Meaning & use
shape-shifters
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“shape-shifters” is a form of “shape-shifter”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Beings in stories or myths that can change their physical form, often between human and animal shapes.
Grammar: Plural countable noun; the singular is 'shape-shifter'. Use a plural verb: 'Shape-shifters appear in many legends.'
Patterns
- shape-shifters in something
- a group of shape-shifters
The novel is full of shape-shifters who move between wolf and human form.
In the game, shape-shifters can take the appearance of anyone they meet.
Old stories about shape-shifters often warn people not to trust what they see.
Word forms
| singular | shape-shifter |
|---|
Common combinations
- a race of shape-shifters
- The film imagines a hidden race of shape-shifters living among us.
- powerful shape-shifters
- Powerful shape-shifters can copy a person's voice as well as their face.
- shape-shifters in folklore
- Shape-shifters in folklore are often tricksters who cause trouble.
Synonyms and how they differ
- werewolves
- A specific kind of shape-shifter that turns into a wolf, usually at full moon; shape-shifters is the broader term.
- transformers
- Used for beings or machines that change form, but it sounds more modern or technical than the mythical 'shape-shifters'.
Word family
- shape-shifting noun
- The act or ability of changing form.
- shape-shift verb
- To change physical form.
Commonly confused: shape-shifters or shapeshifter?
shape-shifters vs shapeshifter
The same word written without a hyphen; both spellings are accepted, though 'shape-shifter' is more common in British writing.
Practice
In the legend, the ______ can turn from a seal into a woman.
Choose one answer.
'The' plus a singular subject 'can turn' needs the singular noun 'shape-shifter'. 'Shape-shifters' is plural and would need 'can turn' to become 'can turn' with a plural subject, which is fine, but 'the shape-shifters can turn' would also be grammatical — however, the singular fits the traditional one-character legend. 'Shape-shifting' is a noun/gerund and cannot be the subject that performs the action, and 'shape-shifted' is a verb form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “shape-shifters”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.