shaping years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shaping years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to years that significantly influence or mold a person's development or experiences. Example: "The shaping years of her childhood were filled with lessons that would guide her throughout her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This has been a shaping year," he said.

The New York Times

The cycle is one of the dominant forces shaping year-to-year storm and precipitation patterns.

The New York Times

How did she shape years of experience into a coherent narrative?

The New Yorker

The family's activities are shaped year-round by the lake, Ms. Polansky said.

The New York Times

Several key elements may still shape year-end totals, starting with continuing negotiations for the largest low-rate initial production F-35 contracts.

The Washington Post

This massive surprise party started taking shape years ago.

The New Yorker

And "if you put it outdoors, it will still be in good shape years from now".

The New York Times

Sheridan and Wang (2005) summarized the processes (and approximate time scales) as follows: (1) deflation of any turbulent and/or fluidized bed (seconds), (2) degassing of stationary fluidized bed (seconds days), (3) mechanical compaction by rotation and compression of particles without change in their shape (years), and finally (4) compaction, including particle shape change, and welding (years).

Bulletin of Volcanology

"We have five years in power and we have to shape those years".

Independent

Even short pieces might take shape over years.

The New Yorker

He had to break the mentality shaped by years of Communism".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shaping years" when referring to a period that significantly influences the development or character of someone or something. It's suitable for describing formative experiences and periods of significant change.

Common error

Avoid using "shaping years" in overly casual or informal conversations. It carries a degree of formality and is best suited for more serious or reflective contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shaping years" functions as a noun phrase modified by an adjective, denoting a period of time that significantly influences or molds development. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing formative experiences and periods of notable change.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shaping years" refers to a period of time that significantly influences development or experiences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, most commonly appearing in news and academic contexts. Alternatives include "formative years" and "influential years". Use it to emphasize the importance of a particular time frame in molding something, but avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Remember that while it can be a powerful phrase, it's best suited for more serious and reflective discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Formative years

Focuses on the period where character and intellect are most influenced.

Influential years

Highlights the impact and influence of those years.

Developmental years

Emphasizes the growth and development occurring during that time.

Critical period

Indicates a crucial time for specific development.

Key years

Highlights the importance and significance of specific years.

Defining years

Focuses on the years that define a person or event.

Transformative years

Emphasizes the years that cause significant transformation.

Impacting years

Highlights the years that have a notable impact.

Significant years

Indicates years of considerable importance.

Pivotal years

Emphasizes the turning point or crucial nature of those years.

FAQs

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

You can use "shaping years" to describe a period that significantly influences someone's development, such as, "The early 20s are often considered the "shaping years" of adulthood".

What are some alternatives to "shaping years"?

Alternatives include "formative years", "influential years", or "developmental years", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "shaping years" in a business context?

Yes, "shaping years" can be used in a business context to describe a period of significant growth or transformation for a company or industry.

What distinguishes "shaping years" from "formative years"?

"Shaping years" emphasizes the influence and molding of something over time, whereas "formative years" more specifically refers to the period when something is being formed or developed. The terms are very similar and often interchangeable.