how to formulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "how to formulate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process or method of creating or developing something, such as a plan, idea, or statement. Example: "In this workshop, we will explore how to formulate effective strategies for team collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm not sure how to formulate this.

The New Yorker

In college, Ms. Duerr started investigating how to formulate her own tinctures by crushing minerals.

The New York Times

And there are antiviral therapeutic companies, and they know how to formulate things in pills or in IV's.

The New York Times - Health

In later years, as sitcoms waned, he was often asked for the secret of how to formulate a successful series.

The Guardian - Film

The others waited a minute or two, until he had figured out just how to formulate his thoughts.

The New Yorker

What was needed this time, constitutional experts said, was a rethinking of how to formulate those rights and how to reform the judicial sector to enforce them.

The Guardian

When they return to their schools, they will teach students how to formulate a business plan and invest in the stock market.

The New York Times - Magazine

The other task for NATO is how to formulate an ultimatum to Mr Milosevic, and what the trigger would be for air strikes.

The Economist

It is also studying how to formulate a rule that would direct aircraft operators to inject nitrogen into nearly empty fuel tanks to prevent combustion, regardless of the source of ignition.

The New York Times

If we vote to leave, we will have rejected that, and we can move on to a debate about how to formulate migration policy in a new environment, unconstrained by EU membership.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I asked Salinas what strategy he recommended, he said, "The problem is, there isn't yet enough clarity coming from his government to know how to formulate a policy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how to formulate", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being formulated, whether it's a plan, an idea, or a chemical compound. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "how to formulate" in overly broad contexts where a simpler verb like "create" or "develop" would suffice. For example, instead of saying "how to formulate a life," consider "how to build a fulfilling life."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how to formulate" functions as an introductory phrase to clauses expressing methods or processes. It introduces the question of the manner in which something should be developed or created. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how to formulate" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to inquire about or instruct on the method to create or develop something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase sees frequent usage across formal, scientific, and news contexts. While effective, it's important to consider the specific context and choose alternative phrases like "how to develop" or "how to create" when a simpler or more nuanced expression is needed. The phrase should be applied thoughtfully, avoiding overgeneralization to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how to develop

Focuses on the process of growth and advancement, suggesting a more gradual and detailed approach than "formulate".

how to create

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence, often implying originality or innovation.

how to devise

Suggests a more inventive and resourceful approach to creating something, often implying cleverness.

how to construct

Implies a systematic and structured building process, focusing on the arrangement of elements.

how to frame

Focuses on the way something is presented or positioned, particularly in communication or discussion.

how to compose

Highlights the act of putting elements together in an artistic or structured manner, often used in music or writing.

how to draft

Implies creating a preliminary version or outline, suggesting a work in progress.

how to fashion

Suggests shaping or molding something, often with a focus on aesthetics or craftsmanship.

how to articulate

Focuses on expressing something clearly and effectively, emphasizing communication skills.

how to express

Emphasizes the act of conveying thoughts or feelings, often implying a personal or emotional element.

FAQs

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

You can use "how to formulate" when describing the process of creating or developing something, especially when it involves a specific method or approach. For example: "The manual explains "how to formulate" a business plan".

What are some alternatives to "how to formulate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "how to develop", "how to create", or "how to devise" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "how to formulate" formal or informal?

"How to formulate" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts but might sound overly technical in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings.

What is the difference between "how to formulate" and "how to create"?

While both phrases involve bringing something into existence, "how to formulate" often implies a more structured and methodical process, whereas "how to create" suggests a broader and more inventive approach. For instance, you might formulate a plan but create a work of art.