formative period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formative period" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to a specific time period in which something is formed or developed. Example: The formative period of a child's life is crucial for their emotional and cognitive development.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

According to some models, there was insufficient outgassing of water during the Earth's formative period to form the oceans, requiring an external source such as a cometary bombardment.

Wikipedia

It was the formative period of my life".

The Guardian - Books

The comparative psychologists during this formative period were mostly Americans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here's the group in its formative period in 1970 in Paris.

The Guardian - Music

DEBORAH HAY I was pretty young and that was a crucial, formative period.

The New York Times - Arts

The Dumfries hoard opens a fascinating window on a formative period in the story of Scotland".

The Guardian

It was a truly formative period for the country and space flight.

The New York Times

One day we may finally assemble the entire picture of this formative period in earth's history.

The Guardian

That formative period as a guerrilla also proved her courage and loyalty.

The Guardian

He described this as a formative period in developing his political consciousness.

The Guardian

About 200 burial sites from the Late Formative Period (300 bc ad 100) have been uncovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the development of ideas, movements, or historical trends, use "formative period" to highlight the era during which they took shape and solidified. For instance, "The French Revolution was a formative period for modern European political thought".

Common error

Avoid using "formative period" as a generic substitute for any time frame. The term implies a significant developmental stage, not merely a duration. For example, don't say "the formative period of Tuesday" unless Tuesday is somehow crucial to a larger development.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formative period" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific duration characterized by significant development or influence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

28%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formative period" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe a significant time in development. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a period of significant shaping influence, avoiding generic applications. Alternative phrases such as "developmental stage" or "critical phase" may offer more precise nuances depending on the intended meaning. The high frequency and authoritative sources employing the phrase underscore its relevance and credibility in describing pivotal moments of growth or change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formative years

Specifically refers to the years of a person's life that are most influential in shaping their character.

Developmental stage

Emphasizes the stage of development rather than the time period itself.

Critical phase

Highlights the importance and criticality of the time period.

Crucial time

Emphasizes the decisiveness and importance of a specific period.

Impressionable age

Highlights the susceptibility to influence during a specific time.

Early stages

Focuses on the initial part of a process or development.

Defining moment

Highlights a specific point in time that significantly shapes subsequent events.

Genesis phase

Emphasizes the origin and beginning of something.

Shaping influence

Focuses on the impact and influence that molds something.

Incubation period

Used mainly when something is prepared in advance.

FAQs

How can I use "formative period" in a sentence?

Use "formative period" to describe a significant time in the development of something. For example: "Her years in college were a "formative period" in her intellectual growth."

What can I say instead of "formative period"?

You can use alternatives like "developmental stage", "critical phase", or "formative years" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "formative period" and "early stages"?

"Formative period" suggests a time when something is being significantly shaped, while "early stages" simply refers to the beginning phases without necessarily implying significant development.

Is "formative years" or "formative period" more appropriate when discussing childhood?

"Formative years" is generally more appropriate when referring to childhood or adolescence, as it specifically denotes the years when a person's character is being developed. "Formative period" is broader and can apply to any time of significant development.