Meaning & use
different shapes and sizes
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
in many different physical forms and dimensions
Grammar: Used as a plural noun phrase; often after 'come in' or 'be available in'.
Patterns
- come in different shapes and sizes
- be available in different shapes and sizes
- in all different shapes and sizes
The cookies come in different shapes and sizes, from stars to hearts.
These storage boxes are sold in different shapes and sizes.
The clouds appeared in all different shapes and sizes that afternoon.
phraseidiomfigurative
used to say that people or things are all different and that this variety is normal
Grammar: Often used in a general statement about people; can be slightly humorous or encouraging.
Patterns
- come in different shapes and sizes
- people come in different shapes and sizes
Families come in different shapes and sizes, and that's perfectly fine.
The company believes that good ideas come in different shapes and sizes.
As the saying goes, we all come in different shapes and sizes.
Common combinations
- come in different shapes and sizes
- These vases come in different shapes and sizes.
- in all different shapes and sizes
- The pasta was in all different shapes and sizes.
- available in different shapes and sizes
- The new phones are available in different shapes and sizes.
- different shapes and sizes of something
- The store sells different shapes and sizes of picture frames.
Synonyms and how they differ
- various forms
- More formal and general; it can refer to types or versions, not just physical shape and size.
- all shapes and sizes
- A shorter version without 'different'; it emphasizes variety even more.
Word family
Commonly confused: different shapes and sizes or different sizes and shapes?
different shapes and sizes vs different sizes and shapes
The same meaning, but the order 'shapes and sizes' is the fixed, idiomatic one. Stick to 'shapes and sizes' in this phrase.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'different shapes and sizes' with both nouns plural. Option 1 uses singular forms, option 2 mixes plural and singular, and option 3 changes 'and' to 'or', which changes the meaning to alternatives rather than variety.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “different shapes and sizes”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.