take shape vs embody

Both 'take shape' and 'embody' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Take shape' is used when something is beginning to form or develop, while 'embody' is used when something represents or expresses a quality or idea. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1191 views

take shape

The phrase 'take shape' is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to describe something that is beginning to form or develop.

You can use 'take shape' when talking about an idea, plan, or project that is starting to become clear or tangible.

Examples:

The new building design is starting to take shape.
Her career plans are beginning to take shape.
The project is finally taking shape after months of planning.

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A year after that, recyclops really began to take shape.
And just like that, A picture began to take shape...
I hope that the next summit in Barcelona is a success, that the Member States really do re-launch the UfM and that, once the secretariat has been set up in Barcelona, a whole series of projects can take shape, in everyone's interests.
The European Commission having finished the approval procedure of Operational Programmes in June 2008, it is only now that the new projects are beginning to take shape and it will take at least a year before any real advances in their implementation can be assessed.
Your rapporteur is therefore calling for a review and a more ambitious approach to tackling ammonia when the reform of the CAP begins to take shape;
And just like that, A picture began to take shape...
Those twists start to take shape in the writers' room.
And suddenly, everything is beginning to take shape.
We have been able to see a whole new Europe take shape.
The gradual process of regulating the financial markets is beginning to take shape.
So, slowly a murder weapon begins to take shape.
Bowie's plan to create his famous alter-ego was beginning to take shape.
We have enlarged Europe and with the imminent prospects of enlargement with Romania and Bulgaria, the neighbourhood policy is beginning to take shape.
The earth rotated, as did our management, and as if by divine intervention, things came together to help this revolution take shape.
But given the fact that we are now debating this report, I think we must urge the Council to produce, as quickly as possible, a framework in which economic coordination can really take shape.
But if you can get your hands on a corner piece, the part where the puzzle starts to take shape... some times you realize all your pieces fit together.
Even though we were now working as a team, and the bridge was starting to take shape, we were still way behind James' schedule.
I can certainly say that a solution is now beginning to take shape and we have a well-defined and integrated European approach that we are now pursuing.
I urge Member States to shake off the schizophrenia which leads them to take firm and consistent positions in speeches while advocating the opposite when the legal framework is starting to take shape, as it is looking like here.
'Finally' because, after very lengthy negotiations, we have reached a compromise and the 'polluter pays' principle is now genuinely beginning to take shape in this dossier.

Alternatives:

begin to form
start to develop
come together
take form
crystallize

embody

The word 'embody' is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to describe something that represents or expresses a quality, idea, or characteristic.

'Embody' is used when something is a perfect example or representation of a particular quality or idea.