but it shapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but it shapes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something influences or molds a particular outcome or situation. Example: "The environment we grow up in is crucial, but it shapes our perspectives and values as adults."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But it shapes you.

The New York Times - Science

He added the personal flaws were important: "The self-indulgence doesn't creep into his policy but it shapes the White House".

The Guardian

The rhythm with which she phrases a dance is glorious: it's capable of all kinds of dynamic contrasts and brilliant details, but it shapes each number like one coherent thought.

The New York Times - Arts

It is often frustrating (why won't this damned PCR work?!), but it shapes scientists into better thinkers by forcing us to reevaluate our thought processes, pushing us to be more innovative and productive.

Science Magazine

This may seem like a trivial or academic distinction, but it shapes policy and medical decisions that affect people like Chris.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The court was not identified with the Constitution -- that would come much later -- but it shaped the terms of debate.

The New York Times - Books

Sinic culture seeped deeply into society, but it shaped the aristocracy and mandarinal families more than it did the peasantry, which preserved distinctive customs, beliefs, vocabulary, lifeways, and gender relations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After another five years of instability the Cultural Revolution finally ended, but it shaped the China we know today.

Huffington Post

She hoped to write a simple romantic story, but it shaped out to be a relationship drama in the backdrop of sectarian violence.

Wikipedia

Yes, I've done the work and I'm not like struggling with it every day, but it shaped who I am.

HuffPost

But still it shapes the length and color of our days.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but it shapes", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "but it shapes" when the referent of "it" is unclear or distant from the sentence. This can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but it shapes" functions as a conjunction phrase to contrast a previous statement while emphasizing the formative influence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to illustrate how something molds or affects a particular outcome or situation, adding depth to the discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but it shapes" serves as a conjunction phrase, indicating that while something might be true or present, another factor plays a significant role in molding or influencing a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki articles. When using the phrase, it's essential to ensure the referent of "it" is clear and that the context supports the idea of formative influence. Alternatives include "but it molds", "but it influences", and "but it impacts", each offering a slightly different nuance. Despite being classified as uncommon, its utility in expressing cause-and-effect relationships makes it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but it molds and defines

Expands on "shapes" to include both "molds" and "defines", adding clarity and definition.

yet it molds

Replaces "shapes" with "molds", emphasizing the act of forming something.

nonetheless it molds

Similar to "yet it molds" but with a stronger sense of contrast.

however it influences

Substitutes "shapes" with "influences", focusing on the power to affect something.

yet it affects

Replaces "shapes" with "affects", highlighting how something leaves an imprint.

even so it impacts

Changes "shapes" to "impacts", stressing the effect on something.

still it forms

Replaces "shapes" with "forms", highlighting the creation of a structure or identity.

but it sculpts

Replaces "shapes" with "sculpts", evoking a more artistic and refined formation.

but it dictates

Changes "shapes" to "dictates", emphasizing the control over something.

however it leaves its mark

Emphasizes the lasting impact by saying "leaves its mark" instead of "shapes".

FAQs

How can I use "but it shapes" in a sentence?

Use "but it shapes" to show how something influences or determines an outcome, for example: "The experience was difficult, but it shapes who you are."

What's the difference between "but it shapes" and "but it influences"?

"But it shapes" implies a more formative and fundamental impact, whereas "but it influences" suggests a more general effect. Choose the phrase that best reflects the degree of impact you wish to convey.

What are some alternatives to "but it shapes"?

You can use phrases like "but it molds", "but it forms", or "but it impacts" to express similar ideas of influence or effect.

Is "but it shapes" too informal for academic writing?

While "but it shapes" is acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives such as "but it influences" or "but it determines" in academic contexts to maintain a professional tone.