formuleer

Formuleer is a Dutch verb meaning to formulate or to express something in precise, clear terms. It is commonly used in formal writing, debate, research, and policy development to indicate the act of shaping a statement, hypothesis, plan, or instruction into a coherent form. Examples include drafting research questions, clarifying goals, or presenting a proposal.

The verb derives from the noun formule, which in Dutch refers to a formula or a standard way of expressing something. The form formuleren is regular in its conjugation. In the present tense, the endings are ik formuleer, jij formuleert, hij/zij formuleert, wij formuleren, jullie formuleren, zij formuleren. The infinitive is formuleren, and the imperative is Formuleer.

Formuleren is often contrasted with related activities such as beschrijven (to describe) or samenvatten (to summarize). Where beschrijven focuses on detailing observable features, formuleren emphasizes turning ideas into a precise wording or structured statement that can be evaluated or acted upon. In writing and editing, good formulering contributes to clarity, persuasiveness, and verifiability.

Related terms include formulering (the act or result of formulating; a formulation) and formulier (a form or document). The concept is central to academic writing, policy drafting, and professional communication, where precise formulations help ensure that intentions, requirements, and criteria are unambiguous.

See also: Formulering, Formulier, Formulierings issues in writing.