in its present shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in its present shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current form or condition of something, often implying that it may change in the future. Example: "The proposal is interesting, but it needs further refinement in its present shape before we can move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

In its present shape, it is a regulation of interstate commerce as much as is the statute of California, which, inter alia, prohibits vessels from landing 'a lewd or debauched woman,' without first giving the required bond.

Cornell University

In its present shape it dates from 1974, when Turkish troops overran the northern third of the island after a short-lived coup, sponsored by the junta then ruling in Athens, who wanted to unite Cyprus with Greece.

The Economist

And even if voters are prepared to accept individual steps in the process of European integration, they may eventually object to the cumulative effect.A transformation too far?Step by step, the EU has expanded its frontiers and its activities so that in its present shape it is unrecognisable from the modest coal-and-steel community of the early 1950s.

The Economist

Mr. W. then entered, at large, into an examination of the bill, into his reasons for opposing it unless it was altered in some of its features, and to show that in its present shape it was calculated to excite angry feelings and rouse strong prejudices in those parts of the country where slavery was not tolerated.

University of Chicago

This clause was not in the original draft of the constitution; but it was subsequently referred to a committee, who reported in favour of the power; and after considerable discussion it was adopted in its present shape by a decided majority.

University of Chicago

For those interested in keeping the earth intact in its present shape so that we might one day live on it peacefully, the bombings of July 7 provide no such "opportunities".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Bizarrely, Kim's story started out about the ghost of an old man; you can read how it evolved into its present shape in the rest of the interview, here.

The Guardian - Film

Describing it as a "beautiful addition to St Petersburg's landscape", he argued: "Our skyscraper in its present form and shape will beautifully anchor the city's panorama if one is looking from the city centre".

The Guardian

Last but not least we thank the referees for their thoughtful comments, which helped us in shaping the manuscript in its present form.

BMC Cancer

Weiping Li, Zhixin Qiu and Weishan Zhao for reviewing the manuscript and important comments helped us in shaping the manuscript in its present form.

BMC Cancer

SMOOT PLEASED WITH BILL Senator Predicts Early Passage of Tax Measure in Very Much Its Present Shape.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its present shape" to describe something's current state, especially when implying potential for future change or modification. This suggests the form isn't necessarily permanent.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "in its present shape" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "as it currently exists" or "in its current state" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its present shape" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. It describes the current form or condition of something. Ludwig AI validates the grammatical correctness and provides real-world examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in its present shape" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the current form or state of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While "in its present shape" is a valuable expression, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "in its current state" or "as it stands now" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its current state

Focuses on the existing condition or situation of something.

in its present condition

Highlights the current condition of something, implying a specific set of circumstances.

in its existing form

Emphasizes the present structural or physical form of something.

as it currently exists

Emphasizes the current existence of something, highlighting its present state.

as it stands now

Indicates the current arrangement or state of something at this particular moment.

in its actual form

Focuses on the reality of something's present form.

in its present manifestation

Highlights the way something currently appears or presents itself.

as it is today

Highlights the present-day form, condition, or state of something.

in its current iteration

Focuses on a specific version or stage of development.

in its present build

Highlights the current construction or configuration of something, often used in technical contexts.

FAQs

What does "in its present shape" mean?

The phrase "in its present shape" refers to the current form, condition, or arrangement of something. It implies that the subject is being evaluated or considered as it currently exists, often with the understanding that it may change in the future.

How can I use "in its present shape" in a sentence?

You can use "in its present shape" to describe physical objects, ideas, proposals, or systems. For example: "The proposal is interesting, but it needs further refinement "in its present shape" before we can move forward."

What are some alternatives to "in its present shape"?

Some alternatives to "in its present shape" include "in its current state", "as it stands now", or "in its existing form". The best alternative will depend on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in its current shape" instead of "in its present shape"?

Yes, "in its current shape" is a perfectly acceptable alternative to "in its present shape". Both phrases convey essentially the same meaning, referring to the existing form or condition of something.