formation
formation — noun
1. the particular shape or arrangement that something has, either because of the wa
the particular shape or arrangement that something has, either because of the way it was naturally made or because of how it was put together
Amihan studied the unusual limestone formations along the coast for her geology report.
collocation: limestone formation / rock formation
Cloud formation happens when warm air rises and cools, turning vapour into tiny water drops.
collocation: cloud formation
The doctor pointed at the bone formation in the X-ray to show where the fracture had healed.
Scientists analysed the formation of crystals inside the cave, which had grown over centuries.
- structure
focuses more on the internal arrangement of parts
- shape
less formal; emphasises outer appearance over internal arrangement
- configuration
more formal; technical term for the relative arrangement of parts
文法句型
rock formation, cloud formation
formation of + noun
用法筆記
Commonly used in noun+noun compounds where the first noun specifies what is formed (rock formation, cloud formation, word formation). Unlike Sense 2, this sense describes the resulting shape or structure, not the process of creating it.
常見錯誤
2. the process by which something starts to exist, develops, or is established over
the process by which something starts to exist, develops, or is established over time
The formation of a new government after the election took several weeks of careful talks.
collocation: formation of [organization/institution]
The formation of Ritu's jogging habit began with just five short minutes each morning.
Elena believes that the formation of strong friendships at school is as important as good grades.
The formation of ice on the road made driving dangerous for the early morning commuters.
- creation
more active; emphasises bringing something into existence through deliberate action
- development
focuses on gradual growth or evolution rather than a single act of forming
- establishment
more formal; used for organisations, systems, or procedures
- dissolution
the breaking apart or ending of something that was formed
文法句型
the formation of + [new entity / abstract noun]
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'of + noun' naming what is created or developed (formation of a committee, formation of a habit, formation of an identity). Distinguish from Sense 1: Sense 2 is about the process or act of forming, while Sense 1 describes the resulting arrangement itself.
常見錯誤
3. a planned pattern or arrangement of people, vehicles, or aircraft moving togethe
a planned pattern or arrangement of people, vehicles, or aircraft moving together as a group
The geese flew in a V formation across the sky, heading south for the winter.
collocation: in [type] formation (e.g. V formation, diamond formation)
The soldiers stood in formation on the parade ground, waiting for the general's inspection.
collocation: stand in formation
Dancers formed a diamond formation on stage and began their routine in perfect unison.
Ezra watched four fighter jets fly in tight formation during the air show.
- pattern
more general; less specific to coordinated group movement
- arrangement
broader; does not imply movement or coordinated action
- disorder
lack of planned arrangement or pattern
文法句型
in + [adjective] formation
in formation
用法筆記
Commonly used in the phrase 'in formation' to describe the manner of arrangement. Specific patterns are named by type: V formation, diamond formation, wedge formation. The uncountable use ('in formation') describes the state of being arranged; the countable use ('a V formation') describes a specific type.
4. the way a team arranges its players on the field in sports such as football (soc
the way a team arranges its players on the field in sports such as football (soccer) or American football, especially described by numbers indicating player positions
The coach chose a 4-3-3 formation to give the team more attacking options against their rivals.
noun: numbered formation (e.g. 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 3-5-2)
Hyun explained that a 4-4-2 formation keeps two strikers near the opponent's goal at all times.
Noa argued that the defensive formation was too weak to stop the other team's fastest forwards.
The team switched formation at half-time and immediately started creating better chances.
- line-up
refers to the list of starting players rather than their positional arrangement
文法句型
number-number-number formation
defensive/attacking formation
用法筆記
Used primarily in association football (soccer) and American football. Formations are commonly expressed as three numbers (defenders-midfielders-forwards), e.g. 4-3-3. In American football, formations have specific names (single-back, I-formation, shotgun). Distinguish from Sense 3, which refers to the arrangement of any group, not a sports team's tactical setup.