it is shaping up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is shaping up" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that is developing or improving over time. Example: "The project is still in its early stages, but it is shaping up to be a great success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"With the wind and the potential coastal flooding," Mr. Stark said, "it is shaping up to have a significant impact on our area".

The New York Times

"Bariatric surgery's benefits appear to vastly outweigh its harms on average, and it is shaping up to be a genuine help for people struggling through one of the most urgent health crises of our time.

The Washington Post

But it is shaping up to be one of its premier surf spots.

The Guardian - Travel

Alibaba's Sesame Credit is currently the most widely adopted system and like many other technological developments in China, it is shaping up to much more than what its namesake suggests.

Forbes

It is shaping up to be quite a show.

The New York Times - Sports

It is shaping up to be a dirty, messy campaign.

The Economist

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — It is shaping up to be the Great Game of the 21st century.

The New York Times

"It is shaping up to be a much tougher year for small caps," he said.

The New York Times

For now, then, it is shaping up as a battle of the generals.

The New York Times

It is shaping up to be a tournament of dirty hands and clean shoes.

The New York Times - Sports

It is shaping up not to be a test about citizenship but Britishness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is shaping up" to describe ongoing situations that are showing signs of a particular outcome, especially in contexts where development and progress are key aspects.

Common error

While "it is shaping up" is versatile, consider using more formal alternatives like "it is developing" or "it is progressing" in academic or professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is shaping up" functions as an idiomatic expression, used to indicate that a situation or event is developing or progressing in a noticeable way. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is shaping up" is a versatile idiomatic expression used to describe the development or progression of a situation or event. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its prevalence in news, business, and other contexts, indicating its wide applicability. While grammatically sound and generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or strictly professional settings. Ludwig's examples underscore its function in conveying anticipation or prediction about future outcomes, making it a useful phrase for expressing how things are evolving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's developing

Focuses on the process of unfolding and evolving.

it's evolving

Emphasizes gradual change and adaptation.

it's progressing

Highlights forward movement and advancement.

it's taking form

Suggests a more concrete development, where something is becoming defined.

it's materializing

Implies that something is becoming real or tangible.

it's panning out

Indicates that a situation is resolving or working out as expected.

it's unfolding

Highlights a gradual revelation or development of events.

it's coming together

Indicates the integration of elements to form a cohesive whole.

it's brewing

Suggests something is developing internally, often with anticipation.

it promises to be

Conveys an expectation or anticipation of a future outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "it is shaping up" in a sentence?

Use "it is shaping up" to describe a situation that's developing in a particular way. For example, "The project "it is shaping up" to be a great success."

What can I say instead of "it is shaping up"?

You can use alternatives like "it is developing", "it is progressing", or "it is taking shape" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is shaping up" appropriate for formal writing?

While "it is shaping up" is acceptable in many contexts, for very formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "it is developing" or "it is progressing" to maintain a more professional tone.

What does "it is shaping up" mean?

"It is shaping up" means that something is developing or progressing in a particular way, suggesting that the final outcome is becoming clearer or more defined.