form
gb/fˈɔɹm/ us/fˈɔɹm/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
shape or structure
The shape or way something is made or arranged.
Usage pattern:
the form of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'form' with 'format'; 'form' is the shape or structure, while 'format' is the arrangement of information.
Synonyms
shape (A more general term for the external outline of something.)
|
structure (Emphasizes the arrangement of parts within something.)
Antonyms
formlessness (The lack of clear shape or structure.)
Collocations
in the form of
|basic form
|physical form
|take shape or form
Themes
appearance
|design
|art
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The sculpture has a graceful, flowing form.
- Water can take the form of ice, liquid, or steam.
- Her dress accentuated the natural form of her body.
Learner examples
- The box has a square form.
- This cloud has the form of a dog.
- The building has a simple form.
Noun
A2
entity
2
document with spaces to fill
A piece of paper or online page with empty spaces for you to write information in.
Usage pattern:
to fill out a form
Common mistake:
Some learners say 'fill up a form' instead of the correct 'fill out a form' in most English varieties.
Synonyms
questionnaire (A list of questions to be answered, often for surveys.)
Antonyms
blank sheet (A page without any pre-printed structure or fields to fill in.)
Collocations
application form
|order form
|consent form
|fill out a form
Themes
administration
|daily life
|business
|communication
Examples
- Please complete this application form and return it to the office.
- You need to fill out a customs declaration form before entering the country.
- She handed me a feedback form after the event.
Learner examples
- I filled out the form for school.
- Please sign this form.
- He gave me a form to write my name.
Verb
B1
action
3
create or develop shape
To make something have a certain shape, or to come together into a group or pattern.
Usage pattern:
to form [something] into [shape]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'form' with 'make' — 'form' often implies shaping or organizing rather than just producing.
Synonyms
shape (Focuses on giving physical outline to something.)
|
establish (Focuses on creating an organization or system.)
Antonyms
dismantle (To take apart something that has been formed.)
Collocations
form a team
|form an idea
|form into groups
Themes
creation
|organization
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They formed a committee to address the issue.
- Clouds began to form over the mountains.
- She formed the clay into a small bowl.
Learner examples
- We formed a line at the door.
- Clouds formed in the sky.
- They formed a group to help people.
Noun
B1
state
4
condition or fitness level
How good someone is at doing something at this time, especially in sports, health, or performance.
Usage pattern:
in (good/bad) form
Common mistake:
'Form' in this sense is often confused with 'mood', but 'form' refers more to ability and performance than emotions.
Synonyms
condition (General word for physical or mental state.)
Antonyms
unfitness (State of being not fit or not in good condition.)
Collocations
good form
|bad form
|in top form
Themes
sports
|health
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The tennis player was in great form during the match.
- I'm not in good form today; I think I'm getting sick.
- The actor returned to top form in his latest film.
Learner examples
- She is in good form today.
- I am not in good form now.
- He was in bad form during the game.
Grammar
Dictionary form
form
IPA
GB/fˈɔɹm/
US/fˈɔɹm/
Syllables & stress
form (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (form)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: form
- Plural: form, forms
Verb
- Base: form
- 3rd Person Singular: forms
- Present Participle: forming
- Past: formed
Word family
Forms
forms
noun
forming
verb
formed
verb
Core family
formal
adjective B1
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
Expressions
fill out a form
1/fˈɪl ˈaʊt ə fˈɔɹm/
phrasal verb
complete a document's blanks
Write information in all the empty spaces on a paper or online document.
Examples
- Please fill out this form before your appointment.
- It only takes a few minutes to fill out the registration form.
good form
1/ɡˈʊd fˈɔɹm/
fixed phrase
performing well/appropriately
Doing something well physically or behaving according to accepted rules.
Examples
- It's good form to thank your host after dinner.
- The athlete is in good form this season.
in the form of
1/ˈɪn ðə fˈɔɹm əv/
fixed phrase
having appearance or type of something else
Having the shape, style, or type of something else.
Examples
- The gift came in the form of a book voucher.
- Help arrived in the form of extra volunteers.
take form
1/tˈeɪk fˈɔɹm/
fixed phrase
begin to have clear shape/structure
To start having a clear shape or plan.
Examples
- The plan began to take form after several meetings.
- Ideas started to take form in her mind.