form
/fɔːm/ (bre, ipa) · [fˈɔrm] /fɔːrm/ (ame, ipa) · [fˈɔrm] /ˈfȯrm/ (ame, mw)
form — 動詞
- formpresent simple I / you / we / they
- forms3rd person singular
- forming-ing form
- formedpast simple
1. When something comes into being, it begins to exist or appear; when you make it
形成;產生
開始存在或出現
When something comes into being, it begins to exist or appear; when you make it happen, you cause it to start existing — for example, ice appearing on a pond overnight, or two people building a close friendship after working together for years.
Ice began to form on the edges of the pond as the temperature dropped.
隨著氣溫下降,池塘邊緣開始結冰。
intransitive: of natural phenomena
Liang and Rin formed a close friendship during their first year at university.
Liang 和 Rin 在大學第一年建立了深厚的友誼。
transitive: form + friendship / relationship
A new plan started to form in Minh's mind while he listened to the discussion.
Minh 一邊聽著討論,腦海中開始形成一個新計劃。
The newly elected government will form a committee to investigate the problem.
新當選的政府將成立一個委員會來調查這個問題。
Dark clouds were forming in the west, so Maja took the washing inside.
西邊開始產生烏雲,Maja 趕緊把衣服收進屋裡。
文法句型
something forms (intransitive)
form something (transitive)
用法筆記
This sense can be used both transitively (someone forms something) and intransitively (something forms by itself). The intransitive use is common for natural processes such as ice, clouds, or crystals forming.
常見錯誤
2. to give a material such as clay, metal, wood, or dough a particular shape, usual
塑造
將材料做成特定形狀
to give a material such as clay, metal, wood, or dough a particular shape, usually by pressing, cutting, or rolling it — for example, turning a piece of clay into a bowl on a potter's wheel, or pressing dough into small balls for baking.
Caleb carefully formed the wet clay into a small bowl on the potter's wheel.
Caleb 在陶輪上小心地塑造黏土,做成一個小碗。
form + material + into + shape
The children formed animals out of colourful modelling dough during art class.
孩子們在美術課上用彩色黏土捏出各種動物。
Hot glass can be formed into bottles and drinking glasses by skilled workers.
高溫玻璃可以藉由熟練工匠的巧手製成瓶子和水杯。
Bao used a sharp knife to form the wood into the shape of a bird.
Bao 用一把鋒利的刀子將木塊雕刻成一隻鳥的形狀。
文法句型
form something into something
be formed from / out of something
用法筆記
Often used in passive constructions describing manufacturing processes ('be formed into'). The object is typically a soft or workable material (clay, metal, plastic, dough) and the result is expressed with 'into' + a noun phrase describing the finished shape.
常見錯誤
3. used to say what parts or elements something consists of; to be the parts that t
構成
成為…的組成部分
used to say what parts or elements something consists of; to be the parts that together make up a larger thing — for example, several paragraphs that make up a section of a report, or women making up the majority of nurses in a hospital.
Women form the majority of the nursing staff at the local hospital.
女性佔了當地醫院護理人員的大多數。
form + the majority / much of [group]
Three main arguments form the central part of the essay.
三個主要論點構成了這篇論文的中心部分。
Several small islands form a chain that stretches across the bay.
幾個小島連成一條鏈狀,綿延在海灣上。
In English, prefixes and suffixes form an important part of the word-building system.
在英語中,前綴和後綴是單字構成系統的重要部分。
- constitute
more formal, common in legal and technical writing
- make up
more informal and common in everyday speech
- compose
commonly used in passive: 'be composed of'
文法句型
something forms something (constitute / make up)
form + noun phrase
常見錯誤
4. When separate people or things gather, they gradually come together in one place
聚集;形成
分離的個體匯集成整體
When separate people or things gather, they gradually come together in one place or into a single group — for example, a queue building up outside a shop, or small political parties joining together as a coalition.
A long queue formed outside the ticket office an hour before the show.
開演前一小時,售票處外面已經排起了長龍。
intransitive: queue / line / crowd forms
When the rain stopped, a crowd formed in the main square to watch the performance.
雨停後,民眾聚集在主要廣場上觀看表演。
Tiny crystals began to form at the bottom of the bottle as the liquid cooled.
液體冷卻時,瓶底開始形成微小的結晶。
Three smaller political parties formed into a single group to win more seats.
三個較小的政黨合併為一個團體,以爭取更多席次。
文法句型
something forms (comes together)
form into something
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (COME INTO EXISTENCE): sense 1 focuses on something starting to exist, while sense 4 focuses on separate elements gathering to create a whole. A queue 'forms' (sense 4) when people arrive one by one, but ice 'forms' (sense 1) when water freezes.
