in the shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the physical shape of an object - for example: "The cookie was cut in the shape of a star."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's in the shape of an embrace".

The New York Times

Macaroni in the shape of donkeys.

The New York Times

Macaroni in the shape of elephants.

The New York Times

Some even came in the shape of the state.

The New York Times

It's in the shape of a man and woman entwined.

The New York Times - Arts

One was in the shape of a spreading palm tree.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Di Resta looks in the shape to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

She wore earrings in the shape of a star.

The New York Times - Sports

Jones, 35, is in the shape of her life.

The New York Times

I see it in the shape of their faces.

The New Yorker

a sugar and creamer in the shape of two mushrooms.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “in the shape of” to clearly describe the form or outline of an object, especially when comparing it to a recognizable figure. For example: "The cloud was in the shape of a heart."

Common error

Avoid confusing “in the shape of” (describing form) with “in shape” (referring to physical fitness). For example, say "He is in shape for the marathon" to indicate fitness, not "He is in the shape of for the marathon".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the shape" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to describe the form or configuration of something. It specifies the physical appearance or outline, as shown in Ludwig's examples, like describing earrings that are "in the shape of a star".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the shape" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to describe the form or configuration of an object or concept. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across contexts ranging from News & Media to more informal writing. While its meaning is straightforward, it's important not to confuse it with the phrase "in shape," which refers to physical fitness. Utilizing alternatives like "shaped like" can add variety to your writing, but "in the shape" remains a clear and common choice for descriptive purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaped as

A more concise alternative, directly indicating the resulting form.

formed like

Emphasizes the process of formation resulting in a specific shape.

configured as

Focuses on the arrangement or design rather than merely the external form.

in the form of

Highlights the manifestation or representation of something.

taking the form of

Indicates a transformation or adoption of a particular shape.

modeled after

Implies that the shape is based on a pre-existing model.

designed as

Highlights the intended design or purpose influencing the shape.

fashioned into

Emphasizes the act of crafting or creating the shape.

cast in the mold of

Suggests a more deliberate shaping or adherence to a specific standard.

having the appearance of

Focuses on the visual impression or resemblance to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "in the shape" in a sentence?

Use "in the shape" to describe the physical form of an object. For example, "The swimming pool is "in the shape of a star"" or "The pasta was "in the shape of animals"".

What are some alternatives to using "in the shape"?

You can use phrases like "shaped like", "configured as", or "formed like" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in shape of" instead of "in the shape of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "in the shape of". Omitting "the" makes the phrase grammatically incorrect when describing a physical form.

What's the difference between "in the shape of" and "in shape"?

"In the shape of" describes the form or outline of an object, while "in shape" refers to someone's physical fitness or condition.