are formed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are formed of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the composition or material of something, indicating what it is made from. Example: "The sculptures are formed of recycled materials, showcasing the artist's commitment to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hairstyles are formed of flamelike tufts.

The New York Times

Insect wings are formed of folds of integument.

Britannica

They are formed of nerve cells that give rise to the sensory nerve fibres.

Britannica

These ranges are formed of sand washed ashore and blown inland by the trade winds.

Britannica

The faces of the walls are formed of pilasters framing tall recesses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fish scales are formed of bone from the deeper, or dermal, skin layer.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dales' craggy sides are formed of millstone grit, and beneath them flow streams stepped by waterfalls.

Britannica

The highest peaks are formed of sandstone, the highest point being Galtymore (3,018 feet [920 m]).

Britannica

Geologically, the mountains are formed of light-coloured dolomitic limestone, which erosion has carved into grotesque shapes.

Britannica

The Galapagos Islands are formed of lava piles and dotted with shield volcanoes, many of which are periodically active.

Britannica

Both layers are formed of amorphous polymer films, and these photoreceptors can be made in the form of flexible belts.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are formed of" when you want to emphasize the components or materials that something is created or composed from. For instance, "The mountains are formed of limestone and granite."

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "are formed of" too frequently in casual writing can sound overly formal. Opt for more natural alternatives like "are made of" or "consist of" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are formed of" functions as a copular verb followed by a prepositional phrase. It describes the composition or material that something is made from, indicating its constituent elements. Ludwig AI examples show usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are formed of" effectively communicates the composition or material of an object, structure, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile use across encyclopedias, science, and news media. While highly functional, remember that more informal alternatives like "are made of" exist and might be better suited in casual conversations. It's crucial to consider your audience and context to make the right choice. The examples provided by Ludwig offer a clear demonstration of how to employ "are formed of" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are made of

This is a more common and slightly less formal alternative, focusing on the material composition.

are composed of

Similar to "are formed of" but can suggest a more deliberate or structured arrangement.

consist of

This alternative emphasizes the components or elements that constitute something.

comprise

A more formal synonym indicating the parts that make up a whole.

are constructed from

This emphasizes the building or assembly process using certain materials.

are created from

Focuses on the act of creation or origination using specified components.

are built out of

Similar to "are constructed from", highlighting the materials used in building.

are manufactured from

Specifically refers to items produced through a manufacturing process.

derive from

Indicates the origin or source of the components.

originate from

Highlights the original source or starting point of the components.

FAQs

What does "are formed of" mean?

The phrase "are formed of" indicates the material or components that constitute something, describing what something is made from or composed of.

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

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

Is "are formed of" formal or informal?

"Are formed of" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "are made of" but is suitable for a wide range of writing contexts.

How to use "are formed of" in a sentence?

Use "are formed of" to describe the composition of something. For example, "The islands are formed of volcanic rock and coral reefs."