it is taking shape

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is taking shape' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a project, task, situation, or idea that is just beginning to come together or is in the process of taking form. For example, "This collaborative project is taking shape, and soon we'll have a prototype ready to present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But it is taking shape nonetheless, opening last September with 150 students and about 45 professors, some like Mr. Horta having moved here for newly created tenure-track jobs.

The New York Times

Basilica, as it is taking shape, is a small, careful and excellent festival of music, literature and conceptual art: around 400 people each night, a mixture of older locals and younger New Yorkers, though the space could have comfortably held twice that or more.

The New York Times - Arts

It is the first visit to this country by a French Chief of State since the Franco-Prussian War more than 90 years ago, and it is taking shape as an extraordinary attempt to deepen the peace that has been achieved between the two ancient enemies since the collapse of the Nazi Reich.

The New York Times

The old writer's musings offer a kind of commentary on the book as it is taking shape, questioning, among other things, the wisdom of Ira's confession of incest: "Why was he doing this, demeaning himself — and perhaps Jews, the multitude of Jews who had transformed one previous novel into a shrine, a child's shrine at that".

The New Yorker

The union's common foreign and security policy may not yet mean that Europe speaks to the world with one voice, but it is taking shape and has already healed some of the wounds inflicted by disagreements over the war in Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

When Spark wrote at the end of January to inquire whether readers' reports had arrived, she added: "As I think you know, my earlier plan to make these the basis of a book of short stories has developed into the writing of a novel... it is taking shape quite nicely" - and asked Macmillan to commission it.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

TO understand the state of play for privacy in the digital age, it helps to look at environmentalism as it was taking shape in the late 1960's.

The New York Times

The town houses were built between 1899 and 1902, as the Upper West Side as we know it was taking shape.

The New York Times

By now, it was taking shape as a part fiction, part reality movie, but eventually they decided they had enough material to go all-out as a documentary.

The Guardian

In 1839 came the invention of photography, almost in answer to the American desire to at once capture, exalt, preserve and subdue the country, even as it was taking shape as both an idea and a place.

The New York Times - Arts

It's taking shape!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is taking shape" when you want to convey that something is not yet complete but is progressively developing into a recognizable form. It's useful for describing abstract concepts like plans, ideas, or projects.

Common error

Avoid using "it is taking shape" when something is already fully formed or completed. This phrase is best suited for describing ongoing development, not finished products.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is taking shape" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an ongoing process of formation or development. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing the development of plans, projects, and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

9%

Encyclopedias

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is taking shape" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, indicating that something is in the process of developing or forming. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, it appears across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. Use this phrase to convey that progress is being made, but the final result is not yet fully realized. Remember to avoid using it when describing completed projects. Consider alternatives like "it is forming" or "it is developing" to subtly shift the emphasis. Avoid the common error of using the phrase when the subject is already fully formed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is forming

A more general term for the process of creation or development.

it is coming together

Indicates that separate parts are uniting to create a whole.

it is developing

Highlights the progressive growth and advancement of something.

it is materializing

Emphasizes the gradual appearance of something from an unrealized state.

it is evolving

Suggests a gradual transformation and adaptation over time.

it is crystallizing

Implies a clearer and more defined form is emerging.

it is solidifying

Focuses on the strengthening and stabilizing of something.

it is underway

Describes something that has started and is in progress.

it is in progress

Simply states that something is currently happening or being developed.

it is under construction

Specifically refers to something being built or created.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is taking shape" to describe something that is developing or forming. For example, "The new policy is taking shape as we gather more feedback." or "The project is taking shape nicely now that we have secured funding."

What are some alternatives to "it is taking shape"?

Alternatives to "it is taking shape" include "it is forming", "it is developing", or "it is coming together". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was taking shape"?

Yes, "it was taking shape" is grammatically correct and refers to a process of development that occurred in the past. For instance, "The plan was taking shape during the initial meetings."

What's the difference between "it is taking shape" and "it has taken shape"?

"It is taking shape" indicates an ongoing process, while "it has taken shape" implies that the process is complete and a recognizable form has emerged. Compare "The strategy is taking shape." with "The strategy has taken shape and is ready for implementation."