a form of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a form of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a way to refer to something that is an example or variation of a thing, or an instance of a class of things. Example sentence: Sailing is a form of transportation that has been around for centuries.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A form of connecting.

The New York Times

That's a form of coercion.

The New Yorker

Possibly, a form of criticism.

The New Yorker

It's a form of acceptance".

The New York Times

It's a form of patriotism.

The New York Times

"It's a form of communicating".

The New Yorker

"It's a form of violence".

Independent

"It's a form of elitism.

The New York Times

A form of mental cruelty.

The New York Times - Science

It's a form of warfare.

The New York Times

It was a form of manipulation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a form of" when classifying something as belonging to a broader category or when specifying a particular instance of a general concept. For example, "Meditation is a form of relaxation."

Common error

Avoid using "a form of" when a more direct and concise definition is possible. Instead of saying "X is a form of Y that...", consider saying "X is a Y that...". This makes your writing more efficient and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a form of" functions as a classifier or categorizer, placing a specific instance or concept within a broader group. It indicates that something belongs to a particular type or category, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a form of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that serves to classify and categorize concepts or instances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedia sources, indicating its broad applicability. When using "a form of", ensure it adds value by providing meaningful classification rather than simply stating the obvious. Alternatives like "a type of" or "an example of" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific context. Remember, as always, clarity and conciseness are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a type of

Replaces 'form' with 'type', emphasizing categorization.

a kind of

Similar to 'type', it highlights the variety or sort of something.

an example of

Focuses on illustrating an instance of something.

a method of

Suggests a particular way of doing something.

a means of

Implies a tool or way to achieve a specific outcome.

a way of

A more general alternative referring to a manner or style.

a system of

Implies a structured set of methods or principles.

a process of

Highlights a series of actions or steps taken to achieve something.

an aspect of

Focuses on a particular feature or part of something.

a manifestation of

Emphasizes the appearance or demonstration of something abstract.

FAQs

How can I use "a form of" in a sentence?

Use "a form of" to categorize or classify something as belonging to a larger group or type. For instance, "Running is "a form of exercise"" or "Poetry is "a form of art"".

What are some alternatives to "a form of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a type of", "a kind of", "an example of", or "a method of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "a form of" when defining something?

No, it's not always necessary. Sometimes a more direct definition without "a form of" can be clearer and more concise. For example, instead of "X is a form of Y that...", you could simply say "X is Y that...".

What's the difference between "a form of" and "a type of"?

While both phrases are similar, "a type of" often implies a more specific subgroup within a larger category, whereas "a form of" is more general. For instance, "a Siamese is "a type of cat"" is more specific than "walking is "a form of exercise"".