shaped around

USAGE SUMMARY

"shaped around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been formed with a specific shape or design in mind. For example, "She strategically designed her garden beds to be shaped around the existing trees and shrubs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Still, during weeks of rehearsals this production had been shaped around another Giovanni.

The New York Times - Arts

Service models and conceptual frameworks for people for whom the focus of care is on improving quality of life in the context of life-limiting conditions have been shaped around cancer experiences.

BMC Palliative Care

You can find them in all pet stores, try to get one that is not too thin but not too thick and flat shaped (around 1 1/2 inches flat ways).

WikiHow

But this was shaped around the neck.

The Guardian - Opinion

This programme will provide both professional and personal support, shaped around the local challenges.

The Guardian

Up to now the Tory revival has been shaped around the need to renew society.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most racing drivers are built like jockeys and the cars are shaped around them.

The Guardian - Sport

But Dee's narrative is about moral invertebrates, and is in fact shaped around a series of subtle suppressions.

The New Yorker

This work will be shaped around political hooks but will be bigger than any one political moment.

The Guardian

Her opening chapter in The Names of Comedy (1990) – was shaped around TS Eliot's poem on the naming of cats.

The Guardian

Ms. Ades's recipe, like the others here, can be used to make burgers or kebabs, shaped around metal skewers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaped around" to emphasize the influence or constraints that something has had on the form or development of another thing. For example, "The curriculum was shaped around the needs of the students."

Common error

Avoid using "shape" as a direct substitute for "form" in all contexts. "Shape" often implies a more deliberate or intentional influence, while "form" can be more general. For instance, instead of saying "The clay was shaped into a ball", "formed into a ball" can also work, but when the focus is on the design itself, use "shaped around".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaped around" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating that something has been deliberately formed or modified to fit specific parameters or constraints. This is supported by Ludwig, which presents numerous examples where the phrase signifies purposeful adaptation or design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shaped around" is a versatile verb phrase used to express how something has been deliberately formed or adapted to meet certain requirements or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and widespread application across diverse contexts. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. When writing, use this phrase to show a deliberate influence or adjustment, and remember that synonyms like "structured around" or "designed around" may offer alternative nuances. Finally, ensure the intent is to emphasize a deliberate shaping rather than a general influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

structured around

Focuses on the organization or arrangement, emphasizing a framework or pattern.

designed around

Highlights the intentional creation and planning aspects.

molded around

Emphasizes the physical or formative influence on the subject.

built around

Suggests a foundational element or core idea guiding the development.

centered around

Highlights the focal point or primary subject of something.

formed around

Indicates a process of coming into being with a particular focus.

organized around

Focuses on arrangement and systematic order.

developed around

Highlights the growth and evolution based on a central theme.

adapted to

Emphasizes the modification to suit specific requirements or conditions.

arranged with

Refers to a deliberate placement or composition with a particular element in mind.

FAQs

How can I use "shaped around" in a sentence?

You can use "shaped around" to describe how something has been influenced or designed to fit specific requirements or conditions. For example, "The project was "shaped around" the available budget".

What are some alternatives to "shaped around"?

Some alternatives to "shaped around" include "structured around", "designed around", or "centered around", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the program is shaped around the student's needs"?

Yes, it is correct. It means the program has been intentionally designed and adapted to meet the requirements and preferences of the students.

What's the difference between "shaped around" and "influenced by"?

"Shaped around" suggests a more direct and intentional design or modification, whereas "influenced by" implies a broader impact that might not necessarily result in a specific, deliberate form. For example, a building's design could be "shaped around" environmental regulations, but its overall style might be "influenced by" architectural trends.