different shapes

USAGE SUMMARY

"different shapes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to different shapes of an object. For example, "This sculpture features many different shapes, including circles, squares, and triangles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science & Research

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The different shapes of cocci.

Nature

The hills are different shapes.

The New York Times

After that their routes took different shapes.

The New York Times - Arts

Vietnamese preference went to different shapes.

The New York Times - Arts

Their teeth have different shapes, too.

The Economist

"I know we both have different shapes.

The Guardian

Successful acquisitions can take many different shapes.

Harvard Business Review

Galaxies essentially have three different shapes.

MIT Technology Review

These processes have very different shapes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They are different shapes and I wonder why.

The New York Times

All different shapes and sizes, not one is alike.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection of objects, use "different shapes" to emphasize the variety in their physical forms. For instance, "The artist used different shapes to create a dynamic and engaging sculpture."

Common error

Avoid using "different shapes" when the context already implies variety. For example, instead of saying "The building had different shapes and sizes", you can simply say "The building had various sizes" if shape variation is implicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different shapes" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an object or complement within a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase describes the attribute of having multiple, varying forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "different shapes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves a descriptive purpose, highlighting the variety in the forms of objects or concepts across various contexts. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While prevalent in news media and scientific publications, its use is diverse, ranging from academic discussions to general descriptions. When using this phrase, ensure that it is not redundant within the context and consider alternatives like "various forms" or "assorted shapes" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

various shapes

Similar to the original but uses 'various' instead of 'different'.

assorted shapes

Suggests a collection of shapes that are put together.

varied forms

Emphasizes the variety in the forms something can take.

diverse forms

Highlights the diversity and range of forms.

multiple forms

Focuses on the multiplicity of forms rather than their differences.

distinct forms

Highlights that forms are clearly distinguishable from one another.

differing forms

Uses a verb form to emphasize the act of differing in shape.

unique shapes

Focuses on the uniqueness of each shape.

unconventional shapes

Suggests shapes that don't conform to typical conventions.

irregular shapes

Implies a deviation from standard or expected shapes.

FAQs

How can I use "different shapes" in a sentence?

You can use "different shapes" to describe objects or patterns that vary in form. For example, "The children played with blocks of "different shapes" and sizes".

What's a good alternative to "different shapes"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "various forms", "assorted shapes", or "diverse forms" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "differently shaped" instead of "different shapes"?

Yes, "differently shaped" is a grammatically correct alternative. It functions as an adjective describing something that has varying shapes, while "different shapes" is a noun phrase.

What is the difference between "different shapes" and "irregular shapes"?

"Different shapes" simply indicates a variety of forms, while "irregular shapes" suggests that the forms deviate from standard or expected shapes.