take the form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take the form" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has assumed a certain shape or form. For example: "The lump of clay took the form of a vase after the potter shaped it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others take the form of biases.

Harvard Business Review

Keyword arguments take the form key=value.

Cornell University

These designs take the form of a product array.

Statistics & Probability Letters

The tool will take the form of a reference list.

Procedia Manufacturing

This might take the form of actual monetary gain.

The Guardian

These will likely take the form of short instrumentals.

The Guardian - Music

Shelter can take the form of small plants and trees.

The New York Times

Her reminiscences take the form of musical imagery.

The New Yorker

The components take the form of squishy, mousse-centered gumdrops.

The New York Times - Food

Concepts may take the form of Ideas, Mockups or Prototypes.

The Guardian - Tech

These subsidies take the form of tax credits.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take the form" to describe how abstract concepts become concrete or how potential ideas become realities. It clarifies the realization or manifestation of something.

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive constructions with "take the form". Instead of "The decision will be taken in the form of a vote", try "The decision will take the form of a vote" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the form" functions as a verb phrase indicating the manner or way in which something appears or manifests itself. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrating how ideas, plans, or even physical objects come into being or are expressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take the form" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe how something manifests or appears. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and applicable across a wide range of contexts. As shown by Ludwig's analysis, it is frequently employed in News & Media and Science. To enhance writing, consider using related phrases like "assume the shape" or "manifest as" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overusing passive voice. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "take the form" to clarify the realization or manifestation of ideas and actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assume the shape

Focuses on the physical appearance or outline something acquires.

manifest as

Emphasizes how something becomes apparent or visible.

materialize as

Highlights the process of something becoming real or concrete.

develop into

Suggests a gradual process of transformation.

become

A simpler, more direct way of saying something changes to a specific state.

transform into

Indicates a significant change in form or nature.

evolve into

Implies a gradual and progressive change over time.

be expressed as

Focuses on how something is communicated or shown.

present itself as

Highlights the way something appears or is perceived.

adopt the guise of

Suggests a deliberate assumption of a particular appearance, often deceptive.

FAQs

How can I use "take the form" in a sentence?

You can use "take the form" to describe how something manifests or appears. For example, "The protest will "take the form" of a peaceful march" indicates how the protest will be carried out.

What are some alternatives to using "take the form"?

Alternatives include phrases like "become", "manifest as", or "develop into". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "takes the form of" or "take the form of"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "takes the form of" for singular subjects (e.g., "The idea takes the form of a proposal"). Use "take the form of" for plural subjects (e.g., "The ideas take the form of proposals").

What's the difference between "take the form of" and "adopt the form of"?

"Take the form of" generally describes a natural or expected outcome. "Adopt the form of" suggests a deliberate choice or imitation.