"after the shape of" vs "after the shape of a"

Question

"after the shape of" vs "after the shape of a"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'After the shape of' is used when referring to a specific shape without the need for an article, while 'after the shape of a' is used when referring to a general shape that requires an indefinite article.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used when talking about a particular shape that is being referenced. It does not require an article before the noun.

Examples:

The design was modeled after the shape of a seashell.
The building was constructed after the shape of a pyramid.
The artist created the sculpture after the shape of a heart.

Alternatives:

following the shape of
mimicking the shape of
imitating the shape of
replicating the shape of
emulating the shape of

This phrase is used when talking about a general shape that is being referenced and requires an indefinite article before the noun.

Examples:

The artist drew inspiration from after the shape of a circle.
The design was based on after the shape of a star.
The sculpture was created after the shape of a sphere.

Alternatives:

following the shape of a
mimicking the shape of a
imitating the shape of a
replicating the shape of a
emulating the shape of a

Answer 1

after the shape of

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific shape without the need for an article.

Answer 2

after the shape of a

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a general shape that requires an indefinite article.

"after the shape of" vs "after the shape of a"

after the shape of

after the shape of a

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