take shape in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take shape in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of something developing or becoming more defined in a particular context or environment. Example: "The project began to take shape in the brainstorming sessions we held last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But this version began to take shape in 2013.

The New Yorker

WinstonNet began to take shape in flusher times.

The New York Times

A trial version is expected to take shape in April.

The Economist

The book begins to take shape in his mind.

The New York Times - Books

A plan of action began to take shape in my head.

The New York Times

They will take shape in 18 clusters, each with 7 to 20 homes.

The New York Times

In December, the plan began to take shape in the Newburgh house.

The New York Times

Did any of your poems take shape in response to particular photos?

The New Yorker

Whenever there is a calamitous terrorist attack, alternative theories take shape in the gaps in evidence.

The New Yorker

Slowly the start line is beginning to take shape in my mind.

The Guardian - Sport

The plans for the announcement began to take shape in early July.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take shape in" to describe the gradual development of abstract concepts like ideas, plans, or relationships, as well as concrete objects or structures.

Common error

Avoid using "take shape" without specifying the context using "in". Omitting "in" can make the sentence incomplete or grammatically incorrect. For example, instead of saying "The idea began to take shape", specify where it's taking shape: "The idea began to take shape in our discussions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take shape in" functions as a verb phrase indicating the process of something developing or becoming defined within a particular context. Ludwig AI shows this phrase being used to describe the formation of ideas, plans, physical objects, and even social phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take shape in" is a versatile and commonly used expression that describes the process of development or formation within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse sources, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clearly defined to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "materialize in" or "develop within" to add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of specifying the environment where the shaping occurs to avoid grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

form in

A more general term indicating the creation or establishment of something.

develop within

Focuses on the gradual growth and evolution of something inside a particular environment.

emerge in

Suggests something becoming visible or known, often after being hidden or unclear.

materialize in

Emphasizes the appearance or realization of something, often unexpectedly.

arise in

Implies the beginning or origination of something within a certain situation.

unfold in

Emphasizes the revelation or unfolding of events or plans.

grow in

Highlights the gradual increase and maturation of something over time.

come into being in

A more formal way of saying something is created or starts to exist.

coalesce in

Indicates the merging or combining of elements to form a unified whole.

crystallize in

Suggests the definitive formation of an idea or plan, becoming clear and distinct.

FAQs

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

Use "take shape in" to describe how something develops or becomes defined within a specific context. For example, "The project began to take shape in the brainstorming sessions" or "The architectural design took shape in the architect's mind".

What are some alternatives to "take shape in"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "materialize in", "develop within", or "form in" as alternatives to "take shape in".

Is there a difference between "take shape in" and "take form in"?

While similar, "take shape in" often implies a more gradual and evolving process, whereas "take form in" can suggest a more immediate or defined manifestation. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What kind of things can "take shape in"?

Abstract ideas, plans, physical structures, and even relationships can "take shape in" different environments or contexts. The phrase is versatile and applicable to various subjects undergoing development or formation.