shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "shape" to refer to the physical form or outline of something, or to refer to a particular quality or character. For example, you can say: "The shape of the clouds changed quickly in the wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is not going to affect the set-up for the game in any way, shape or form.

The Guardian - Sport

The vast majority of these decisions face no public scrutiny, though they shape public discourse.

The Guardian - Tech

Cut out a Y shape and two speech bubbles.

The Guardian

What makes up our identity and how does our past shape our present?

The Guardian

This has sometimes meant taking on the vested interests of the medical profession, and Seddon's description of SalaUna suggests that power lies with the managers of the business, who use contracts, incentives, data and dismissal as tools to shape the behaviour of clinicians.

The Guardian

Like him, the other detainees had been snatched by US soldiers from Iraq's towns and cities and flown to a place that had already become infamous: a foreboding desert fortress that would shape the legacy of the US presence in Iraq.

The Guardian

I talked to people on both sides of this wave of change, as a new, fully Conservative government takes shape.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Implementing some impressively artistic ideas selected from a "hackathon" that took place earlier this year, the Urban Vision is now crowd-sourcing a skilled group of Mumbaikars to shape these disused sites, bringing together architects, landscapers, artists and "city enthusiasts" for an inclusive community-led project to start on Monday 24 November.

The Guardian

This week, he gets an actual Clarice Starling all of his own in the shape of work experience detective Nancy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

First on court is the latest instalment in one of the rivalries that will shape these Games, with England playing Australia in the group stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Because of injuries there will be a completely different midfield again, in terms of shape and personnel, and that's the way it is going at the moment.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shape" to describe someone's physical condition, be specific. For example, instead of saying "He's in shape", specify "He's in excellent physical shape for running marathons".

Common error

Avoid using "shape" as a blanket replacement for "form" in all contexts. While they are similar, "form" often refers to a more fundamental or abstract structure, whereas "shape" typically implies a more specific, observable outline. For example, you would say "the form of government", not "the shape of government".

Linguistic Context

The word "shape" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the external form or outline of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it also serves as a verb meaning to give form to or influence something. Many examples in Ludwig show "shape" used as a verb: "to shape public discourse" or "to shape the legacy of the US presence in Iraq."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "shape" is a versatile word functioning primarily as a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Sport, and Lifestyle. It describes physical forms or the act of influencing something. When describing someone's condition, it's best to be specific. Related terms include "form", "outline", and "figure". When using the term, avoid using it as a direct substitute for "form". Overall, "shape" is a fundamental and widely applicable term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form

Focuses on the structure or configuration of something.

outline

Emphasizes the external boundary or contour.

figure

Implies a distinct form or appearance, often in a visual context.

configuration

Refers to the arrangement of parts or elements.

condition

Highlights the state or form of something, particularly in terms of health or maintenance.

state

Indicates the existing form or situation of something.

appearance

Focuses on the visual aspect or form of something.

structure

Highlights the arrangement and organization of components.

format

Refers to the standardized arrangement or presentation.

profile

Emphasizes the outline or contour, often in a side view.

FAQs

How can I use "shape" in a sentence?

You can use "shape" to refer to the physical form of an object, as in, "The sculptor molded the clay into a beautiful shape." It can also refer to the condition or state of something, such as, "The economy is in good shape."

What are some synonyms for "shape"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "shape" include "form", "outline", "figure", or "condition".

Is it correct to say something is "out of shape"?

Yes, saying something is "out of shape" is a common idiom. It typically means that something is not in its ideal condition or form, either physically or functionally. For example, "After the injury, the athlete was out of shape", or "The old car was out of shape after years of neglect."

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

"Shape" generally refers to the external outline or appearance of something, while "form" can refer to the overall structure, arrangement, or essence of something. "Shape" is often more concrete and visual, whereas "form" can be more abstract.