is forming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is forming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing process of creation or development. Example: "The committee is forming a new plan to address the community's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

OUTSIDE, frost is forming.

The Economist

Now another generation is forming.

The Economist

No queue of candidates is forming.

The Economist

So a solution is forming".

The Guardian - Tech

Such a consensus is forming.

The New York Times

But a groundswell is forming.

The Guardian

More sea ice is forming.

The New York Times - Science

Onstage, an impromptu party is forming.

The New Yorker

In a room, a chord is forming.

The New Yorker

In a throat, a note is forming.

The New Yorker

How Bad is Forming Your Own Opinion?

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is forming" to describe the ongoing process of something being created or developed, whether it's a physical object, an idea, or a relationship. For instance, "A new strategy is forming within the team" indicates an evolving plan.

Common error

Avoid using "is forming" to describe a completed action or a state that is already fully established. "The company is forming last year" is incorrect; use "formed" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is forming" functions as a present continuous verb phrase. It indicates that an action is currently in progress. This usage is supported by examples from Ludwig, where the phrase describes ongoing processes, like "frost is forming" or "a consensus is forming".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is forming" is a present continuous verb phrase used to describe something that is actively developing or being created. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using "is forming", ensure it accurately reflects an ongoing process and avoid using it for completed actions. Alternatives such as "is developing" or "is emerging" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is taking shape

Focuses on the gradual development of a defined form.

is developing

Emphasizes the progression and advancement of something.

is emerging

Highlights the initial appearance or rise of something.

is materializing

Suggests something becoming real or tangible.

is being created

Highlights the act of something being brought into existence.

is coalescing

Implies the merging or uniting of elements into a whole.

is constituting

Focuses on elements coming together to create a whole.

is assembling

Highlights the process of putting parts together.

is coming into being

Emphasizes the start of something's existence.

is under construction

Conveys that something is actively being built or assembled.

FAQs

How can I use "is forming" in a sentence?

Use "is forming" to describe something that is currently in the process of developing or being created. For example, "A new coalition "is forming" to address climate change."

What are some alternatives to using "is forming"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is developing", "is emerging", or "is taking shape".

Is there a difference between "is forming" and "has formed"?

"Is forming" describes an ongoing action, while "has formed" indicates a completed action. For example, "A new team is forming" means it's in the process, but "A new team has formed" means it's already complete.

When is it inappropriate to use "is forming"?

Avoid using "is forming" when describing something that has already been completed or is in a static state. For instance, don't say "The statue is forming" if the statue is already finished; instead, say "The statue has been formed".