a flexible concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flexible concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ideas or definitions that can adapt to different interpretations or applications. Example: "The notion of success is often seen as a flexible concept, varying greatly from one individual to another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Vinted is a flexible concept.

The New York Times

Cheatingwise, off-grid is a flexible concept.

The Guardian

Progress is a flexible concept, not a rigid doctrine.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have a flexible concept of space," Ms. Roidinger said.

The New York Times

Venerability in chamber groups is a flexible concept.

The New York Times - Arts

In many homes, dinner is a flexible concept with an increasing number of variables.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"On my analysis of the entirety of the evidence, I found Mr Berezovsky an unimpressive, and inherently unreliable, witness, who regarded truth as a transitory, flexible concept, which could be moulded to suit his current purposes.

The Guardian

"On my analysis of the entirety of the evidence, I found Mr Berezovsky an unimpressive, and inherently unreliable, witness, who regarded truth as a transitory, flexible concept, which could be moulded to suit his current purposes," the judge said.

The Guardian

Her thinking was remorseless: "On my analysis of the entirety of the evidence, I found Mr Berezovsky an unimpressive, and inherently unreliable, witness, who regarded truth as a transitory, flexible concept, which could be moulded to suit his current purposes".

The Guardian

The judge concurred, concluding, "I found Mr Berezovsky an unimpressive, and inherently unreliable, witness, who regarded truth as a transitory, flexible concept, which could be moulded to suit his current purposes".

The Guardian

Mrs Justice Gloster was scathing in her criticism of Mr Berezovsky, calling him an "unimpressive, and inherently unreliable, witness, who regarded truth as a transitory, flexible concept, which could be moulded to suit his current purposes".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a flexible concept", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects of the concept are flexible and under what conditions they can change. This prevents ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid implying that "a flexible concept" is infinitely adaptable or lacks core principles. While flexibility is valuable, the concept should still maintain a clear identity and purpose; otherwise, it becomes meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flexible concept" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to identify and describe an idea or notion that is adaptable and not rigidly defined. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across different fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flexible concept" is a common phrase used to describe ideas that are adaptable and not strictly defined. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies which aspects of the concept are flexible to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "an adaptable concept" or "a versatile idea" can be used to provide slight variations in meaning. Avoid overstating the flexibility of the concept, as it should still maintain a core identity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an adaptable concept

Emphasizes the ability of the concept to be modified to suit different conditions.

a versatile idea

Highlights the concept's applicability in various situations and contexts.

a malleable notion

Suggests that the concept can be easily shaped or influenced.

a fluid principle

Implies that the principle is not fixed and can change easily.

a dynamic understanding

Focuses on the evolving and changing nature of the understanding.

a non-rigid framework

Indicates that the framework is not strict and allows for adjustments.

a yielding construct

Suggests that the construct is able to bend or give way under pressure.

an elastic interpretation

Highlights the capacity to stretch the interpretation to fit different cases.

a broad definition

Indicates that the definition is inclusive and covers a wide range of possibilities.

a variable construct

Highlights how the concept changes and differs based on various factors.

FAQs

How can I use "a flexible concept" in a sentence?

You can use "a flexible concept" to describe ideas that can be adapted to different situations. For example, "Time management is "a flexible concept" that varies from person to person."

What are some alternatives to "a flexible concept"?

Some alternatives include "an adaptable concept", "a versatile idea", or "a malleable notion". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a flexible concept" or "a rigid concept"?

The choice between "a flexible concept" and "a rigid concept" depends on the context. Use "a flexible concept" when discussing ideas that can be adapted, and "a rigid concept" when discussing ideas that are strictly defined and unchangeable.

In what contexts is "a flexible concept" commonly used?

"A flexible concept" is commonly used in contexts where ideas or definitions need to be adaptable, such as in project management, philosophy, or personal development.