formulate a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulate a" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the creation or development of a plan, idea, or strategy. Example: "We need to formulate a new marketing strategy." Alternative expressions include "develop a" and "create a."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It could never formulate a plan.

The New Yorker

Torino struggled to formulate a response.

The Guardian - Sport

"But they tried to formulate a case".

The New York Times

They then formulate a vaccine to protect against those strains.

The New York Times

From there we will formulate a specific response," Obama said.

The Guardian

I'll look at the videos tomorrow, formulate a plan.

The Guardian - Sport

The software uses that data to formulate a script that utilises successful plot points.

The Guardian - Film

The government has yet to formulate a position on the plan.

The New York Times

Mr. Emanuel also helped formulate a plan expanding access to community colleges.

The New York Times

The ruling could complicate the Obama administration's efforts to formulate a policy about terrorism detainees.

The New York Times

team, his older brothers began to formulate a plan for his future.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formulate a" when you want to emphasize the structured and deliberate process of creating something, such as a plan, strategy, or theory.

Common error

Avoid using "formulate a" in very informal or casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "make a" or "create a" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulate a" functions as a verb phrase used to express the action of creating or devising something in a structured or systematic manner. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "formulate a" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process of creating or developing something in a structured manner. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and finds frequent usage across various domains. It's most common in news, science, and formal business contexts. When choosing an alternative, consider options like "develop a" or "create a" to prevent overuse and adapt to different registers. While appropriate in formal settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversation. "Formulate a" remains a valuable tool for expressing intentional and methodical creation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

develop a

Focuses on the process of growth and refinement in creating something.

create a

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

establish a

Highlights the setting up or founding of something, often a system or organization.

design a

Focuses on the planning and structuring of something, often with a specific purpose.

devise a

Implies a clever or inventive approach to creating something.

construct a

Emphasizes the building or assembling of something from different parts.

form a

A more general term for bringing something into being, often implying a specific structure.

put together a

Suggests combining elements to create something, often in a practical or functional way.

shape a

Emphasizes the act of molding or influencing something into a particular form.

draft a

Focuses on the initial writing or sketching of something, often a document or plan.

FAQs

How can I use "formulate a" in a sentence?

You can use "formulate a" when you're talking about creating something methodically. For example, "The team needs to formulate a plan to address the issue."

What can I say instead of "formulate a"?

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

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

Both phrases are correct, but "formulate a plan" suggests a more structured and methodical approach, while "develop a plan" implies a more gradual process of refinement.

Is "formulate a" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "formulate a" is suitable for formal writing, especially in academic, business, or technical contexts where a structured and deliberate approach is emphasized.