gives form to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gives form to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how something is shaped, structured, or manifested, often in a creative or conceptual context. Example: "The artist's vision gives form to the abstract ideas that inspire her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Ross & Rachel gives form to that.

The Guardian

"Well, I believe that contrast gives form to life," Mr. Maratka said.

The New York Times - Arts

His picture of Hermann Göring gives form to the idea of evil".

The New Yorker

The small-plates concept, as it's usually called, gives form to this urge, offering smaller portions in larger numbers.

The New York Times - Travel

Where Seldom Is Heard a Discouraging Word gives form to the Romantic notion of a landscape smiling, even to the hymnist's notion that the valleys laugh and sing.

The Guardian - Books

Francis gives form to the emotion and injustice of post-financial-crisis outrage in a way that has been rare since Occupy Wall Street disbanded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

All are efforts to give form to something intangible, to film an inner state.

The New York Times

"This just gave form to the indignation that everyone is feeling about what happened".

The Guardian

He also revealed literary and philosophical substance in it that gave form to my inchoate experience.

The New Yorker

The painter Georgia O'Keeffe gave form to "the infinite thing in myself".

The New York Times

Their testimony gave form to a distant horror, shaping law and history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gives form to" when you want to emphasize the act of shaping an abstract concept or idea into something concrete and understandable. For example, "His art gives form to his deepest emotions."

Common error

Avoid using "gives form to" in situations where a simpler verb like "creates" or "shapes" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gives form to" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes the action of shaping or creating something, transforming an abstract idea or raw material into a defined, tangible entity. As Ludwig AI states, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gives form to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of shaping, creating, or manifesting something, often from an abstract idea. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. While there are several alternatives, such as "shapes" or "creates", the specific context will dictate the best choice. When writing, it's best to use it to emphasize the act of transforming something into a concrete entity. Avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Overall, "gives form to" is a valuable tool in expressing how things take shape and become realized.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shapes

Focuses on the physical act of giving a defined form.

molds

Implies a process of gradually giving form, often with external influence.

creates

Highlights the act of bringing something new into existence with a particular form.

manifests

Emphasizes the realization of something that was previously abstract or conceptual.

embodies

Suggests giving a tangible or concrete form to an idea or quality.

realizes

Implies making something actual or concrete from a potential or plan.

actualizes

Focuses on the process of making something fully developed or real.

formulates

Highlights the process of devising or creating a structured plan or concept.

presents

Suggests offering something in a structured or deliberate way.

articulates

Implies expressing something clearly and distinctly, giving it a comprehensible form.

FAQs

How can I use "gives form to" in a sentence?

The phrase "gives form to" is used to describe the act of shaping or creating something tangible or understandable from an abstract idea or concept. For example, "The sculptor's vision "gives form to" the clay, transforming it into a work of art."

What's a good alternative to "gives form to"?

Alternatives to "gives form to" include "shapes", "creates", or "manifests". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "gives form to" and "gives shape to"?

While "gives form to" and "gives shape to" are similar, "gives form to" often implies a more conceptual or abstract transformation, whereas "gives shape to" typically refers to a more literal, physical shaping. For example, "The architect "gives shape to" the building's structure", while "The writer "gives form to" the character's personality."

Is it better to use "gives form to" or "give form to"?

"Gives form to" is used when referring to a singular subject in the present tense, while "give form to" is used with plural subjects or in the infinitive form. For example, "The artist "gives form to" her ideas", but "Artists "give form to" their visions."