as a form of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a form of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something as an expression or an example of something else. For example, "She wrote a poem as a form of therapy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It acted as a form of welfare.

The Economist

Can't information be seen as a form of property?

The New York Times - Books

"We recognize it as a form of protest," Cmdr.

The New York Times

Like Scott, Moschino saw fashion as a form of protest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some, such as a form of iodine, dissipated quickly.

The Guardian

Osborne sees housing as a form of private savings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Health care is typically classified as a form of consumption.

The New Yorker

Albee never saw his adoption as a form of acceptance.

The New Yorker

Pardes is treated as a form of mystical multiculturalism.

The New York Times - Arts

This is graffiti as a form of veneration".

The Guardian

Rampling, 59, describes this as "a form of racism".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a form of", ensure the noun following "of" clearly defines the category or purpose you are describing. For instance, "dance as a form of expression" is more precise than "dance as a form."

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions by choosing specific nouns. Saying "exercise as a form of self-improvement" is less impactful than "exercise as a form of stress relief."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a form of" functions primarily to categorize or describe something by indicating its purpose, type, or function. It connects a subject with a broader classification, clarifying its role or nature, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a form of" is a versatile tool used to categorize or define something by explaining its purpose, type, or function. It is grammatically sound and very common, especially in news and media contexts, as supported by numerous examples on Ludwig. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, making it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as

Highlights the operational aspect or capability.

acting as

Emphasizes the role or function something performs.

serving as

Highlights the service or utility provided.

used for

Focuses directly on the intended use or application.

by way of

Indicates a means or method of achieving something.

in the capacity of

Stresses the formal role or position.

in the shape of

Focuses on the physical appearance or structure rather than the purpose.

being a type of

Specifies the category or classification.

in the guise of

Suggests a deceptive or misleading appearance.

considered to be

Implies a subjective assessment or viewpoint.

FAQs

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

Use "as a form of" to explain the purpose or category something belongs to. For instance, "She uses painting "as a form of therapy" to cope with stress."

What are some alternatives to "as a form of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "serving as", "acting as", or "being a type of", depending on the context.

Which is more appropriate: "as a form of protest" or "like a form of protest"?

"As a form of protest" is more direct and grammatically sound. "Like a form of protest" implies a comparison rather than a direct categorization.

Is there a more formal way to express "as a form of"?

In formal contexts, you might consider phrases such as "in the capacity of" or "functioning as" to convey a similar meaning with greater formality.