starting to take shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "starting to take shape" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an idea or project that is beginning to take a form. For example, "The plan for our new business is starting to take shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The pattern of the tests is starting to take shape.

The New York Times

We can see manifestos starting to take shape.

The Guardian

"It's very different but it's starting to take shape.

The Guardian - Books

"And that market is starting to take shape".

The New York Times - Tech

The field for the 138th running of the Preakness Stakes is starting to take shape.

The New York Times

The low carbon economy is starting to take shape and it works.

The Guardian

Besides, it's Thanksgiving — a perfect time to contemplate the future that's starting to take shape.

The New York Times - Tech

Now a new version of the drama is starting to take shape.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the team planning his inauguration, set for Jan . 20 is just starting to take shape.

The New York Times

Similar schemes are starting to take shape across the rest of the UK.

The Guardian

It may be very early days but some club's seasons are starting to take shape already.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "starting to take shape" when you want to emphasize the initial stages of development and formation. It suggests that while the final form isn't complete, progress is evident.

Common error

While "starting to take shape" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "beginning to materialize" or "commencing to form".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "starting to take shape" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the process of something developing or forming. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, with examples showing its application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "starting to take shape" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe the initial stages of development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While more formal alternatives exist for academic or business writing, this phrase is generally acceptable and easily understood. With a high expert rating and frequent occurrence in authoritative sources, "starting to take shape" is a reliable and effective choice for conveying the idea of progress and formation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaping up

This is a slightly more informal alternative indicating a positive progression.

developing

This emphasizes the process of growth and advancement.

beginning to materialize

This alternative suggests that something is moving from an abstract idea to a concrete reality.

progressing

This suggests forward movement and development.

becoming defined

This suggests that something is becoming clear or distinct.

coming together

This suggests that different elements are uniting to create a cohesive whole.

commencing to form

This option is a more formal and literal way of expressing the idea of something beginning to exist in a defined way.

emerging

This is a more concise way of saying something is becoming visible or known.

getting off the ground

This implies that an initiative is beginning to be carried out successfully after a period of planning.

taking root

This implies that something is establishing itself firmly.

FAQs

How can I use "starting to take shape" in a sentence?

You can use "starting to take shape" to describe the initial development of a plan, idea, or project. For example, "The new strategy is "starting to take shape" after several brainstorming sessions".

What are some alternatives to "starting to take shape"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "beginning to materialize", "shaping up", or "becoming defined".

Is it correct to say "starts to take shape" instead of "starting to take shape"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Starts to take shape" indicates the moment when something begins to form, while "starting to take shape" emphasizes the ongoing process.

What's the difference between "starting to take shape" and "taking shape"?

"Starting to take shape" implies the very beginning of the formation process, while "taking shape" suggests that the process is underway and some form is already evident. The former indicates an earlier stage of development than the latter.