formulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the creation or development of ideas, plans, or strategies. Example: "We need to formulate a new marketing strategy to reach our target audience more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The RCN calls on MPs to formulate policies for the future of nursing based on these priorities, which have patient care at their heart".

The Guardian

This was very helpful in allowing us to formulate our ideas, with many coming from her".

The Guardian

No attempt to then put "things" into perspective, to formulate a theory of liberalism or intervention or anything that stands up in relation to all circumstances.

The Guardian

Labiofam spent 18 months working with a French company, Robertet, to formulate the scents, uncorked this week at a launch event in Havana.

The Guardian

Abbott's "enemies" will have to formulate clear alternative revenue raising measures, not just by closing privileged entitlements, but by using a creative set of massive capital raisings (a minimum of $50bn per annum or less than 3% from the $1.9tn superannuation system) in the form of compulsory levies, social infrastructure bonds and the like, in return for continued favourable tax treatment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Historic news from United States of America, where the White House must now formulate its response to a petition calling for malfunctioning pop overlord Justin Bieber to be deported back to Canada whence he came.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His version was made from two toughened strips coated with saltpetre and bound with Manila paper (today's crackers use silver formulate).

The Guardian

Torino struggled to formulate a response.

The Guardian - Sport

They quickly promised movement on tax cuts for business.People who helped to formulate the growth strategy say that Mr Abe and his cabinet will go much further once the party wins control of the upper house next month, as it is expected to do.

The Economist

Dr Etiope has received research funding from Petrobras, Brazil's state-owned oil giant, to formulate an estimate for the worldwide abiotic methane reserve.

The Economist

Officials at Said, who insist this is not their normal method of fund-raising, are currently working with their new benefactors to formulate a plan for how to award the money.The Terry PrizeThe Academy of Management has awarded this year's George R. Terry Book Award to Mark De Rond, of Cambridge's Judge Business School.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formulate" when you want to emphasize the careful and systematic development of an idea, plan, or strategy.

Common error

While "formulate" is a versatile verb, consider using simpler alternatives like "create" or "develop" in casual conversations to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "formulate" is that of a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its use in indicating the action of creating or developing something methodically. As shown in the examples, "formulate" often precedes nouns like 'policies', 'ideas', or 'plans'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "formulate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that expresses the act of developing or creating something methodically. Ludwig AI indicates that its use is appropriate in a variety of contexts, but is particularly well-suited for formal or professional settings, as confirmed by the analysis of sources like The Economist and The Guardian. When writing, consider using "formulate" to emphasize careful and systematic development. While it's acceptable in many contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferable in more informal situations. Understanding the nuances of "formulate" allows for its effective use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop

Indicates a process of growth or advancement toward a specific outcome.

devise

Focuses on the inventive aspect of creating a plan or strategy.

construct

Implies building or assembling something systematically.

create

A general term for bringing something new into existence.

design

Suggests planning the form and function of something.

establish

Highlights the act of setting up or founding a system or plan.

shape

Implies influencing the form or nature of something.

frame

Focuses on outlining or structuring an idea or plan.

conceptualize

Emphasizes the mental process of forming a concept or idea.

conceive

Highlights the initial stage of forming an idea or plan in the mind.

FAQs

How to use "formulate" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate" to describe the process of creating a plan, strategy, or idea in a clear and systematic way. For example, "The committee needs to formulate a budget plan".

What can I say instead of "formulate"?

You can use alternatives like "develop", "devise", or "create" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "formulate a plan" or "make a plan"?

"Formulate a plan" suggests a more detailed and systematic process than "make a plan". While both are correct, "formulate" implies a higher degree of precision and thought.

What's the difference between "formulate" and "articulate"?

"Formulate" means to develop or create something systematically, whereas "articulate" means to express something clearly and effectively. You "formulate" a plan, and then you "articulate" it.