常見錯誤
form — 名詞
- formsingular
- formsplural
1. a printed or digital page with empty spaces where you write answers to questions
表格
印有空白欄位供填寫的文件
a printed or digital page with empty spaces where you write answers to questions, usually to request or provide information in an organised way
Noor filled out a job application form at the coffee shop yesterday.
Noor 昨天在咖啡廳填寫了一張求職表格。
collocation: fill out / fill in a form
You need to sign the registration form before the class starts.
你必須在上課前簽署報名表格。
countable noun after 'the' or 'a'
The hospital sent a medical history form for each new patient.
醫院為每位新病人寄了一份病歷表格。
Did you remember to return the permission form for the school trip?
你記得交回學校旅行的家長同意書嗎?
Lucas filled in an online form to apply for his first passport.
Lucas 填了一份線上表格來申請他的第一本護照。
- document
broader term — a form is a type of document with structured blank spaces
- application
refers specifically to a form used for requesting something, e.g. a job or permit
- questionnaire
a form used to collect opinions or survey data, often with multiple-choice questions
文法句型
fill in / fill out a form
form + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly paired with 'fill in' (British) or 'fill out' (American). The object is the type of document, e.g. application form, order form, tax form.
常見錯誤
2. a particular type, kind, or way in which something exists, appears, or is arrang
形式;類型
事物的特定種類或表現方式
a particular type, kind, or way in which something exists, appears, or is arranged
Yoga is a popular form of exercise in many countries around the world.
瑜伽是世界上許多國家普遍流行的一種運動形式。
pattern: form of + noun
The scholarship came in the form of a tuition fee waiver.
這筆獎學金是以學費減免的形式提供的。
The children received help in the form of free school meals.
孩子們以免費學校餐的形式獲得幫助。
Tennis is a form of sport that requires both speed and good hand-eye coordination.
網球是一種需要速度和良好手眼協調能力的運動形式。
The aid was delivered in the form of clean water and medical supplies.
援助物資以乾淨的水和醫療用品的形式送達。
文法句型
form of + noun
in the form of + noun
常見錯誤
3. the physical outline or visible appearance of an object or person, considered ap
形狀;外形
物體的外觀、輪廓或結構
the physical outline or visible appearance of an object or person, considered apart from what it is made of or what colour it has
The artist used clay to create the form of a running horse.
藝術家用黏土創作出了一匹奔跑中的馬的形狀。
physical sculpture — form as three-dimensional shape
From a distance, the mountain looked like the form of a sleeping giant.
從遠處看,那座山看起來像一個沉睡巨人的外形。
The kitchen knife had a long, curved form that made it ideal for chopping herbs.
這把菜刀有著長而彎曲的形狀,非常適合切香草。
In art class, João learned to draw the human form by sketching live models.
在美術課上,João 透過素描人體模特兒學習描繪人體形體。
The building's unusual form made it one of the most photographed landmarks in the city.
這棟建築獨特的外形成為該市最常被拍攝的地標之一。
文法句型
in the form of + noun (physical shape)
take the form of + noun
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (TYPE): sense 3 refers to physical shape or structure, while sense 2 refers to a category. Compare 'a form of government' (sense 2) with 'the form of a statue' (sense 3).
常見錯誤
4. the process by which something slowly becomes visible, takes a definite shape, o
成形;顯現
逐漸變得可見或發展出具體形態
the process by which something slowly becomes visible, takes a definite shape, or comes into existence over time
A plan for the new park began to take form during the community meeting.
新公園的計畫在社區會議期間開始成形。
set phrase: take form
A bird's outline slowly took form in the fog as the sun rose.
鳥兒的輪廓在霧中隨著太陽升起而逐漸顯現。
A new friendship started to take form between the two girls at summer camp.
兩個女孩在夏令營中開始建立起新的友誼。
The idea for the novel first took form during a long train ride across Europe.
這本小說的構想最初是在一趟漫長的歐洲火車旅程中成形的。
Workers watched the concrete walls take form as the mould was slowly removed.
工人們看著混凝土牆隨著模板慢慢拆除而逐漸成形。
- disappear
the opposite of becoming visible
文法句型
take form
in the process of formation
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the phrase 'take form'. Subject is often abstract (a plan, an idea, a relationship) or something becoming physically visible.
常見錯誤
5. the level at which an athlete, team, or competitor performs during a particular
競技狀態
運動員或隊伍的表現水準
the level at which an athlete, team, or competitor performs during a particular period, especially in relation to their usual ability
Femi has been in excellent form this season and scored three goals last match.
