take on surprising forms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take on surprising forms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing how something can appear or manifest in unexpected or unusual ways. Example: "The artwork can take on surprising forms, challenging traditional perceptions of beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a former resident of Berlin, I learned how German cultural obsessions had a tendency to take on surprising forms in East Germany, and I wanted to find out more.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Communication can take on many other forms besides language.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

The musical, to my surprise, has taken on a surprising relevance.

Los Angeles Times

You take on other forms.

The Guardian - Books

The oppressed can take on awkward forms.

The Guardian

They could take on new forms, though.

TechCrunch

Growth can take on many forms.

Huffington Post

The suits take on their forms, but the form inside becomes completely invisible.

Huffington Post

Perhaps most surprising is his take on climate change.

The Guardian

It's surprising how surnames take on a period air, and then become attenuated and finally disappear.

Independent

The usual Coen brothers' whimsy, with its edge of nihilism, takes on a surprising metaphysical resonance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take on surprising forms" when you want to emphasize the unexpected or unusual nature of something's appearance or manifestation. It adds a sense of wonder or intrigue to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "take on surprising forms" in contexts where a literal, physical act of taking something is intended. The phrase is idiomatic and best used for abstract or metaphorical transformations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take on surprising forms" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe how something changes or manifests in an unexpected or unusual manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. The example provided by Ludwig describes how art can challenge traditional perceptions of beauty.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take on surprising forms" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe unexpected manifestations or transformations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general descriptive writing. While grammatically sound, it’s best used for metaphorical or abstract transformations rather than literal physical actions. Alternative phrases such as "assume unexpected shapes" or "manifest in unusual ways" offer similar semantic meaning. Understanding the context and purpose ensures effective communication when employing this idiomatic phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume unexpected shapes

Emphasizes the physical appearance or configuration that something adopts, highlighting its unexpected nature.

manifest in unusual ways

Focuses on the manner in which something becomes apparent or evident, stressing its atypical character.

morph into unforeseen appearances

Highlights a transformation or change in form that was not anticipated.

evolve into startling guises

Suggests a gradual development or transformation resulting in a surprising outward appearance.

transform into unexpected configurations

Focuses on the rearrangement or alteration of elements into a surprising structure.

adopt surprising visages

Emphasizes the adoption of a particular expression or appearance that is unexpected.

exhibit startling forms

Highlights the display or presentation of forms that cause surprise or astonishment.

present unexpected manifestations

Focuses on the act of making something evident or apparent in a way that was not anticipated.

materialize in unforeseen patterns

Suggests the appearance of something in patterns or arrangements that were not predicted.

demonstrate surprising variations

Emphasizes the display of different forms or aspects that are unexpected or unusual.

FAQs

How can I use "take on surprising forms" in a sentence?

You can use "take on surprising forms" to describe how something can appear or manifest in unexpected ways. For example: "The artwork can "take on surprising forms", challenging traditional perceptions of beauty."

What are some alternatives to "take on surprising forms"?

Alternatives include "assume unexpected shapes", "manifest in unusual ways", or "evolve into startling guises", depending on the specific context.

Is "take on surprising forms" formal or informal?

"Take on surprising forms" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly technical or scientific discourse.

Can "take on surprising forms" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "take on surprising forms" is often used to describe abstract concepts, emotions, or ideas that manifest in unexpected ways. For example, "Grief can "take on surprising forms", such as anger or denial."