shape up well

USAGE SUMMARY

"shape up well" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to improve or progress in a positive way. It is often used in informal conversations and can also be used in formal writing depending on the context. Example: The new training program seems to be working well for the employees. They are shaping up well and their productivity has increased significantly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Things shape up well for the Wings.

The New York Times

Añel's research is continuing to shape up well.

Science Magazine

"Think the squad is starting to shape up well, actually" — you.

Vice

But Davis also gave a hint that the August numbers -- which will be released next month -- should shape up well, too, in part because of the infamous Paris Hilton/Britney Spears "Celeb" ad that drew so much media attention last month after Barack Obama's world trip.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

No scenario shapes up well.

The Guardian - Sport

"My career was shaping up well".

The New York Times - Books

For eco-fashionistas, February has shaped up well so far.

The Guardian

Next year isn't shaping up well for gamers, so the stocks may become even cheaper.

The New York Times

Chris Rogers is shaping up well in his bid to play the third Ashes Test, having trained for almost an hour on Sunday.

The Guardian - Sport

In a hugely unpredictable Premier League season that, at the halfway stage, has Leicester level on points with leaders Arsenal and champions Chelsea only three above the relegation zone, the Potters are shaping up well.

The Guardian - Sport

Henry V (1413-22), victof of Agincourt, must be rated the greatest warrior Prince of Wales, although the next one, his grandson, Edward, was shaping up well when he was killed at Tewkesbury (1471) in the dynastic War of the Roses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shape up well" to describe the positive development of projects, people, or situations over time. It's suitable when you want to convey that things are progressing in a favorable manner.

Common error

Avoid using "shape up well" to describe an instantaneous event or a completed action. This phrase implies an ongoing process of improvement rather than a single, finished outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shape up well" functions as an intransitive phrasal verb, often used to describe the positive development or improvement of a subject. Examples from Ludwig show its application in contexts ranging from sports teams to research projects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shape up well" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrasal verb that describes positive development or improvement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it’s crucial to use it accurately, focusing on ongoing processes rather than completed actions. When aiming for more formality, consider alternatives like "improve significantly" or "progress favorably". This phrase presents a neutral register and serves to express optimism about the subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

improve significantly

Focuses on the degree of improvement.

progress favorably

Highlights the positive direction of progress.

develop positively

Emphasizes the positive nature of the development process.

show promise

Suggests potential for future success.

turn out nicely

Focuses on the eventual outcome being positive.

become successful

Highlights the achievement of success.

fare well

Indicates a positive experience or outcome.

make good progress

Emphasizes the advancement being made.

get into good form

Focuses on reaching an optimal state or condition.

start to excel

Highlights the beginning of superior performance.

FAQs

How can I use "shape up well" in a sentence?

You can use "shape up well" to describe something that is improving or progressing positively. For instance, "The team's performance is shaping up well after the new training program".

What's a similar phrase to "shape up well"?

Alternatives include "improve significantly", "progress favorably", or "develop positively", all indicating positive progress.

Is it appropriate to use "shape up well" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In some formal settings, more precise alternatives like "improve significantly" or "progress favorably" may be more suitable.

What does it mean when something is "shaping up well"?

It means that something is developing or improving in a positive and promising manner. It suggests that the current trajectory is favorable and likely to lead to a successful outcome.