shaping up

USAGE SUMMARY

"shaping up" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used in a figurative sense, such as when discussing a plan or project that is developing nicely. For example, you could say, "This project is really shaping up, and it should be completed ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How's that shaping up?

Independent

How's the reunion shaping up?

The New Yorker

And seaborne spas are also shaping up.

The New York Times

A tasty encounter is shaping up here.

Independent

Shaping Up After Shipping Out Underachieving.

The New York Times - Sports

This off-season is shaping up differently.

The New York Times

How is this year's festival shaping up?

The Guardian

Meanwhile, cinema has suddenly been shaping up.

The Guardian - Film

An art scene was shaping up.

The New York Times - Arts

"My career was shaping up well".

The New York Times - Books

But the dining room is shaping up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaping up" to describe the evolution of plans, projects, or situations, particularly when they are showing positive progress. For example, "Our marketing strategy is shaping up well for the next quarter."

Common error

Don't use "shaping up" in contexts where you're literally forming a physical shape; the phrase is typically used figuratively. For example, saying "The clay is shaping up" is technically correct but less common than "The clay is being molded".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaping up" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating that something is developing or progressing in a particular way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used in a figurative sense to describe the evolution of plans, projects or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shaping up" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the development or progress of something, often with a positive connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage in written English, typically in a figurative sense. It's frequently found in news and media contexts and can be used in both formal and informal settings, though leaning toward neutral. To enhance your writing, use "shaping up" to convey how plans, projects, or situations are evolving positively, and avoid literal interpretations in physical contexts. Alternatives such as "developing well" or "progressing nicely" can be used for variety. The phrase has a high expert rating of 4.5, reflecting its grammatical correctness and consistent usage across authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

developing well

Focuses on the progress aspect, emphasizing how something is advancing.

progressing nicely

Highlights the positive and satisfactory nature of the development.

coming along

A more informal way to express that something is advancing adequately.

taking form

Emphasizes the gradual manifestation and structure of something.

evolving favorably

Suggests a positive change or transformation over time.

maturing steadily

Implies a consistent and gradual advancement towards completion or a better state.

flourishing

Suggests thriving and vigorous growth.

improving

A general term indicating enhancement or betterment.

on track

Highlights that progress is happening according to the planned schedule.

doing well

A simple and versatile way to indicate satisfactory progress or performance.

FAQs

How can I use "shaping up" in a sentence?

You can use "shaping up" to describe something that is developing or progressing in a positive way. For example, "The new product design is shaping up nicely" or "The team's performance is shaping up after the recent training sessions".

What are some alternatives to saying "shaping up"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "developing well", "progressing nicely", or "coming along".

Is "shaping up" formal or informal?

"Shaping up" is generally considered a neutral expression that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the informal side. Consider your audience when choosing the best phrase to use.

What does it mean when something is "shaping up to be" something?

When something is "shaping up to be" something else, it means that it is developing or evolving in a way that suggests it will likely become that thing. For example, "This year is shaping up to be a record-breaking one for our company".