is taking shape

USAGE SUMMARY

“is taking shape” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to signify that something is in the process of becoming more defined or finalized. For example: “The plan for our company’s new product launch is taking shape.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neither is taking shape.

The Economist

Finally, Malaga is taking shape.

The New York Times - Sports

— is taking shape.

The New York Times - Arts

Contingency planning, once taboo, is taking shape.

The Economist

A fledgling tourism industry is taking shape.

The New York Times - Travel

A banking union is taking shape.

The Economist

The miracle, however, is taking shape.

The New York Times - Sports

Now his vision is taking shape.

The Economist

A hospital entrance-hall is taking shape.

The Economist

That revolt is taking shape.

The Guardian - Opinion

A young, likeable side is taking shape.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is taking shape" to describe the gradual development or formation of something, especially when you want to emphasize the process rather than the final result. For example, "The project is taking shape, but there are still many details to finalize."

Common error

Avoid using "is taking shape" to describe something that is already complete or fully formed. This phrase indicates an ongoing process, not a finished product. Instead of saying "The finished product is taking shape", use "The finished product is complete."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is taking shape" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating that something is in the process of developing or becoming more defined. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is taking shape" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the ongoing development or formation of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. With a "Very common" frequency and widespread use across diverse sources such as "News & Media" and "Academia", it proves its reliability and understandability. When writing, remember that "is taking shape" implies a process that is not yet complete and to avoid using it to describe finished products. Consider alternatives like "is materializing" or "is forming" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is coming together

Indicates that separate parts are uniting to form a whole.

is developing

Suggests a process of growth and increasing complexity.

is forming

A more general term indicating the beginning of creation or organization.

is emerging

Indicates something is coming into view or becoming known.

is materializing

Implies that something is becoming real or visible from an abstract idea.

is evolving

Implies a gradual change and refinement over time.

is crystallizing

Suggests a clear and definite form is being established.

is solidifying

Suggests that something is becoming firm, stable, or established.

is underway

Focuses on the process of development being in progress.

is in the works

An informal way of saying something is being planned or prepared.

FAQs

How can I use "is taking shape" in a sentence?

You can use "is taking shape" to describe something that is gradually developing or forming. For example, "The company's new strategy is taking shape as they gather more market data."

What are some alternatives to "is taking shape"?

You can use alternatives like "is forming", "is developing", or "is emerging" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is taking shape" in formal writing?

Yes, "is taking shape" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe the development of something, as shown in the numerous examples from news and academic sources.

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

While both phrases are similar, "is taking shape" often implies a more complex or structured development, whereas "is taking form" can refer to a more basic or abstract formation.