coming into shape

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming into shape" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase most often used in the context of physical objects, e.g. "The new design is coming into shape" or when talking about progress on a project, e.g. "Our plan is finally coming into shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The canter was coming into shape.

The New Yorker

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

University of Chicago

It is coming into shape," echoed Lurgan Sahib.

University of Chicago

But there is a much larger platform coming into shape.

Forbes

Yes, it was coming into shape, all the shards of clay magically reforming the previously unbroken jug.

University of Chicago

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

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Magazine

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

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

Things have always just come into shape.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming into shape" to describe the gradual development of something concrete, like a plan, a skill, or a physical project. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject is undergoing a process of improvement or formation.

Common error

Avoid using "coming into shape" for highly abstract or intangible concepts that don't typically undergo a tangible development process. Instead, opt for terms like 'developing' or 'evolving'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming into shape" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a process of gradual development or improvement. It often describes the evolution of a plan, a skill, or a physical object. As Ludwig AI points out, it's an idiomatic expression used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming into shape" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying gradual development or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples across different contexts. While often used in News & Media and Academia, its neutral register makes it suitable for many situations. To enhance your writing, use it when describing progressive formation, avoid over-extending it to highly abstract concepts, and consider synonyms like ""taking form"" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking form

Focuses on the process of something becoming more defined or structured.

shaping up

Implies a positive progression towards a desired outcome or condition.

developing

Emphasizes the gradual growth and unfolding of something over time.

maturing

Suggests a progression towards full development or ripeness.

improving

Highlights the enhancement or betterment of something.

progressing

Focuses on the forward movement or advancement of something.

evolving

Implies a gradual transformation or change over time.

crystallizing

Suggests a process of becoming clear and definite.

solidifying

Focuses on becoming firm, stable, or established.

coming together

Emphasizes the act of different elements uniting to form a coherent whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "coming into shape" to describe something that is gradually improving or developing. For example, "The athlete's performance is "coming into shape" as the Olympics approach".

What's a synonym for "coming into shape"?

A synonym for "coming into shape" is "taking form", which also describes something gradually developing and becoming more defined.

When is it appropriate to use "coming into shape"?

It's appropriate to use "coming into shape" when you want to convey that something is in the process of developing and improving, but is not yet fully realized. It works well for describing skills, plans, or physical objects that are gradually "shaping up".

Is "coming into shape" formal or informal?

"Coming into shape" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts, like news articles or general business communications. More formal or scientific contexts might require more precise terminology.