shapes up nicely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shapes up nicely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is developing or improving in a positive way. Example: "The project is still in its early stages, but it shapes up nicely as we continue to refine our ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although Crais throws up a daunting smoke screen of subplots to break her will, including a showdown on the Internet, Starkey shapes up nicely and keeps her finger on the fuse.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Backed by Skype co-founder Janus Friis, it's shaping up nicely.

The Guardian - Tech

2009 is shaping up nicely to be the Year of the Dead Famous People.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Roberto's won things elsewhere and he's shaping up nicely to win things here".

The Guardian - Sport

Along the Way * The cast for "Twelfth Night," the Central Park summer offering of the New York Shakespeare Festival, is shaping up nicely.

The New York Times

They need to find their form soon – and, promisingly, I hear Venice is shaping up nicely for September.

The Guardian - Film

In any case, with Chris Christie also reported to be edging toward declaring his intention to run, 2016 is shaping up nicely.

The New Yorker

The next few years are shaping up nicely for anyone over 30 and this trend for nostalgia-driven comebacks has reached video games too.

The Guardian - Tech

With Bashaud Breeland developing into a very good cornerback option, Quinton Dunbar also shaping up nicely, the Redskins should defend the pass much better.

The Guardian - Sport

New York, where he has been stationed since September, is shaping up nicely, and he has been seeking out new tastes all over town.

The New York Times - Food

Some dishes are not as spontaneous or as carefully seasoned as they once were, but more have shaped up nicely, reason enough to come here again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shapes up nicely" avoid overly formal or technical contexts. It works best in general communication, news reports, and informal assessments.

Common error

Avoid using "shapes up nicely" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "progressing favorably" or "developing positively" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shapes up nicely" functions as a predicate in a sentence, expressing a positive evaluation of the development or progress of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English to indicate that something is developing or improving in a positive way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shapes up nicely" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is developing or progressing in a positive and promising manner. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability in written English. While suitable for general communication and news reports, it should be used cautiously in highly formal or academic writing where more precise alternatives may be preferred. Its frequent occurrence in news media indicates its widespread use in assessing ongoing developments and projecting favorable outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is coming together well

Focuses on the integration of elements into a cohesive whole.

is turning out well

Emphasizes the positive result or outcome of a process.

is progressing favorably

Highlights the positive direction of development.

is developing positively

Stresses the positive nature of the development process.

is improving steadily

Suggests gradual but consistent progress.

is advancing successfully

Focuses on the successful advancement towards a goal.

is unfolding promisingly

Implies a promising and positive unveiling of events.

is looking promising

Highlights the hopeful and positive appearance of something.

is taking a positive turn

Indicates a change towards a more favorable direction.

is proceeding smoothly

Emphasizes the lack of problems or obstacles in the progress.

FAQs

What does "shapes up nicely" mean?

The phrase "shapes up nicely" means that something is developing or progressing in a positive and promising way. It suggests that things are going well and are likely to have a good outcome.

How can I use "shapes up nicely" in a sentence?

You can use "shapes up nicely" to describe the progress of a project, a plan, or any situation that is evolving positively. For example: "The new marketing campaign "is coming together well" and "is shaping up nicely"."

What can I say instead of "shapes up nicely"?

You can use alternatives like "is progressing favorably", "is turning out well", or "is developing positively" depending on the context.

Is "shapes up nicely" appropriate for formal writing?

While "shapes up nicely" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or general contexts. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives such as "is progressing favorably" or "is developing positively".