takes the form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes the form" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe something transitioning from one shape, form, or state to another. Example: The water takes the form of steam as it is heated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reciprocity takes the form of self-promotion.

The New York Times - Science

Often it takes the form of surveys.

The Guardian - Travel

Often takes the form of signal problems.

The New Yorker

Space takes the form of a graph.

Harvard University

For Aida, this takes the form of realistic health provision.

The Guardian

Their approach takes the form of reinterpreting classic folk songs.

The New York Times

The hard power takes the form of tanks and taps.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kirkwood's play takes the form of a quest.

The Guardian

The piece takes the form of a series of betrayals.

The Guardian

The garnish often takes the form of leaves or twigs.

The Economist

The relationship usually takes the form of a partnership.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes the form" to clearly describe how an abstract concept or idea becomes concrete or observable. For example, "The company's commitment to sustainability takes the form of investing in renewable energy sources."

Common error

Avoid using "takes the form" repeatedly within a short piece of writing. Instead, vary your language with alternatives such as "manifests as" or "is expressed as" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes the form" functions as a verb phrase, specifically as a predicate that describes how something is manifested or expressed. It connects a subject with its resulting shape, appearance, or method of expression, as Ludwig illustrates with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "takes the form" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe how something manifests or is expressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase found in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While perfectly acceptable and useful, varying your phrasing with alternatives like "manifests as" can enhance your writing style. Remembering to keep the subject-verb agreement correct will keep your grammar sharp. The phrase is suitable for formal, neutral and scientific registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manifests as

Highlights the way something becomes apparent or visible.

is expressed as

Focuses on the way an idea or feeling is communicated.

materializes as

Emphasizes the process of something becoming real or tangible.

is embodied by

Highlights something that serves as a tangible representation or example.

assumes the guise of

Suggests a deceptive or altered appearance.

presents itself as

Focuses on the way something appears or is perceived.

is structured as

Focuses on the framework or configuration of something.

is formatted as

Emphasizes the specific layout or arrangement of something.

is characterized by

Highlights the distinctive features or qualities of something.

is shaped like

Emphasizes the physical shape or form of something.

FAQs

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

Use "takes the form" to indicate the specific manifestation or appearance of something. For example, "The protest took the form of a silent march through the city center."

What can I say instead of "takes the form"?

You can use alternatives like "manifests as", "is expressed as", or "materializes as" depending on the specific context.

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

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "take the form" with plural subjects (e.g., "The protests take the form of demonstrations"). Use "takes the form" with singular subjects (e.g., "The solution takes the form of a compromise").

What's the difference between "takes the form" and "assumes the form"?

"Takes the form" generally describes a natural or expected manifestation, while "assumes the form" suggests a deliberate or perhaps deceptive change in appearance. For instance, a project "takes the form" of a report, but a spy might "assume the form" of a janitor.