formed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'formed' is correctly spelled and correctly used in written English.
You can use the word 'formed' when referring to the process of something coming into existence or shape. Example: The new committee was formed to address the town's development needs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ReprintsThe first "arm" of the trial, in which PRO 2000 formed 2% of the gel, was abandoned early because results elsewhere suggested this was an ineffective mix.

The Economist

As Iran enters a critical period in its history, with elections in June, sanctions biting and the increasing threat of an Israeli attack, the Guardian has formed a partnership with the award-winning Tehran Bureau to open a window on life in the Islamic republic.

The Guardian

So that the Nazis would not hold their real working group responsible, Piechowski and Bendera formed a fake group of four, recruiting another boy scout, Stanislaw Gustaw Jaster, and priest Józef Lempart for their "spectacular escape".

The Guardian

Anwar said that if he formed the next government, he would root out corruption and end a system of affirmative action for ethnic Malays, more than half of the 27 million population.

The Guardian

But the two understated Scots formed a formidable partnership as they persuaded George Osborne in early 2014 that the Treasury needed to harden its position, outlined in an analysis paper in April 2013, that a currency union was "highly unlikely".

The Guardian

Salmond will argue to his dying days – no doubt clutching a copy of a Guardian article from March 2014 which quoted an anonymous UK minister saying that "of course" a currency union would be formed – that the chancellor's intervention amounted to "bluff, bluster and bullying".

The Guardian

Over the years Homan Square has formed a backdrop for high-profile drug seizures, where Chicago officials or cops display cocaine, marijuana and guns taken off the street.

The Guardian

He formed a Society for the Abolition of Burial in Towns, modelled on the Health of Towns Association, which attracted a small but dedicated membership.

The Guardian

With a bookish "young fogey" style already formed, he pressed on to Oxford, before heading home to be a reporter at the Aberdeen Press and Journal.

The Guardian

Cameron says the coalition's ambition is to be the greenest government ever formed.

The Guardian

"Look at a majority government like that, which would represent the opinions of as many voters as possible, and look at a majority government formed by a single party that wins 35% of the vote, and tell me which is more legitimate".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "formed", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Formed" can suggest a variety of actions, from a formal establishment to a gradual shaping. Choose synonyms when a more specific meaning is required.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "formed" in formal contexts. Using a variety of synonyms like "established", "created", or "developed" can add precision and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "formed" is as a past participle or simple past form of the verb "form". As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something has been brought into existence or has taken a particular shape. Examples show it used in various contexts to describe creation, organization, and development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "formed" is a very common verb form, indicating the past action of something taking shape or being created. As Ludwig AI states, the word is correctly spelled and used in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "formed" has a neutral register and serves to inform about origins or developments. When writing, remember that while "formed" is versatile, synonyms like "established" or "created" might offer greater precision in certain contexts. Using "formed" correctly and considering its subtle nuances will enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

established

Focuses on the act of setting up or founding something, particularly organizations or institutions.

created

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

developed

Highlights the gradual growth or evolution of something over time.

shaped

Focuses on the process of molding or influencing something into a particular form.

organized

Implies a structured arrangement or system that has been put in place.

molded

Similar to shaped, but often implies a more forceful or deliberate action.

constituted

Refers to the elements or parts that make up a whole.

originated

Emphasizes the starting point or source from which something began.

generated

Suggests the production or bringing forth of something, often in a technical or scientific context.

composed

Indicates that something is made up of various components or ingredients.

FAQs

How can I use "formed" in a sentence?

"Formed" is typically used as the past tense of the verb "form", indicating that something has come into existence or taken shape. For example: "The committee was formed to address the issue." or "The clouds formed a beautiful pattern in the sky."

What are some alternatives to using "formed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "created", "established", "developed", or "shaped". Each of these words carries a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "formed" and "created"?

While both "formed" and "created" imply bringing something into existence, "formed" often suggests a process of shaping or structuring, whereas "created" implies a more original or inventive act.

Which is correct, "the team was formed" or "the team was establish"?

The correct phrase is "the team was formed". "Establish" needs to be in its past participle form to function correctly as a passive verb, becoming "the team was "established"".