shape like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shape like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the form or outline of an object or figure in a casual or informal context. Example: "The cloud in the sky looks like a dragon, with its shape like that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Overnight, his long johns dried into a crunchy, twisted shape, like that bog man they found in Ireland, all hard and brown, millennia after his death.

The New Yorker

He even updated his chocolate-bar cellphone so that it is gently curved like a bar of chocolate once it has melted (though not too much) in your pocket; he felt it would seem more natural to find a shape like that there.

The New York Times - Style

"You can only squash so much into a little shape like that," he said.

BBC

In a computer model, a mathematical shape like that is perfect.

Huffington Post

This: not one, and with a shape like that, it really needs them.

Vice

On the other hand the founding polyp of a coral has a shape like that of its daughter polyps, and coral zooids have no coelom or lophophore.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's got a nice big hexagon for a shape, so everyone will know you love shapes like that.

TechCrunch

And several results revealed, for some shape (gear-like shape), that PGR performs better than GGR.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

If there's gloss in between the two top parts of the heart, then your lips will look oval shaped, which won't really look natural (unless your lips are naturally shaped like that; some people lack the Cupid's bow shape simply because of genetics).

WikiHow

Why was it shaped like that?

The Guardian - Tech

They're shaped like that space capsule Gus Grissom messed up in "The Right Stuff".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object's form, use "shape like that" to draw a comparison to a previously mentioned or well-known object, creating a clearer mental image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "shape like that" when the reference point is vague or unknown to the audience. Always ensure the comparison is clear and adds value to the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape like that" functions primarily as a descriptive element, used to draw a comparison between the form of something being described and a previously mentioned or understood shape. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical structure is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shape like that" serves as a descriptive tool to compare and visualize forms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and sees frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news media and wiki-based content. While primarily informal to neutral, understanding its purpose and appropriate usage ensures clarity and enhances descriptive writing. Alternatives such as "form similar to that" or "structure akin to that" can provide more nuanced descriptions or suit more formal contexts. Remember to use this phrase when the reference point is clear to your audience for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form similar to that

Replaces 'shape' with 'form', emphasizing the external appearance.

structure akin to that

Substitutes 'shape' with 'structure', highlighting the arrangement of parts.

configuration resembling that

Uses 'configuration' instead of 'shape', focusing on the specific layout.

contour comparable to that

Replaces 'shape' with 'contour', stressing the outline or boundary.

design analogous to that

Employs 'design' in place of 'shape', indicating a planned or intentional form.

outline like that one

Uses 'outline' instead of 'shape', focusing on the outer boundary of the object.

profile similar to that

Substitutes 'shape' with 'profile', highlighting the side view or silhouette.

pattern equivalent to that

Replaces 'shape' with 'pattern', emphasizing a repeated or regular arrangement.

appearance like that

Uses 'appearance' instead of 'shape', focusing on the overall visual aspect.

figure reminiscent of that

Substitutes 'shape' with 'figure', highlighting a form that brings something else to mind.

FAQs

How can I use "shape like that" in a sentence?

You can use "shape like that" to describe something by comparing its form to something already known. For example: "The cloud had a "shape like that" of a dragon".

What's a good alternative to "shape like that"?

Alternatives include "form similar to that", "structure akin to that", or "appearance like that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shape like that" formal or informal?

"Shape like that" is generally considered informal and is suitable for casual conversation or descriptive writing. More formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "a configuration resembling that".

What does it mean when something has a "shape like that"?

It means that the object's external form or outline is similar to a previously referenced object. The comparison helps to quickly convey the visual characteristics of the object.