What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forming
Example
The potter is forming a vase out of clay. [forming: verb]
Example
The team is forming a plan for the project. [forming: present participle]
Example
She is forming the dough into a ball. [forming: present participle]
shaping
Example
The sculptor is shaping the statue with a chisel. [shaping: verb]
Example
Her experiences shaped her worldview. [shaped: past tense]
Example
The coach is shaping the team's strategy for the game. [shaping: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaping is more commonly used than forming in everyday language. Shaping is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while forming is less common and often used in specific fields or industries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forming and shaping?
Both forming and shaping can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but forming may be slightly more formal due to its association with technical or specialized fields.
