not in form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in form" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not conform to a required or expected format or structure. Example: "The document was submitted not in form, which led to its rejection by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But, in fact, Bausch was new, in content if not in form.

The New Yorker

He's clearly not in form right now but that was a shot from the top shelf.

The Guardian - Sport

Pope was not in form then, still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

Tejay van Garderen should have acted as a second foil to the Australian but was not in form.

The Guardian - Sport

In concept, if not in form, it anticipated Mies van der Rohe's belief that "less is more".

The New York Times - Arts

Yet the symphony remains somehow recognizable in spirit if not in form, its frozen strings fraught with tense, frowning Beethoven-ness.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

When Giovinco isn't in form there is cause for concern at TFC.

The Guardian - Sport

The existence of such opportunities, in fact not merely in form, depends not merely upon an open road but upon an equal start".

The Guardian - Books

And African tribal monarchy was not European in form.

The Guardian

"Congress endeavored to promote equal opportunity in fact, and not simply in form," she said.

The New York Times

The avatars are not identical in form or substance.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not in form" to describe performance, consider specifying the area of deficiency. For example, instead of just saying "The team was not in form", specify "The team was not in form defensively."

Common error

Avoid using "not in form" when you actually mean "out of shape" in a physical sense. "Not in form" generally refers to a temporary deviation from an expected state or structure, rather than a long-term condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in form" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of deviation from an expected condition or structure. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals, teams, and abstract concepts like documents or ideas. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in form" is a versatile expression used to describe a deviation from an expected condition or structure. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English. While often used in sports and performance contexts, it can also apply to documents, ideas, and other abstract concepts. When writing, ensure the context is clear and consider specifying the area where something is "not in form". Alternatives like "out of shape", "below standard", and "not up to par" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Given its frequent appearance in reputable news and scientific sources, "not in form" is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of shape

This alternative implies a physical or performance-related decline, particularly concerning fitness or skill.

not up to par

This phrase suggests a failure to meet a specific standard or expectation, often in performance or quality.

below standard

This indicates a quality or performance that is less than the expected or required level.

not in good condition

This suggests a state of disrepair or inadequacy, applicable to both physical objects and abstract situations.

lacking the required structure

This phrase explicitly refers to the absence of a necessary organizational framework.

not properly formatted

This alternative specifically indicates that something does not adhere to the correct formatting guidelines.

deviating from the norm

This phrase suggests a departure from the usual or expected pattern.

not conforming to expectations

This implies that something is not aligned with what is anticipated or desired.

not meeting the criteria

This suggests a failure to satisfy a specific set of requirements or conditions.

deficient in structure

This alternative emphasizes the absence of a sound or complete framework.

FAQs

What does "not in form" mean?

The phrase "not in form" means that something or someone is not in the expected or usual condition, shape, or structure. It often implies a temporary deviation from an optimal state.

How can I use "not in form" in a sentence?

You can use "not in form" to describe a team's performance (e.g., "The striker was "out of shape" and therefore, the team was "not in form"), a document's formatting (e.g., "The application was "not in form" and was rejected"), or any situation where something is not as it should be.

What are some alternatives to "not in form"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "out of shape", "below standard", "not up to par", or "not properly formatted".

When is it appropriate to use "not in form" versus "out of shape"?

"Not in form" is more versatile and can apply to various contexts beyond physical condition, such as documents or strategies. "Out of shape" primarily refers to physical fitness or performance capabilities. For instance, a football player might be "out of shape", while a legal document would be "not in form" if it's formatted incorrectly.