shape the process

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shape the process" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how to influence or determine the course of a particular procedure or method. Example: "Our goal is to shape the process of product development to ensure it meets customer needs effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

We were the first residential school to become one and so have helped shape the process.

The Guardian

Mr Obama and his opponents can help to shape the process.

The Economist

How can we shape the process and influence the relationship to increase the client's readiness for needed corrective action?

Harvard Business Review

Talking about the nonformulaic credo of a dream project that still sustains him, Mr. Linn- Baker said, "We shape the process to the needs of the work.

The New York Times

The prime minister will make a Commons statement on Tuesday, before MPs debate an amendable motion on Thursday, allowing them to try and shape the process.

The Guardian

As with previous such motions, it is intended as a vehicle for MPs to table amendments to help shape the process.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

An additional, related task has been to identify the ways in which gendered practices and ideologies shape the processes of globalization.

SEP

In NPT, 4 theoretical constructs shape the processes of successful intervention implementation.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

While structures do not directly influence outcomes of care, they are important to shape the processes which are then indirectly and directly associated with quality of care outcomes.

BMC Health Services Research

But Mr. Tiene said political rather than economic considerations were shaping the process.

The New York Times

It is harder for researchers to cherry-pick results unintentionally by shaping the process.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize active participation in directing a process's development or course, use "shape the process". This implies more than just observing; it suggests influencing the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "shape the process" when you only mean to observe or document a process. This phrase implies active intervention, not passive data collection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape the process" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "shape" acts as a transitive verb taking "the process" as its direct object. This indicates an action of influencing or determining the form or course of a process, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shape the process" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It describes the act of influencing or determining the course of a procedure or method. While Ludwig identifies its frequency as 'Uncommon', it appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Its register is generally neutral to professional. To effectively use this phrase, ensure you're conveying active intervention in a process, not merely passive observation. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "mold the procedure" or "guide the methodology", depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

influence the course of events

This alternative shifts the focus to the outcome rather than the specific steps of a process.

mold the procedure

The word "mold" suggests a more hands-on and formative approach compared to "shape".

guide the methodology

"Guide" implies direction and assistance, whereas "shape" suggests a more active role in determining the form.

direct the workflow

Focuses on managing the sequence of tasks within a structured process.

control the mechanism

This alternative evokes a sense of authority and regulation over a defined system.

govern the operation

Suggests a formal and structured influence, often within a legal or organizational framework.

determine the trajectory

This phrase implies setting a path or direction for the process to follow.

orchestrate the steps

"Orchestrate" suggests a careful and coordinated management of different elements of the process.

formulate the approach

Focuses on creating or devising the process, rather than actively influencing it during execution.

channel the progression

This alternative suggests guiding the flow or advancement of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "shape the process" in a sentence?

You can use "shape the process" to describe efforts to influence the development or execution of a particular procedure. For example, "The community's feedback helped "shape the process" of urban planning".

What's the difference between "shape the process" and "influence the process"?

"Shape the process" suggests a more direct and formative role in guiding the steps of a procedure, while "influence the process" implies a broader impact that may not involve direct control.

What can I say instead of "shape the process"?

You can use alternatives like "mold the procedure", "guide the methodology", or "direct the workflow" depending on the context.

Is "shape the process" formal or informal?

The phrase "shape the process" is suitable for both professional and neutral contexts. It is often seen in news articles and business reports, although it may also appear in more informal settings.