has taken shape

USAGE SUMMARY

"has taken shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has developed or progressed to a specific point, such as progress in a project, a business or an idea. For example, "John's business plan has taken shape and he is now ready to present it to the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

how that can and has taken shape.

The Guardian - Opinion

After 10... Qb7, the black defense has taken shape.

The New York Times

Here is a list of just a few ways that impact has taken shape 1.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the property has taken shape, so too has the Yee family.

The New York Times

But Bilbao is part of the context in which the new design has taken shape.

The New York Times - Arts

It has taken shape in works like one from 2007 that was on display in São Paulo, called "Ginas Mobile".

The New York Times - Magazine

But a few hundred metres away, hidden behind a large metro ticket booth, a camp has taken shape.

The Guardian

A situation has taken shape in such a way that a larger number of people saw these changes.

The New York Times

Nearby, a nature garden has taken shape to display the granite and limestone that form the Tatras, along with fossils, mosses and other vegetation.

The New York Times - Travel

One such "hotel" has taken shape on the upper floors of the former 1.2-million-square-foot Macy's department store building at 165 Halsey Street in downtown Newark.

The New York Times

As the show has taken shape over the last five years, it has been our relish for the form that has shaped it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has taken shape" to describe the evolution of an idea, plan, or project when it becomes more defined and concrete over time. It is useful when something abstract is becoming more real.

Common error

Do not use "has taken shape" to describe something that is inherently static or unchanging. This phrase is best suited for processes or ideas that evolve. For example, avoid saying "The statue has taken shape" unless you are describing the process of its creation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has taken shape" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating the completion of a process resulting in a defined form. It describes how something has transitioned from a less defined or amorphous state to a more concrete or organized one. As Ludwig AI highlights, it implies a level of development and progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has taken shape" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes the development and formation of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, particularly when referring to the evolution of ideas, plans, or projects into a more defined state. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, but applicable across different contexts, it provides a neutral yet informative way to communicate that something has transitioned into a discernible structure. Alternative phrases like "has materialized" or "has formed" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has taken form

Very similar, but emphasizes the external appearance rather than the overall process.

has formed

Highlights the act of something being created or assembled.

has emerged

Focuses on the appearance or rise of something new.

has materialized

Indicates a more concrete or physical manifestation compared to a general shaping.

has crystallized

Implies a clear and definite form emerging from something less defined.

has come to fruition

Emphasizes the successful completion or realization of something planned or desired.

has unfolded

Suggests a gradual revelation or development over time.

has coalesced

Indicates the merging or combining of elements into a unified whole.

has developed

A broader term indicating growth or evolution without necessarily implying a final form.

has evolved

Suggests a gradual process of change and adaptation.

FAQs

How can I use "has taken shape" in a sentence?

Use "has taken shape" to describe something that has developed or progressed into a more defined form. For instance, "The company's new strategy "has taken shape" over the last quarter".

What are some alternatives to "has taken shape"?

Alternatives include "has materialized", "has formed", or "has evolved", each suggesting a different nuance of development or formation.

Is it correct to say "had taken shape" instead of "has taken shape"?

Yes, "had taken shape" is correct, but it places the development in the past relative to another past event. "The plan had taken shape by the time the meeting started" indicates the plan's development was complete before the meeting.

What's the difference between "has taken shape" and "is taking shape"?

"Has taken shape" implies the process of development is complete, whereas "is taking shape" suggests the process is ongoing. For example, "The project "has taken shape"" means it's finalized, while "The project is taking shape" means it's still in progress.