Collocations for formation - noun

policy
the top civil servants who are responsible for policy formation

lead to, result in
This dispute led to the formation of a new breakaway group.

prevent

close, tight
battle
The troops advanced in battle formation.

family, household, social
changing patterns of marriage and family formation

flying

in a … formation
The men were grouped in a close formation.

in formation
a squadron of planes flying in formation

cloud, geological, rock
military, political