shapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shapes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to any distinct outline or figure, or as a verb to refer to the act of forming or creating an outline or figure. For example, "The artist created a beautiful painting using various shapes and colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Arts

Travel

Sports

Tech

Books

Opinion

Music

Environment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Either spoon it into a piping bag to pipe into heart shapes, or press gently into a heart-shaped cookie cutter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To climb in this fashion a climber will hammer a peg (or "piton") into a crack, wedge chocks – pieces of metal of various sizes and shapes – into it or place a skyhook (a very small grappling hook) over flakes of rock and edges.

The Guardian

Back at the beginning of the show, across a floor whose size is accentuated by a geometric pattern of yellow, grey and black shapes that optically flip perspective as you look at them, a ventriloquist's dummy sits on a shelf, dangling his legs in the air.

The Guardian - Arts

"They're getting stretched apart, and they snap back," says Weiss. "Sometimes they snap back into their natural shapes".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In America, male body shapes will wax and wane – over a period of half a decade, they might go from the "jock" to something skinny and then creep back to the current vogue, the "swimmer's" body – that is, not such a meathead that you could beat anybody up, but not so lanky that you look pubescent.

The Guardian - Film

It is not easy to put into words what Mondrian does when he slides together black lines and coloured rectangles in his cosmic game of shapes.

The Guardian - Arts

The whirling black shapes rise from their large untidy nests and out over the fields.

The Guardian

So will 2014 see artists of various shapes and sizes chucking albums into the ether and hoping for the best?

The Guardian - Music

But my longing to practice architecture bubbles up inside me every time I remember that John Ruskin called it "the inescapable art" because it shapes the lives of people who never even think about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

This problem has always haunted cartographers and the shapes of world maps have typically been hugely diverse, ranging from hearts......to half-circles......to squashed turnips.

The Guardian

The tongue itself is taking infinite new shapes in billions of mouths.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts, use "shapes" to convey the idea of form, structure, or influence. For example, "The policy shapes public opinion."

Common error

Avoid using the singular form 'shape' when referring to multiple forms or outlines. Ensure that the plural form "shapes" is used to accurately represent multiple instances or types of forms.

Linguistic Context

The word "shapes" functions primarily as a noun, referring to distinct outlines, figures, or forms. It can also function as a third-person singular verb, indicating the action of giving form or influencing something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Travel

8%

Sports

7%

Tech

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "shapes" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to distinct outlines or forms; as a verb, it signifies influence or formation. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and academic writing. While "shapes" enjoys high frequency across a multitude of reliable sources, remember to use it in its plural form when referencing to multiple figures and forms. When describing abstract concepts, consider using "shapes" to convey the idea of structure, form or influence. Consider alternatives such as "forms", "outlines", and "configurations" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forms

Refers to the external appearance or configuration of something, similar to shapes but may also imply a process of creation.

outlines

Specifically denotes the boundary or contour of an object or figure, focusing on the external form.

configurations

Indicates the arrangement of elements or parts in a particular form or structure.

contours

Emphasizes the outline or surface form of something, often used in geographical or artistic contexts.

figures

A general term for a form or outline, often used in mathematical or geometric contexts.

structures

Focuses on the arrangement and organization of parts within a whole, implying a more complex form.

patterns

Refers to a repeated design or arrangement, often involving shapes and colors.

dimensions

Highlights the measurements and spatial extent of an object, contributing to its overall form.

external forms

Specifically refers to the visible appearance or outline of an object, emphasizing its external characteristics.

profiles

Denotes the outline or contour of something seen from the side, often used in design or character descriptions.

FAQs

How can I use "shapes" in a sentence?

You can use "shapes" to refer to different forms or outlines, as in "The artist used various "geometric shapes" in the painting", or to describe how something influences something else, like "Experiences "shapes our perception" of the world".

What words are similar to "shapes"?

Alternatives to "shapes" include "forms", "outlines", "configurations", and "figures". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "shapes" as a verb?

The verb form of "shapes" is typically used in the third person singular to indicate influence or formation, such as "The environment "shapes behavior"". It is important not to confuse it with the plural noun form.

What is the difference between "shapes" and "forms"?

"Shapes" generally refers to the external appearance or outline of an object. "Forms" can encompass a broader range, including the internal structure and arrangement, as well as the external appearance.