Collocations for "shape"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "shape" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
shape
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- a [circle, rectangle, triangle] shape
- a [circular] shape
- [draw, trace, make] a [circular] shape
- [divide, cut, make] into [circular] shapes
- in the shape of a [circle]
- a [weird, vague, peculiar, mysterious] shape
- saw a shape in the [bushes, shadows]
- in [good, bad, poor, great, excellent, reasonable, better] shape
- the [house, building, athlete] was in [good] shape
- am trying to get back [in, into] shape
- get into shape (for the match)
- [exercise, pump weights, swim] to get into shape
- am [really, terribly] out of shape
- the actress still [has, boasts] a great shape
- the [ideas, figures, puzzle] began to take shape
- (of) all shapes and sizes
- come in all shapes and sizes
- is the shape of things to come
- shape the [clay, dough]
- shape your [body, muscles, arms]
- shape your [children, students]
- shapes the [opinions, perceptions] of
- shape public [opinion] about
- shape (it) into a [dog, tree]
- shape into [meatballs, sausages]
- shape [the future, our world, history]
- shape the [development, course, direction] of
- shape to [conceal, provide, form, meet]
- you [have to, must] shape up
- the [economy, situation, patient] is shaping up
- shape up at [work, school]
'shape' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
adequate
- anchor
- arse
- articulate
- awkward
- bad
- beard
- bend
- bent
- better
- body
- cardboard
- chisel
- circle
- clay
- clear
- clover
- common
- copper
- crystal
- curly
- diamond
- differ
- difference
- distinct
- distinctive
- dough
- exact
- exactly
- exercise
- filled
- fin
- finance
- flatter
- flattering
- flint
- former
- fountain
- funnel
- good
- greatly
- grinder
- halo
- healthy
- help
- hook
- hooked
- iron
- knead
- lick