diff --git a/esmvalcore/_main.py b/esmvalcore/_main.py
index c802dafad3..afb0cc0476 100755
--- a/esmvalcore/_main.py
+++ b/esmvalcore/_main.py
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ def __init__(self):
             self.__setattr__(entry_point.name, entry_point.load()())
 
     def version(self):
-        """Show versions of all packages that conform ESMValTool.
+        """Show versions of all packages that form ESMValTool.
 
         In particular, this command will show the version ESMValCore and
         any other package that adds a subcommand to 'esmvaltool'