be formed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be formed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of creation or composition of something by a specific agent or factor. Example: "The sculpture will be formed by a combination of clay and metal."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This compound was shown to be formed by a series of bond-forming steps and bond shifts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Initially, the generated transporter can be formed by a dark soliton.

Nano Communication Networks

The archbishop of Santiago de Compostela, Julián Barrio, said that marriage should be "formed by a man and a woman".

The New York Times

In such systems the cabinet may be formed by a coalition of two or more parties, or it may be formed by a party that lacks a majority in the parliament.

Britannica

Self-sorted gels can be formed by a slow decrease in pH, which leads to sequential assembly.

Nature

It is shown that methyl formate can indeed be formed by a reaction between formaldehyde and methoxyl.

Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical

Here the authors show that both of these classes of molecules can be formed by a divergent synthesis from a common prebiotic precursor.

Nature

Niobium hydride powders could be formed by a mechanochemical reaction at room temperature and at 1 atm.

Catalysis Today

Vermiculite can be formed by a prolonged reaction in which the potassium of mica is exchanged with any hydrated alkali or alkaline earth cation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The government will be formed by a civilian president chosen by the upper and lower houses following the nomination of three people.

The New York Times

Hydrogels might be formed by a simple reaction between one or more monomers or by association bonds such as hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, among others.

Natural-Based Polymers for Biomedical Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be formed by a", ensure that the agent or factor causing the formation is clearly identified to provide context and clarity for the reader. For instance, instead of saying "The canyon was formed by a process", specify "The canyon was formed by a glacial erosion process".

Common error

Avoid using "be formed by a" excessively in a single piece of writing. Over-reliance on passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Consider rephrasing sentences to use active voice where appropriate, such as "Glacial erosion formed the canyon" instead of "The canyon was formed by glacial erosion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be formed by a" primarily functions as part of the passive voice construction, indicating that something is the recipient of an action leading to its formation. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be formed by a" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction across diverse fields. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and reliable way to express how something is created, composed, or shaped by specific elements or processes. While it's suitable for neutral and formal contexts, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives where appropriate. Common contexts include science, news and media, and encyclopedias. The phrase's purpose is to describe the process of formation, providing context and clarity to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be created by a

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

be constituted by a

Substitutes "formed" with "constituted", emphasizing the elements that make up something.

be composed of a

Uses "composed of" instead of "formed by", highlighting the components that comprise something.

be made up of a

Replaces "formed by" with "made up of", indicating the elements from which something is constructed.

be generated by a

Emphasizes the origin or source of something, using "generated" instead of "formed".

be produced by a

Focuses on the process that brings something into existence, using "produced" instead of "formed".

be developed from a

Highlights the evolution or growth of something from a starting point.

be constructed from a

Emphasizes the building or assembly process, using "constructed" instead of "formed".

be shaped by a

Focuses on the influence or forces that mold something into its final form.

be derived from a

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

FAQs

How can I use "be formed by a" in a sentence?

The phrase "be formed by a" is used to describe the process by which something is created or shaped. For example, "The mountain range was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions" or "The government will be formed by a coalition of several parties".

What are some alternatives to using "be formed by a"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be created by a", "be constituted by a", or "be composed of a".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be formed by a"?

While "be formed by a" is grammatically correct, it's in the passive voice. Using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The river delta was formed by a river", consider "The river formed the delta".

Which is more precise: "be formed by a" or "be created by a"?

Both phrases are similar, but "be formed by a" often implies a process of shaping or gradual development, while "be created by a" suggests a more direct act of bringing something into existence. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.