be given form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be given form' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when describing an idea being developed or developed further, either conceptually or in some physical manifestation. For example, "The seeds of the business plan had been planted, but it needed to be given form."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The world for this self is an object to be defined and to be given form.

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

In the end, I'm the vessel for whatever wants to be given form".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I would be given forms to fill in [and] it didn't feel like [doctors] were really listening.

The Guardian

Rather than getting visas in their passports, the athletes will be given forms that they will show to immigration officials to enter the country.

The New York Times - Sports

The solid dissolves and space is given form.

The Guardian - Arts

The phantom had been given form, something I could rail against and, finally, accept.

The New York Times

Born and raised in the political hotbed of Basque country, Mendizabal tackles how ideology is given form.

The Guardian - Arts

The outline of our boat, the meaning of our every utterance, is given form by nouns and verbs.

The New York Times

What has emerged, in the careful wording of the announcement, is an "idea" by Mr. Libeskind that has been "given form" by Mr. Childs.

The New York Times

The narrative has to find a way around it, like water has to flow around an obstacle, and the result is that the whole enterprise is given form.

The Guardian - Books

Rather than describe the resulting design as a collaboration, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation called it an "idea" by Mr. Libeskind that was "given form" by Mr. Childs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be given form" when you want to emphasize the process of something abstract becoming concrete or tangible. For instance, use it to describe how an idea becomes a business plan or how a concept is turned into a piece of art.

Common error

Avoid using "be given form" in highly formal or technical documents where a more direct verb like "created" or "developed" would be clearer and more concise. The phrase can sometimes sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given form" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is receiving a particular shape or structure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It typically implies a process where an abstract idea or concept is being made concrete or tangible.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be given form" is a passive verb phrase used to describe the process of something abstract or formless being shaped or developed into a concrete or understandable state. While grammatically correct, its frequency is rare. It is used in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. For alternative phrasing, consider options like ""take shape"" or "be realized" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid overuse in overly formal contexts where more direct verbs may be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take shape

This alternative emphasizes the gradual development of something into a recognizable form.

be brought into existence

This option focuses on the act of something being created or coming into being.

be realized

This suggests that something abstract is becoming concrete or tangible.

be materialized

This highlights the transformation of something into a physical form.

be actualized

This term emphasizes the process of something becoming real or fully developed.

be structured

Focuses on providing the structure or organization of something.

be fashioned

Implies that something is carefully crafted or molded into a particular shape.

be created

This alternative is a straightforward term for something coming into being.

be developed

This focuses on the growth and evolution of something over time.

be designed

This suggests that something is intentionally planned and created with a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "be given form" mean?

The phrase "be given form" means to be shaped, created, or developed into a tangible or understandable state. It suggests that something abstract or formless is being made concrete or organized.

How can I use "be given form" in a sentence?

You can use "be given form" to describe how an idea, concept, or feeling is being developed into something real. For example, "The initial concept for the project needed to "take shape" before it could be presented to the board".

What are some alternatives to "be given form"?

Some alternatives to "be given form" include ""take shape"", "be realized", or "be materialized". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "be given form" formal or informal?

"Be given form" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts, but might sound a bit elaborate in very informal settings.