taking form

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking form" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to an idea or plan that is beginning to come together and is becoming clearer. For example, "The new project is taking form and the team is making progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Obamaism is taking form.

The New York Times

"It's now taking form, shape and movement, plus some energy.

The New York Times

A biography that also shows a nation taking form.

The New York Times

Her novels and her poems were taking form.

The New York Times - Sports

Another country is slowly taking form in the east.

The New York Times

Witness the new species taking form in Asia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

They will also have been heartened by the breath-taking form of Dunn.

The Guardian - Sport

He will have to be in really good wicket-taking form to warrant selection.

BBC

Yet another obstacle dogged any dreams of AI from taking form.

Forbes

That was taking form very much at the same time.

Huffington Post

It's been a very satisfying summer - the garden is finally taking form, and neighbors are noticing!

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking form" to describe the gradual development of ideas, plans, or physical structures, indicating a process of realization or materialization. For instance, 'The artist's vision is taking form on the canvas.'

Common error

Avoid using "taking form" for situations that imply a sudden change or transformation. The phrase suggests a gradual process, so it's less appropriate for describing immediate or instantaneous events. Example of misuse: 'The solution took form instantly', which should be 'The solution appeared instantly'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking form" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as part of a continuous verb tense to describe the progressive development or materialization of something. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "taking form" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the gradual development or materialization of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears frequently in academic and scientific writing. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure that the context implies a progressive process rather than an immediate event. Alternatives like "shaping up" or "materializing" can offer similar nuances depending on the specific meaning you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaping up

Focuses on the progressive development and arrangement of something.

materializing

Emphasizes the transition from an idea to a tangible reality.

developing

Highlights the gradual growth and evolution of something over time.

emerging

Focuses on the initial stages of something becoming visible or known.

coming into being

Emphasizes the creation or origination of something.

crystallizing

Highlights the process of something becoming clear and well-defined.

solidifying

Focuses on something becoming firm and stable.

becoming a reality

Emphasizes the transition from a possibility to an actual occurrence.

assuming a form

Highlights the act of something adopting a specific shape or structure.

getting off the ground

Focuses on the initial stages of a project or idea starting to progress.

FAQs

How can I use "taking form" in a sentence?

You can use "taking form" to describe the gradual development of something, such as a plan, idea, or structure. For example, "The new company strategy is "taking form" after months of planning."

What are some alternatives to "taking form"?

Alternatives to "taking form" include phrases like "shaping up", "materializing", or "developing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "taking form" formal or informal?

"Taking form" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "taking form" and "take form"?

"Taking form" is a gerund phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "is taking form"). "Take form" is the base verb phrase. For instance, "The sculpture will "take form" over the next few weeks as the artist works on it" versus "The sculpture is "taking form" now."