formed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"formed by" is correct and usable as a linking phrase in written English.
For example, "Our company was formed by two experienced entrepreneurs in 2011."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These particles are formed by heat treatment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You were politically formed by mold.

The New York Times - Magazine

The curd is formed by rennet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"This dog is formed by 11 matches.

The New York Times - Tech

Successive coalitions formed by Jamuka were defeated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are typically formed by secondary minerals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Until 2011 the National Democratic Party NDPP), formed by Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nations have been formed by it.

The New York Times

They're formed by upbringing and religion".

The Guardian

They seem to have formed by mistake.

The Guardian - Music

Colonies are formed by asexual reproduction, with zooids usually being formed by budding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, using the active voice might be more impactful. For example, instead of "the river was formed by glaciers", try "glaciers formed the river".

Common error

Avoid using "formed by" when the actor is unknown or unimportant, as it can create passive voice constructions that weaken the sentence. If the actor is truly irrelevant, consider restructuring the sentence to remove the need for specifying the agent entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formed by" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates the cause, agent, or method through which something has been created or shaped. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formed by" is a prepositional phrase used to describe the creation or shaping of something by a particular agent or process. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, ensure clarity about the agent or process responsible for the formation. It is also important to be aware of the nuances of semantically similar phrases such as "created by" and "constituted by" to better express your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaped by

Highlights the influence that molds something's form.

created through

Emphasizes the process of creation more directly than "formed by".

generated by

Suggests a more mechanical or systematic origin compared to "formed by".

constituted of

Highlights the components or elements that make up the whole, rather than the act of forming.

composed of

Similar to 'constituted of', emphasizing the constituent parts.

made up of

An informal alternative emphasizing the components.

brought about by

Focuses on causation and the resulting effect.

developed via

Highlights the pathway or means through which something is developed.

originated from

Emphasizes the source or starting point.

structured around

Focuses on the organizational principles rather than the formative process.

FAQs

How can I use "formed by" in a sentence?

The phrase "formed by" is used to indicate what or who created or shaped something. For example, "The Grand Canyon was "formed by" the Colorado River".

What are some alternatives to "formed by"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "created by", "generated by", or "composed of".

Is it better to use "formed by" or "created by"?

Both phrases are similar, but "created by" often implies a more intentional act of creation, while "formed by" can suggest a more natural or gradual process. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "formed by" and "constituted by"?

"Formed by" suggests the process of coming into being, whereas "constituted by" refers to the elements or components that make up something. For instance, a committee is "constituted by" its members, while a canyon is "formed by" erosion.