take on various forms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take on various forms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that can appear or manifest in different ways or variations. Example: "The concept of art can take on various forms, from traditional painting to modern digital installations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This shows how living laboratories can take on various forms and how they can persist over long periods of time.

Princeton University

A Options to renew residential and commercial leases take on various forms, said Lucas A. Ferrara, a Manhattan real estate lawyer.

The New York Times

Jack never complains, however, because Jack is a piece of software, a virtual reality representation of a person who can take on various forms -- like a bulky man or a pregnant woman -- then operate within various environments and sometimes in concert with other virtual humans.

The New York Times - Tech

Mentoring can take on various forms and approaches, ranging from teaching someone how to conduct a particular task to managing work/life balance.

Duke University

They are all mission-driven schools.... That's what makes them work". In the Los Angeles area, charter schools with religious ties take on various forms.

Los Angeles Times

Although nutritional supplementation can take on various forms, here the functional profile of Xiphinematobacter most closely matched that from bacterial mutualists in phloem-feeding insects (e.g., Buchnera) (Hansen and Moran 2014).

Genome Biology and Evolution

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Democracy has historically taken on various forms in Athens, degenerating from an aboriginal democracy of non-meddling farmers (VI.4), through various intermediate forms to a democracy (seemingly that of contemporary fourth-century Athens) in which men rule, not laws.

SEP

A further difficulty in comparing the published results of different groups is that the documentation of the changes during pregnancy takes on various forms.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, hot springs – spa culture takes on various forms throughout the world, and learning to relax like a local is a top attraction in many destinations.

BBC

What's worse, they took on various forms.

Huffington Post

The quest for freedom takes on various forms and many voices in countries around the world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take on various forms", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is changing or adapting. Providing specific examples can enhance clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "take on various forms" without providing any specific examples or context. This can lead to vagueness and weaken the impact of your writing. Instead, elaborate on the different forms something can take to provide more value to your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take on various forms" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability or tendency of something to manifest or appear in multiple and diverse ways. Ludwig shows examples in academic, news and media, and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take on various forms" is a versatile expression used to describe something that can manifest in different ways. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples from diverse fields such as science, academia, and news. While it appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts, it remains useful across various registers, although its use is more common in writing than in everyday conversation. When using the phrase, provide specific examples to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Alternatives like ""manifest in different ways"" or ""assume various guises"" can offer slightly different shades of meaning depending on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take on different characteristics

Focuses on the varying attributes or qualities that something can acquire.

manifest in different ways

Emphasizes the different manners in which something can appear or become evident.

be expressed in diverse forms

Highlights the many ways something can be communicated or represented.

assume various guises

Highlights the different outward appearances or forms that something can adopt, often implying a disguise or deception.

materialize in several forms

Suggests that something can become real or concrete in different ways.

exhibit diverse facets

Focuses on the multiple aspects or features that something can display.

present in multiple iterations

Suggests that something exists in several versions or repetitions.

be embodied in various shapes

Focuses on the physical forms or structures that something can possess.

appear in different modes

Indicates that something can be observed or experienced in various states or conditions.

show itself in varied aspects

Indicates that something can reveal different parts or elements of itself.

FAQs

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

You can use "take on various forms" to describe something that can appear or manifest in different ways. For example, "The concept of leadership can "take on various forms", depending on the context and the individuals involved."

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

Some alternatives include "manifest in different ways", "assume various guises", or "exhibit diverse facets". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "takes on various forms" instead of "take on various forms"?

Yes, the correct form depends on the subject. Use "takes on various forms" when the subject is singular (e.g., "The project takes on various forms") and "take on various forms" when the subject is plural (e.g., "The projects take on various forms").

What's the difference between "take on various forms" and "take on different forms"?

While both phrases are similar, "take on various forms" implies a wider range or assortment of forms, while "take on different forms" simply suggests that the forms are not the same.