formulated to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "formulated to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has been designed or created with a specific purpose or function in mind. Example: "The new policy was formulated to be more inclusive and effective for all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Today's face bars are formulated to be nonirritating.

The New York Times

He used a plastic syringe to squirt my hands with a small amount of synthetic dirt, which had been formulated to be fiendishly hard to remove.

The New Yorker

While Galvus and Januvia are very similar, Januvia may have an edge because it clearly works as a once-a-day pill, while Galvus was initially formulated to be taken twice daily, Mr. Evans said.

The New York Times

While not everyone is going to consume it the way Piper and Larry do with Don Draper's existential dramas, it's perfectly formulated to be consumed in one big bite rather than a series of pleasure-delaying nibbles.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That results from the fact that Social Security is formulated to be somewhat progressive by replacing a large percentage of the first $8,000 in annual earnings and a much smaller proportion of additional earnings.

The New York Times

All diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous.

Journal of Dairy Science

The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous.

Livestock Science

All diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous.

Small Ruminant Research

Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric.

Journal of Dairy Science

The PERS is formulated to be flexible and is considered as a step towards ISO 14001.

European Transport Research Review

Diets were formulated to be isocaloric but with varying protein and/or nitrogen sources.

Livestock Production Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "formulated to be" when you want to emphasize the intentional design or creation of something with a specific purpose or characteristic in mind. For instance, "The medicine was formulated to be fast-acting" highlights its intended speed.

Common error

Avoid overuse. While "formulated to be" is acceptable, excessively relying on passive constructions can make your writing sound less direct. Consider rephrasing to use active voice where appropriate for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "formulated to be" functions as a connector expressing purpose or intention. It links a subject with its designed or intended characteristic. As shown in Ludwig, it often appears when describing how something was intentionally created with a specific outcome in mind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "formulated to be" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the designed purpose or intended characteristic of something. Ludwig's analysis reveals it's particularly prevalent in scientific and formal contexts, emphasizing a deliberate creation process. While alternatives like "designed to be" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and formality. Remember to avoid overusing passive voice for more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to be

Replaces "formulated" with "designed", emphasizing the planning and creation aspect.

intended to be

Focuses on the purpose or aim behind the formulation, rather than the act of formulation itself.

created to be

Highlights the creation process with a specific goal in mind.

developed to be

Emphasizes the development process, suggesting a gradual refinement towards a specific purpose.

engineered to be

Implies a more technical and precise design process.

structured to be

Suggests an intentional arrangement or organization to achieve a specific outcome.

arranged to be

Implies a deliberate order or sequence to achieve a goal.

conceived to be

Focuses on the initial idea or concept behind the formulation.

fashioned to be

Suggests a careful and skillful crafting process.

made to be

A more general alternative, focusing on the act of making with a purpose.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "formulated to be" to sound more active?

Consider using phrases like "designed to", "intended to", or "created to" which may provide a more direct and active tone. For example, instead of "The policy was formulated to be inclusive", you could say "The policy was "designed to be" inclusive".

Is there a difference between "formulated to be" and "designed to be"?

While similar, "formulated to be" often implies a more scientific or precise approach to creation, whereas ""designed to be"" can refer to a broader range of planning and creation contexts. The nuance depends on the specific context.

What are some contexts where "formulated to be" is commonly used?

"Formulated to be" is often used in scientific, technical, and formal contexts to describe how something was intentionally created for a specific purpose. Examples include describing chemical compounds, policies, or strategies.

What are alternatives to "formulated to be" in informal writing?

In more informal contexts, you might prefer simpler alternatives like "made to be", "meant to be", or "intended to be", which are less formal and more conversational.