Femi 本賽季一直保持極佳的競技狀態,上一場比賽踢進了三分。
collocation: in excellent / good / bad form
The tennis player's form has improved a lot since she changed her training routine.
這位網球選手的競技狀態自從改變訓練方式後提升了不少。
The team needs to regain its form if it wants to reach the finals.
這支隊伍如果想打進決賽,就需要找回比賽狀態。
On current form, the local runner is likely to win the marathon next month.
以目前的狀態來看,這位在地跑者很可能會在下個月的馬拉松比賽中獲勝。
Pim was off form during yesterday's race and finished much later than usual.
Pim 在昨天的比賽中狀態不佳,比平常晚了很多才完賽。
- performance
broader term; 'form' is more about consistent level of ability over time
- shape
overlaps in sports contexts ('in good shape'); slightly more about fitness than competitive skill
文法句型
in (good/poor/top) form
on form
off form
show form
用法筆記
Typically used with adjectives describing quality (good, poor, top, excellent) and prepositions 'in', 'on', or 'off'. Only applies to competitive contexts (sports, racing, games), not general work performance.
常見錯誤
6. how physically or mentally fit a person feels or appears, especially when compar
健康狀況
身體或精神的健康與體能狀態
how physically or mentally fit a person feels or appears, especially when compared to their usual level of health
After six months of daily training, Élise was in superb form for the tournament.
經過六個月的每日訓練,Élise 在比賽中身體狀況極佳。
pattern: in superb / great / top form
The doctor told Mateo that regular swimming would help him get back in form.
醫生告訴 Mateo,規律游泳可以幫助他恢復體能。
collocation: get back in form
Jisoo was clearly out of form after her illness and needed more rest.
Jisoo 生病後明顯體能不佳,需要更多休息。
The whole team was in fine form when they arrived at the training camp.
全隊抵達訓練營時都處於良好的身體狀態。
Aarav had not been exercising and felt out of form when the race began.
Aarav 很久沒有運動了,比賽開始時覺得體能跟不上。
文法句型
in form
out of form
in good/poor form
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 5 (COMPETITION PERFORMANCE): sense 6 focuses on personal health and fitness condition rather than competitive output. Frequently used with 'get back in form' after illness or inactivity. Common in British English.
常見錯誤
7. The particular spelling or shape that a word takes to show its grammatical funct
詞形
單詞的語法變化形式
The particular spelling or shape that a word takes to show its grammatical function — for example, indicating whether a verb is past tense or a noun is plural.
The past tense form of 'walk' is 'walked', which follows a regular pattern.
'walk' 的過去式是 'walked',這是一個規則變化。
showing past tense form of a verb
Jason learned the plural form of 'mouse' is 'mice', not 'mouses'.
Jason 學到 'mouse' 的複數是 'mice',而不是 'mouses'。
irregular plural form example
Tendai struggled with the possessive form of names that end in the letter 's'.
Tendai 對於以 's' 結尾的名字的所有格形式感到困難。
Each verb has a base form, a past form, and a past participle form.
每個動詞都有原形、過去式和過去分詞三種形式。
Knowing the correct grammatical form of a word helps you write more clearly.
知道一個字正確的語法形式,可以幫助你把文章寫得更清楚。
文法句型
adjective + form + of + noun
用法筆記
Typically appears after an adjective that specifies the grammatical category (past tense, plural, possessive, base).
常見錯誤
8. In British schools, the year level that children of a particular age are placed
年級
英國學校的年級班級
In British schools, the year level that children of a particular age are placed into, or the group of such children taught together.
Asher is in the third form at a secondary school in Manchester.
Asher 在曼徹斯特的一所中學就讀三年級。
British school context: ordinal + form
Students in the sixth form prepare for their final exams before university.
六年級的學生在升大學前要準備期末考試。
Hiro's school has three classes in each form, with about thirty students per class.
Hiro 的學校每個年級有三班,每班大約三十名學生。
The head teacher congratulated the fifth form on their excellent exam results.
校長恭喜五年級的學生考試成績優異。
Darius moved up from the fourth form to the fifth form last September.
Darius 去年九月從四年級升上五年級。
文法句型
ordinal number + form
用法筆記
Primarily used in British English. The form number increases with age: first form for the youngest students, sixth form for those preparing for university.
常見錯誤
9. Behaviour that is considered polite and proper, or rude and improper, according
禮節
社會公認的合宜行為方式
Behaviour that is considered polite and proper, or rude and improper, according to the unwritten rules of a social group.
Quan knew it was bad form to arrive at a dinner party empty-handed.
