formed by the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formed by the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been created or shaped by a particular process or entity. Example: "The sculpture was formed by the hands of a skilled artisan, showcasing intricate details and craftsmanship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His politics too were formed by "the view from outside".

The Guardian

The northern boundary is formed by the Great Himalayas.

The New Yorker

It's a polity formed by the virtues of the manse.

The Guardian

They are formed by the author's moral design.

The Guardian - Books

Formed by the shadow my branches have made.

The New York Times

Culture is formed by the collective agreement of individuals.

The New York Times - Books

The county's southern boundary is formed by the Drava River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FIFA was formed, by the French, in 1904.

The New York Times - Sports

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), synthetic resin formed by the polymerization of chlorotrifluoroethylene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A smooth arc is formed by the windshield and roof.

The New York Times

Hopper's mature style was already formed by the mid-1920s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formed by the" to clearly indicate the agent or process responsible for creating or shaping something. For instance, "The landscape was formed by the glacier over millions of years."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice with "formed by the" when active voice would be clearer and more direct. Instead of "The decision was formed by the committee", consider "The committee made the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formed by the" typically functions as part of a passive construction, indicating how something was created or shaped. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formed by the" is grammatically sound and frequently used to describe how something is created or shaped. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. While generally neutral, the phrase leans toward formality. To ensure clarity, consider active voice alternatives, and be mindful of whether "by" or "from" is more appropriate depending on whether you want to emphasize the creator versus the components.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Created by the

Emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

Shaped by the

Highlights the influence of something on the final form or character.

Constituted by the

Focuses on the elements that make up something, rather than the process of formation.

Composed of the

Similar to "constituted by", but can also imply a deliberate arrangement of elements.

Influenced by the

Stresses the impact of something on the development or nature of something else.

Resulting from the

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of a particular cause.

Developed by the

Indicates a process of gradual growth or evolution under the effect of something.

Established by the

Highlights the action of setting up or founding something.

Originated from the

Highlights the source or starting point of something.

Born from the

Suggests a more profound or transformative origin.

FAQs

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

Use "formed by the" to indicate the agent or process that created or shaped something. For example, "The Grand Canyon was "formed by the" Colorado River over millions of years".

What are some alternatives to "formed by the"?

Alternatives include "created by the", "shaped by the", or "influenced by the", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "formed by the" passive or active voice?

"Formed by the" is typically used in the passive voice. To use the active voice, rephrase the sentence to show the agent performing the action directly, such as, "The river formed the canyon".

Which is correct, "formed by the" or "formed from the"?

Both phrases are correct but have slightly different meanings. "Formed by the" emphasizes the agent or process responsible for the creation, while "formed from the" focuses on the material or components used. For example, "The sculpture was "formed by the" artist" versus "The sculpture was "formed from the" clay".