formative events

USAGE SUMMARY

"formative events" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to events that shape or influence the development or direction of something. For example, "The formative events of his childhood had a profound effect on his outlook on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Two formative events stand out.

The Economist

What formative events in history do you recall from those years?

University of California, Berkeley

Here we determine the magnitudes of landslides that impact the landscape in terms of work, persistence, and formative events.

Geomorphology

Sperry's approach to the poetry through the formative events of Shelley's early life provides an excellent biographical introduction.

Harvard University

Tony, who was then aged 11, would subsequently describe his father's illness as one of the formative events of his life and as "the day my childhood ended".

The Guardian

Invariably, when he talked about the formative events of his life, he expressed an almost childlike wonderment that he had survived the death camps.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The formative event in his life, however, happened in 2008.

The Guardian - Sport

Later in 1897, an important formative event occurred.

The New Yorker

Dr. Durst called the move a "formative event in her presidency".

The New York Times

"That's the formative event in my life," Mr. James said.

The New York Times - Books

It was probably the most formative event in his adult life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a person's development, use "formative events" to highlight specific experiences that significantly shaped their character, beliefs, or skills. For example, "Her experiences volunteering abroad were the "formative events" that led her to pursue a career in international development."

Common error

Avoid labeling routine or insignificant experiences as "formative events". Reserve the term for occurrences that had a profound and lasting impact. For example, while a school field trip might be enjoyable, it's unlikely to be a "formative event" in the same way as overcoming a major personal challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formative events" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific occurrences that have a significant influence on the development of a person, idea, or thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formative events" refers to key experiences that significantly shape an individual, idea, or period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. As evidenced by numerous examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian and The Economist, "formative events" is widely employed in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Understanding its nuances and appropriate use, including avoiding overemphasis on trivial occurrences, can greatly enhance clarity and impact in writing. Alternatives like "shaping experiences" and "defining moments" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaping experiences

This alternative focuses on the impact of the events on shaping someone's character or perspective.

defining moments

This phrase emphasizes the importance of certain events in defining a person's life or a particular situation.

pivotal experiences

This highlights the turning point aspect of the events, suggesting a significant change in direction.

influential occurrences

This option stresses the impact and effect that these events had on someone or something.

critical junctures

This phrase refers to key moments in time where significant decisions or changes occurred.

landmark episodes

This suggests that these events were significant and memorable, marking a specific point in time.

transformative incidents

This underlines the transformative power of the events, indicating a significant change or alteration.

groundbreaking developments

This refers to events that led to new advancements or changes in a particular field.

epoch-making occasions

This phrase indicates events that had a profound and lasting impact on society or history.

seminal experiences

This emphasizes the lasting impact and importance of these experiences in shaping someone's life or work.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "formative events" in a sentence?

Use "formative events" to describe significant experiences that shaped a person's character, beliefs, or development. For instance, "His time in the military was a series of "formative events" that shaped his leadership style."

What are some alternatives to "formative events"?

You can use alternatives like "shaping experiences", "defining moments", or "pivotal experiences" depending on the specific context.

How do "formative events" differ from ordinary experiences?

"Formative events" are distinct from ordinary experiences due to their profound and lasting impact on an individual's development, whereas ordinary experiences might be less significant or transformative.

Is it appropriate to use "formative events" in formal writing?

Yes, "formative events" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing personal development, historical influences, or significant life experiences. It conveys a sense of importance and lasting impact.