To adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of adjusting or modifying something to fit new conditions or requirements. Example: "To adapt to the changing market, the company implemented new strategies to attract customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bloomfield struggled to adapt.

The New Yorker

I had to adapt".

The New York Times

We've had to adapt.

The Guardian - Sport

How to adapt?

The New York Times

We had to adapt".

The New York Times - Sports

"You have to adapt".

The New York Times - Sports

We need to adapt.

Independent

Barr learned to adapt.

The New Yorker

They appeared to adapt quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Baseball was slow to adapt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So I had to adapt".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to adapt", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being adapted and what it is being adapted to. For example: "To adapt the curriculum to the needs of modern students."

Common error

Avoid using "to adapt" when you really mean "to adopt". "To adapt" means to modify something, while "to adopt" means to take something as your own. For example, it's incorrect to say "The company adapted a new policy" when you mean "The company adopted a new policy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to adapt" primarily functions as an infinitive, often serving as a verb complement or expressing purpose. Ludwig shows it is used to describe the act of adjusting or modifying something to suit new conditions or requirements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to adapt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that describes the process of adjusting or modifying something to fit new circumstances. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts, spanning news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, it's crucial to differentiate "to adapt" from "to adopt" to avoid usage errors. Remembering that "to adapt" speaks to change and modification while "to adopt" speaks to taking ownership is key. By understanding its communicative function and typical usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "to adapt" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To adjust

Focuses more on the act of making minor changes to fit a specific purpose or situation.

To modify

Emphasizes changing the form or qualities of something, sometimes implying improvement.

To adjust oneself

Highlights the reflexive aspect of adapting, focusing on personal changes.

To change

A broader term suggesting a transformation, which could include adaptation.

To evolve

Suggests a gradual development or change over time, often in response to environmental pressures.

To conform

Implies aligning with established standards or norms.

To accommodate

Focuses on making room for something new or different, often involving compromise.

To transform

Suggests a more radical or complete change.

To attune

Implies bringing something into harmony or agreement with something else.

To become accustomed

Focuses on the process of getting used to something new through repeated exposure.

FAQs

How can I use "to adapt" in a sentence?

You can use "to adapt" to describe the process of modifying something to suit new conditions or purposes. For example, "The organism needed "to adapt" to its new environment to survive".

What are some alternatives to "to adapt"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "to adjust", "to modify", or "to change" as alternatives to "to adapt".

What is the difference between "to adapt" and "to adopt"?

"To adapt" means to modify something to fit new conditions, while "to adopt" means to take something and make it your own. For example, a country might "to adopt" a new currency, while a species might "to adapt" to a change in climate.

Is it correct to say "to adapt at" something?

While you can be good at adapting, the phrase "to adapt at" is not standard. It's better to say "to adapt to" something, or "to adapt in" a certain situation.