it was formative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was formative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience or period that significantly influenced or shaped someone's development or perspective. Example: "The summer I spent volunteering abroad was formative for my understanding of different cultures and social issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was formative".

The New York Times

Once it was formative as well as fun; giving us our sense of humour, encouraging us to take the piss out of grown-ups and treating pop stars with a great levelling irreverence and hinting at a moral code of fairness.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In the case of this task, it was formative and identified as a scaffolded task because students were had been learning about how to calculate surface area.

Empirical Research in Vocational Education and Training

As media experiences go, it was formative.

Huffington Post

It was formative, not because I became a huge Nomination Nut, but because it was the first time I witnessed the forces of institutional misogyny dismantle and obliterate someone making public charges of sexual harassment.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But it's formative.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Launching it hasn't been easy, but it has been formative.

Huffington Post

The first experience was formative.

The New York Times

FBI was formative for me.

The Guardian - Music

The glamour of expatriation was formative.

The New Yorker

The discipline of classical dance was formative.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase, follow it with a specific explanation of the impact the experience had. Avoid vague statements; detail the changes or growth that resulted.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of an experience. If the impact was minor or temporary, consider using a less emphatic phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was formative" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the nature of a past experience or period. Ludwig examples show it qualifies the subject, indicating a significant influence on development.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was formative" is used to describe an experience that has a significant and lasting impact on one's development. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While not overly formal, it effectively communicates the idea of profound influence. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly explains the changes or growth that resulted from the experience. Ludwig examples show that authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian commonly employ "it was formative" to convey such significant impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it played a crucial role

This alternative emphasizes the importance of the experience or event in shaping something.

it had a profound impact

This emphasizes the depth and significance of the influence.

it shaped my development

This alternative is more personal, emphasizing the effect on the speaker's growth.

it was a defining moment

Focuses on a specific point in time that had a significant impact.

it molded my perspective

Highlights the influence on one's viewpoint or outlook.

it proved to be pivotal

Emphasizes the turning point aspect of the formative experience.

it significantly influenced

A more direct and neutral way of expressing the impact.

it contributed greatly to

Highlights the contribution to a specific outcome or development.

it helped me grow

Emphasizes the personal growth aspect.

it left a lasting impression

Focuses on the enduring effect of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "it was formative" in a sentence?

Use "it was formative" to describe an experience or period that significantly shaped someone or something. For example, "The internship was formative in developing my professional skills."

What are some alternatives to "it was formative"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was influential", "it was pivotal", or "it shaped my development" depending on the context.

Is "it was formative" too formal for casual conversation?

While "it was formative" isn't overly formal, alternatives like "it helped me grow" or "it was a big influence" might be more suitable for casual contexts.

What's the difference between "it was formative" and "it was influential"?

"It was formative" implies a more profound and lasting impact on development, while "it was influential" suggests a more general impact on thoughts or actions.