shapes in which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shapes in which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe forms or configurations that are part of a specific context or situation. Example: "The artist explored various shapes in which the light interacted with the colors on the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"Letter to a Friend" is replete with shapes in which such elongation is paramount.

The New York Times

They maneuvered themselves into shapes in which, for example, Adler-Arieli held Weinert's leg while Weinert supported Adler-Arieli's body, and so forth, through many iterations.

The New Yorker

"Observed Shapes," shown in the form of one of Mr. Colson's deftly playful studies on paper, breaks down the various shapes in which U.F.O.'s have been reported, including disc, boomerang and cigar.

The New York Times - Arts

Three groups show three different shapes, in which from top to bottom they are spider, spectacles, and human.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Two-dimensional photonic crystal slabs with different hole shapes in which air holes etched in slabs as a key factor of losses, is analyzed.

Superlattices and Microstructures

The phase transition behavior is clearly recognized in the 19F spectral shapes, in which the broad signals of the ferroelectric immobile phase disappeared between 115 and 119 °C.

Polymer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Such decorum is not merely "formal" in the American sense; it is the shape in which common humanity finds expression.

The New York Times

A system of quotas took shape, in which no Ottoman territory should be more than ten per cent Armenian.

The New Yorker

Their bodies conformed to a common shape in which the hind legs were dominant and designed for support and locomotion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These artists, along with Maurice Denis and Ker Xavier Roussel, created paintings of unorthodox size and shape in which the importance of line and color superseded that of subject.

The New York Times - Arts

One house had a gable roof: the classic, inverted V-shape in which two sloping planes rise from two parallel walls and meet along a center line.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shapes in which" to describe the specific geometric or structural arrangements that influence a particular outcome or characteristic. For clarity, ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the "shapes".

Common error

Avoid using "shapes in which" when a simpler description of form or type suffices. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Instead, opt for direct and concise language where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shapes in which" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the particular forms or configurations that something assumes. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to provide context regarding the specific forms involved.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shapes in which" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the forms or configurations within a specific context. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is accurate and serviceable in English. Though relatively infrequent, it appears predominantly in scientific and news-related sources. For clarity, ensure that the sentence defines what constitutes the "shapes". While "shapes in which" isn't incorrect, writers should remember that alternatives such as ""forms in which"" might fit better depending on the context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forms in which

Replaces "shapes" with "forms", emphasizing the structure or arrangement.

configurations in which

Substitutes "shapes" with "configurations", highlighting the arrangement of elements.

structures in which

Focuses on the organizational framework or construction.

patterns in which

Replaces "shapes" with "patterns", focusing on recurring arrangements.

designs in which

Highlights the intentional arrangement or plan.

guises in which

Changes "shapes" to "guises", suggesting different appearances or presentations.

arrangements in which

Emphasizes the layout or disposition of elements.

styles in which

Refers to a particular manner or method of arrangement.

ways in which

A more general alternative, indicating a manner or method.

modes in which

Suggests a particular state or form of existence.

FAQs

How can I use "shapes in which" in a sentence?

Use "shapes in which" to specify the forms or configurations that something can take within a particular context. For example, "The artist explored various "forms in which" light interacted with the colors on the canvas."

What are some alternatives to "shapes in which"?

You can use alternatives like ""forms in which"", "configurations in which", or "patterns in which" depending on the context.

Is "shapes in which" formal or informal?

"Shapes in which" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in scientific and technical writing. Simpler alternatives like "ways in which" may be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "shapes in which" and "forms in which"?

While both phrases are similar, ""forms in which"" is slightly broader and can refer to any arrangement or structure, whereas "shapes in which" specifically implies geometric or structural configurations. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.