Quan 知道空手去參加晚宴是很失禮的。
bad form = rude behaviour
Manuela considered it good form to write thank-you notes after receiving gifts.
Manuela 認為收到禮物後寫感謝函是合宜的禮節。
good form = proper behaviour
Hiro's grandmother told him it was bad form to interrupt an elder while they were speaking.
Hiro 的祖母告訴他,打斷長輩說話是很失禮的行為。
Shanti's grandmother taught her that good form means treating everyone with respect.
Shanti 的祖母教導她,良好的禮節就是以尊重待人。
The manager felt that shouting at junior staff in a meeting was very bad form.
那位經理認為在會議中對下屬大吼大叫是非常失禮的。
- rudeness
behaviour that breaks social rules; the opposite of good form
文法句型
good form
bad form
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrases 'good form' (proper behaviour) and 'bad form' (rude behaviour). It is rarely used as a standalone noun.
常見錯誤
10. A long narrow seat, usually made of wood and without a back, designed so that se
長凳
無靠背的長條座椅
A long narrow seat, usually made of wood and without a back, designed so that several people can sit on it.
Jude sat on the wooden form in the church hall during the village meeting.
Jude 在村莊會議期間坐在教堂活動廳的木製長凳上。
wooden form in a church context
Marta wiped the dust off the old stone form before sitting down in the garden.
Marta 擦掉舊石凳上的灰塵,然後在花園裡坐了下來。
The students sat on long forms arranged in rows in the old classroom.
學生們坐在舊教室裡排成長排的長凳上。
Camila found a worn wooden form near the river and rested there for a while.
Camila 在河邊找到一張破舊的木長凳,在那裡休息了一會兒。
The old school still has original wooden forms from the nineteenth century.
那所舊學校仍保有十九世紀原始的木製長凳。
文法句型
wooden + form
stone + form
用法筆記
An older word that has largely been replaced by 'bench' in modern English. It survives mainly in historical descriptions and in names of furniture in old buildings.
常見錯誤
form — 形容詞構詞成分
1. used as a suffix to describe something that has the shape of whatever the first
形
有…形狀的
used as a suffix to describe something that has the shape of whatever the first part of the word names — for example, cruciform means shaped like a cross, and oviform means shaped like an egg.
A cruciform church stood alone at the end of the narrow road.
一座十字形的教堂獨自矗立在狹窄道路的盡頭。
cruciform: cross-shaped, from Latin 'crux' (cross) + -form
Lukas showed his cousin a cuneiform tablet from the museum shop.
Lukas 向他的表弟展示了一塊從博物館商店買來的楔形文字泥板。
The oviform stone bowl caught Linh's eye as she walked past.
那個卵形的石碗在 Linh 經過時吸引了她的目光。
The archaeologist found a small dentiform stone tool stained with plant residue.
考古學家發現一件沾有植物殘跡、形狀像牙齒的小型石器。
The old factory had a tall tubiform chimney that released white steam into the air.
那座舊工廠有一根高大的管狀煙囪,不斷向空中排放白色蒸氣。
文法句型
[noun/Latin root] + -form
用法筆記
The first part of the word names the thing whose shape is being described — cruc- (cross), cune- (wedge), ov- (egg), uni- (one). The resulting adjective is typically used in formal, academic, or descriptive writing rather than everyday speech.
常見錯誤
form — 構詞成分
1. a prefix that, when added to certain word endings, names a chemical substance re
甲酸
與蟻酸相關的化學詞綴
a prefix that, when added to certain word endings, names a chemical substance related to formic acid — the simplest kind of acid, first discovered in ants
Formaldehyde is used in biology classrooms to keep small animals from decaying.
甲醛在生物課上用來保存小型動物,防止牠們腐爛。
form- + -aldehyde (noun naming a chemical compound)
The chemistry teacher showed how sodium formate is produced when formic acid reacts with a base.
化學老師展示了甲酸鈉如何由甲酸與鹼反應而生成。
Some ant species spray formic acid at attackers to protect their nest.
某些螞蟻會朝攻擊者噴灑甲酸,以保護蟻巢。
Workers in the factory wear gloves and masks when handling formaldehyde.
工廠員工在處理甲醛時必須戴手套和口罩。
A formate compound occurs naturally in the leaves of several plant species.
甲酸鹽化合物天然存在於好幾種植物的葉片中。
文法句型
form- + -ic (adjective)
form- + -aldehyde (noun)
form- + -ate (noun)
用法筆記
Frequently appears as the first element of a compound word (formaldehyde, formamide). Unlike most combining forms, 'form-' in this sense does not attach freely to any base — it is restricted to a small set of fixed chemical terms.