be formed of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be formed of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the composition or material of an object or substance. Example: "The sculpture is formed of recycled materials, showcasing the artist's commitment to sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The mainstream (i.e. broadcast) media is supposed to be formed of such human beings.

TechCrunch

Parts appear to be formed of lava, like the lunar maria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When such nuclei are rare, clouds tend to be formed of relatively few, large droplets.

The Economist

This would be formed of £7m for GO, £4m for Ukip and anther £700,000 for the Leave.EU group.

The Guardian

At the fly end of each flag a Southern Cross was to be formed of white stars added above and below the horizontal arm of the cross.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With these descriptions and the monuments that still remain, some picture may be formed of the work undertaken by the maritime civil engineers of ancient times.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Both are forms of escapism.

The New York Times - Books

Both were forms of lying.

The Guardian - Books

The arts are forms of communication.

SEP

Monks must be some form of lawful.

WikiHow

Druids must be some form of neutral.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be formed of" to emphasize the components or elements that constitute a whole. This phrase works well when you want to highlight the ingredients, parts, or constituents of something.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "be formed of" in very casual settings can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "made of" or "comprises" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be formed of" functions as a linking verb followed by a prepositional phrase. It connects a subject to a description of its composition or constitution. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, such as describing the components of clouds or the structure of organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be formed of" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe the composition of something. Ludwig analysis shows it's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. While the phrase is correct and usable, opting for more common alternatives like "consist of" or "comprise" might be preferable in informal settings. Remember to use "be formed of" when you want to explicitly highlight the components that make up a whole, and avoid overuse in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and widespread applicability of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consist of

This alternative is more direct and commonly used, offering a slightly less formal tone.

comprise

This is a more formal and concise way of saying "be formed of".

be composed of

This alternative is very similar in meaning but puts a slightly greater emphasis on the act of composing or creating the whole.

be made up of

This option is more informal and emphasizes the individual components that constitute the whole.

be constructed from

This phrase emphasizes the building or assembly process using specific materials.

be created from

This suggests a transformation or origin from specific components.

be built from

Similar to 'be constructed from', this option highlights the structural aspect and assembly.

be derived from

This implies an origin or source material from which something is obtained.

be constituted of

A more formal and technical synonym, suitable for academic or legal contexts.

include

This alternative suggests that the listed elements are parts of a larger whole, not necessarily the entirety.

FAQs

What does "be formed of" mean?

The phrase "be formed of" means to consist of specific components or elements. It's used to describe what constitutes a particular object, substance, or group.

Is it better to use "be formed of" or "consist of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "consist of" is generally more common and less formal. "Be formed of" can add a slightly more formal tone.

What are some alternatives to "be formed of"?

You can use alternatives like "comprise", "be composed of", or "be made up of" depending on the context.

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

You can use "be formed of" to describe the materials an object is made from, or the elements that make up a group. For example, "The sculpture is formed of recycled materials" or "The committee will be formed of representatives from each department."