format

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   The way something is arranged, structured or presented, such as the layout of a document or the style of a show.

   Grammar: Countable noun, often followed by of or for: the format of the exam.

   Patterns

   • the format of something
   • in a format
   • a format for something

   The exam has a new format with fewer essay questions.

   The talk show changed its format to include live music.

   Please send the report in PDF format.

2. 2nouncountablecomputing

   The type of file or medium in which data or a recording is stored.

   Grammar: Countable noun used in computing and media: audio format, file format.

   Patterns

   • file format
   • in digital format

   The photo is saved in JPEG format.

   Many old films are not available in a modern format.

   The software can convert between formats.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To arrange text or data in a specific layout or style.

   Grammar: Takes an object: format the document.

   Patterns

   • format something as something
   • format something for something

   She formatted the essay with double spacing and numbered pages.

   Please format all references in the same style.

   The editor formatted the table so it would fit the page.

4. 4verbtransitivecomputing

   To prepare a storage device so that it can hold data, usually erasing what was on it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: format the drive.

   Patterns

   • format a disk
   • format a drive

   Back up your files before you format the drive.

   He formatted the memory card to clear its space.

   The computer asked to format the new disk before use.

Word forms

Common combinations

file format

This program supports every common file format.

in a different format

The data was presented in a different format.

format a document

Learn how to format a document in a word processor.

format a hard drive

You should format a hard drive before using it.

digital format

The book is available in digital format.

Synonyms and how they differ

layout

Layout is about the visual placement of items, while format can include the file type or overall structure.

structure

Structure is more abstract and general, while format suggests a defined, standard pattern.

style

Style refers to how something looks or feels, whereas format is the organized arrangement.

arrange

Arrange is a general verb, but format is used specifically for text, data or devices.

Word family

formatting noun

the way text or data is laid out

formatted adjective

set up in a specific layout

formatter noun

a tool that formats text or code

reformat verb

to format again or differently

Commonly confused: format or form?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “format”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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