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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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shaped on

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaped on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely a confusion with "shaped by" or "based on," which are more commonly used to indicate influence or formation. Example: "Her artistic style was shaped by her experiences in different cultures."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Editors, government officials and citizens share an interest in ensuring that this important democratic tradition continues into a new media era shaped on one side by new access to undigested information and on the other by encroaching government controls.

News & Media

The Guardian

In individuals with microtia, the visible portion of the external ear (the auricle) is small and abnormally shaped on one or both sides of the head.

A pope who no longer forces the bishops to toe a reactionary party line, who puts into practice an appropriate democracy in the church, one shaped on the model of primitive Christianity.

News & Media

The New York Times

A round cake pan will lightly steam the dough, yielding a slightly chewier, wedge-shaped shortbread; dough that's shaped on a baking sheet gives you classic crispy rectangles.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Windsor chair, popular type of wooden chair constructed of turned (shaped on a lathe), slender spindles that are socketed into a solid, saddle-shaped wooden seat.

Turned (shaped on a lathe) split balusters stained to look like ebony were also applied.

Basket chair, chair made from plaited twigs, or osiers, shaped on a warp of stiff rods.

The front stood on three or five turned (shaped on a lathe) legs linked by stretchers.

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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

'Chaps, I'm afraid things have gone shit-shaped on the budget front.' And we all went, 'Absolutely, sir' because by that time we'd bonded, because it was a good company feel".

The hands are just circles, while the feet are a cross between ovals and beans-they are perfectly round on the inside and bean-shaped on the outside.

One example is the Zorro-LNA type of Z-shaped ON, which simultaneously targets both strands of a DNA duplex.

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how something is formed or influenced, consider using "based on", "influenced by", or "formed by" instead of "shaped on" for improved grammatical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "shaped on" when you mean "shaped by" (to indicate influence) or "based on" (to indicate a foundation). For example, instead of "The policy was shaped on public opinion", use "The policy was shaped by public opinion" or "The policy was based on public opinion".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

78%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaped on" typically functions as part of a prepositional phrase, often intended to describe the basis or influence in the formation of something. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered standard English; alternative phrasings are recommended for clarity and correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaped on" is frequently used across various contexts, including science, news media, and encyclopedias. However, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Instead, alternatives such as "based on", "influenced by", or "formed by" are recommended for improved clarity and accuracy. While the intended purpose is to express influence or formation, its non-standard usage detracts from its effectiveness. Therefore, careful consideration of alternative phrasings is essential for formal and precise communication.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "shaped on"?

You can use alternatives like "based on", "influenced by", or "formed by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shaped on" or "shaped by"?

"Shaped by" is the correct phrase to use when indicating influence or formation. "Shaped on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

How to use "based on" instead of "shaped on"?

Use "based on" to indicate the foundation or origin of something. For example, instead of "The argument was shaped on the evidence", you would say "The argument was based on the evidence".

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

Both "shaped by" and "influenced by" suggest an impact, but "shaped by" implies a more fundamental or formative effect, while "influenced by" can suggest a more superficial or temporary effect.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: