are formed from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are formed from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the composition or origin of something, indicating what materials or elements make up a particular object or concept. Example: "The sculptures are formed from recycled materials, showcasing the artist's commitment to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Graphics are formed from simple mosaics.

Britannica

Concepts are formed from specific examples.

Stanford University

They are formed from diamines and dianhydrides.

The Effect of Creep and Other Time Related Factors on Plastics and Elastomers

Its window mullions are formed from winged euonymus twigs.

The New York Times - Arts

The walls are formed from slatted wood panels.

The New York Times

How gravitational waves are formed from colliding celestial objects.

The Guardian

All of the soils are formed from volcaniclastic rock.

Nature

Polyurethanes are formed from methylenedianiline via its diisocyanate.

Britannica

Scientists believe that stars are formed from collapsed molecular clouds.

The New York Times - Science

(Many Korean surnames are formed from a single Chinese character).

The Economist

We also know the Ghosts are formed from the remnants of various US special forces outfits.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of abstract concepts or ideas, consider using "are formed from" to emphasize the foundational elements that contribute to the overall understanding. For example: "Philosophical arguments are formed from logical reasoning and empirical evidence."

Common error

Avoid using "formed from" when "formed by" is more appropriate. "Formed from" indicates the materials or components something is made of, while "formed by" indicates the agent or process that creates it. For example, say "The canyon was formed by erosion" not "The canyon was formed from erosion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are formed from" functions as a copular verb construction indicating the composition or constituents of a subject. As shown by Ludwig, it connects a subject with its constituent elements, describing what it is made of.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are formed from" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to describe the composition or origin of something. According to Ludwig, it functions as a copular verb construction, connecting a subject with its constituent elements. It's versatile enough for neutral contexts, appearing frequently in science, news, and encyclopedic sources. When writing, remember that "are formed from" refers to the materials or components of something, unlike "formed by", which indicates the agent or process of creation. Alternatives include "are created from", "are made of", and "are composed of". As Ludwig AI also highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are created from

Replaces "formed" with "created", emphasizing the act of bringing something into existence.

are made of

Focuses on the materials or components used in the construction of something.

are composed of

Emphasizes the elements that constitute something as a whole, suggesting a structured arrangement.

are constructed from

Highlights the process of building or assembling something from various parts.

are derived from

Indicates the origin or source from which something is obtained or developed.

originate from

Focuses on the starting point or beginning of something.

stem from

Suggests that something arises or develops as a consequence of something else.

result from

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship where something is a consequence of something else.

arise out of

Implies that something emerges or comes into existence as a result of something else.

are the product of

Emphasizes that something is the outcome or result of a process or combination of factors.

FAQs

How can I use "are formed from" in a sentence?

Use "are formed from" to indicate the constituent materials or elements of something. For instance, "Mountains are formed from tectonic plate collisions" or "Clouds are formed from water vapor".

What can I say instead of "are formed from"?

You can use alternatives like "are created from", "are made of", or "are composed of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "are formed from" instead of "are formed by"?

The choice depends on the context. "Are formed from" describes the materials something is made of, while "are formed by" describes the process or agent that creates it. For example, "Glass is formed from sand" versus "The valley is formed by glaciers".

What's the difference between "are formed from" and "are derived from"?

"Are formed from" indicates the components or materials that make up something, whereas "are derived from" suggests that something originates or is obtained from a particular source. For example, "Bricks are formed from clay", while "Knowledge is derived from experience".