forming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the process of creating or developing something, such as an idea, structure, or relationship. Example: "The team is currently forming a strategy to improve our marketing efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Verdict: FMNR is an inexpensive way for farmers to make improvements with the resources they already have, increasing millet harvests from 430kg to 750kg a hectare, and saving money on fertilisers, with restored trees producing leaf litter (forming humus) and giving shade to livestock (for manure).

The Guardian

Call it a sixth sense, but there are moments when Lost in Showbiz feels the hands of its readers tugging imploringly at its sleeve, their faces upturned, their eyes beseeching, an urgent question forming on their lips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Things are bad and there's no real sign they're going to get any better soon, unless there's a bit more enthusiasm around forming a cartel".

The Guardian - Business

If Labour perform better than expected then the UK vote may well be key in forming the course of Europe for the next few years.

The Guardian

The choice of the next Labour leader in Scotland is therefore seen as critical to the party's chances of forming the next government, as well as its chances of reviving itself north of the border.

The Guardian

It may make us uncomfortable that superficial impressions are so fundamental in forming opinion, but such impressions are deep in our subconscious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Contact sport is heroic, character forming and British, for goodness sake.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The highest chance of tornadoes Wednesday extended from the Kansas-Oklahoma border south of Wichita, Kansas, to the St Louis area – with storms forming in the afternoon and early evening.

The Guardian

But some animals such as dolphins, elephants and in particular the primate family, are capable of forming social bonds to a far stronger extent and actually make conscious decisions to help members of their group with whom they feel a greater affinity.

The Guardian

And all of us surprised to find ourselves forming a quasi-Elizabethan court around her.

The Guardian

In many cases, as with baseball's American League, football's All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and hockey's Western Hockey League (WHL) and World Hockey Association WHAA), the impetus for forming a second major league was to bring the sport into regions lacking professional options.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "forming", consider the specific nuance you want to convey – creation, development, or organization. Choose the verb that best fits the context.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "forming" in passive voice constructions (e.g., "being formed"). Opt for more direct and active verbs when possible to create stronger and more concise sentences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "forming" is that of a present participle, often functioning as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. As illustrated by Ludwig, it indicates an ongoing process of creation or development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Lifestyle

12%

Travel

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "forming" is a versatile and commonly used verb in the English language, primarily functioning as a present participle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to formal business and scientific writing. When using "forming", it's essential to consider the specific nuance you aim to convey—creation, development, or organization—and choose the verb that best fits the context. Avoid overuse in passive constructions for more impactful writing. Understanding its function and purpose ensures effective communication in diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

creating

This alternative emphasizes the act of bringing something into existence.

establishing

This focuses on setting something up on a firm or permanent basis.

developing

This implies a gradual growth or advancement.

shaping

This suggests influencing the final form of something.

building

This refers to the process of constructing something, often physically.

generating

This indicates producing or bringing something into being.

molding

This suggests giving a particular shape or form to something.

organizing

This highlights the arrangement or structuring of elements.

constituting

This denotes composing or making up a whole.

assembling

This refers to gathering or fitting together components.

FAQs

How can I use "forming" in a sentence?

"Forming" is often used as a present participle to describe the ongoing process of something being created or developed. For example, "The clouds are "forming" over the mountains" or "The team is "forming" a new strategy".

What are some alternatives to "forming"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "creating", "establishing", "developing", or "shaping". Each of these carries slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "forming a committee" or "creating a committee"?

Both "forming a committee" and "creating a committee" are correct. "Forming a committee" emphasizes the process of bringing the committee into existence, while "creating a committee" highlights the act of making something new. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "forming" and "informing"?

"Forming" refers to the act of creating or developing something, while "informing" means to give someone information or knowledge. For example, you might be ""forming"" a plan and "informing" others about it.