个约而已。

youdao

Any action would need to be approved by Algeria, "which is more than just a formality, " the official said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

For most people, especially those of us who followed the case closely, the high court hearing was supposed to be just a formality -- they would confirm the acquittal and we could all go home and put the case to rest.

CNN: Analysis: Amanda Knox case is complicated, confusing mess

Following unanimous approval by city council, the only remaining impediment between the City of Brotherly Love and ubiquitous wireless Internet access is a signature from Mayor John Street that, given his stance on the project, seems to be just a formality.

ENGADGET: City Council unanimously approves Philly WiFi