come into shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come into shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something (often an idea or plan) that has been developed or organized in an organized or well-defined way. For example: "After several weeks of hard work, our project is finally starting to come into shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Similarly, projects like the one he is working on in Long Island City will take years to come into shape, but the foundations being built today are critical to the kind of neighborhood that will develop.

The New York Times

That highlights a stark fact that has come into shape in recent years: Guns are increasingly the cause of line-of-duty deaths, according to an analysis of the memorial fund's data.

The Washington Post

Things have always just come into shape.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ideas come into shapes.

Vice

The canter was coming into shape.

The New Yorker

Then, largely under Seligman's guidance, the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program came into shape.

The New York Times - Magazine

And if I am lucky, what comes into shape will, despite all the fragility and all the unease, seem more real and more true, be more affecting and enduring, than the news today, or the facts of the case, or the beams of Tuskar Rock Lighthouse as night falls and the real darkness comes.

The New York Times

But there is a much larger platform coming into shape.

Forbes

It is coming into shape," my mother whispered and "Look!

University of Chicago

It is coming into shape," echoed Lurgan Sahib.

University of Chicago

She added: "I'm coming into shape just at the right time, so hopefully everything will work out this weekend".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come into shape" to describe the development of abstract concepts like plans, ideas, or projects, rather than physical objects. For physical objects the alternatives "take shape" or "form" may be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "come into shape" when describing the initial construction phase of a physical object. This phrase is more appropriate when the object is nearing completion or has achieved a recognizable form. In early construction phases it is best to simply state what is under construction, without any mention of "shape".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come into shape" functions as a dynamic verb phrase, indicating the process of something developing or organizing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It describes the progression of an idea, plan, or project towards a more defined state, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "come into shape" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the development and organization of ideas, plans, or projects. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide applicability. It is considered neutral in register and appears frequently in contexts like news, academia, and general media. While it's suitable for describing abstract concepts, be careful not to overuse it for physical objects in the early stages of construction. Consider alternatives like ""take shape"", "materialize", or "evolve" depending on the specific context. The phrase's consistent usage across authoritative sources reinforces its appropriateness in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take shape

Similar to "come into shape" but emphasizes the action of forming.

take form

Replaces "come into shape" by emphasizing the visual aspect of something solidifying from abstract to concrete.

shape up

A more direct and concise alternative that emphasizes the act of improving or organizing something.

materialize

Suggests that something abstract is becoming real or concrete, similar to "come into shape" but with a stronger emphasis on becoming tangible.

crystallize

Suggests a process of becoming clear and well-defined, like a crystal forming.

develop

A more general term indicating growth or progress, encompassing the idea of "come into shape" but applicable to a broader range of contexts.

coalesce

Implies the merging of different elements into a unified whole, similar to the final stages of something "coming into shape".

evolve

Implies a gradual process of change and refinement, sharing the concept of improvement with "come into shape" but focusing on natural progression.

become defined

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the formation of something, often an idea or plan.

get organized

Focuses specifically on the act of arranging or structuring something in a systematic way.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "comes into shape"?

When something "comes into shape", it means it is developing or organizing in a clear or well-defined way. It suggests that a plan, idea, or project is progressing towards a recognizable form.

How can I use "come into shape" in a sentence?

You might say, "After months of planning, the new marketing strategy is finally "taking shape"". This indicates that the strategy is becoming more concrete and organized.

Which is a better phrase to use, "take shape" or "come into shape"?

"Take shape" and "come into shape" are very similar, but "take shape" is often used for physical objects gradually forming, while "come into shape" can apply more broadly to abstract concepts like plans or ideas. The phrase "develop" is a more general term.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "come into shape"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "materialize", "evolve", or "get organized" as alternatives to "come into shape".