ability to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity to adjust to new conditions or changes in their environment. Example: "In today's fast-paced world, the ability to adapt is crucial for success in any career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's the ability to adapt that matters".

The Guardian - Business

"They were highly respected because of their ability to adapt".

The New York Times - Arts

Bankers, Falciani observed, have a great "ability to adapt".

The New Yorker

Venice has always shown its ability to adapt".

The Guardian

Radically limit teacher ability to adapt to learner differences.

The Washington Post

You feel confident in your ability to adapt to change.

Independent

"Younger people underestimate our ability to adapt to adverse circumstances".

The New York Times

She surprised herself with her endurance and ability to adapt.

The New York Times - Books

Teachers need to develop the ability to adapt curriculum materials.

Teaching and Teacher Education

Laboratory experiments have shown that corals possess some ability to adapt to warmer waters but no ability to adapt to the higher acidity.

The New York Times

Our ability to adapt at the cultural level shouldn't be seen as any different from our ability to adapt at the genetic level.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific instance of adaptation, follow "ability to adapt" with a prepositional phrase indicating what is being adapted to (e.g., "ability to adapt to new technologies").

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "ability to adapt". The most appropriate prepositions are "to" or "in", depending on the context. For example, it's correct to say "ability to adapt to change" or "ability in adapting to new situations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to adapt" functions as a noun phrase, describing a quality or capability. It's often used as the subject or object of a sentence, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to adapt" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies the capacity to adjust effectively to changing conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts. Its prevalence in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" demonstrates its broad applicability. When using "ability to adapt", ensure correct preposition usage (typically "to" or "in") and consider synonyms like "capacity to adjust" or "adaptability" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to adjust

Focuses on the inherent potential for change.

adaptability

Emphasizes the quality of being able to adapt.

skill in adapting

Highlights the learned proficiency in making adjustments.

talent for adjustment

Suggests a natural aptitude for adapting.

flexibility to change

Highlights the readiness to modify or alter.

resourcefulness in new situations

Highlights the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.

capability to modify

Focuses on the power or capacity to alter something.

potential for transformation

Emphasizes the inherent possibility of significant alteration.

knack for coping

Suggests a clever or skillful way of dealing with difficulties.

ease of transition

Emphasizes the smoothness and lack of difficulty in adapting.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to adapt" to describe someone's capacity to adjust to new conditions. For example, "The company values employees with a strong "capacity to adjust" to changing market demands".

What are some synonyms for "ability to adapt"?

Alternatives include "capacity to adjust", "adaptability", or "flexibility to change", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ability to adapt" or "ability of adapting"?

"Ability to adapt" is generally preferred because it uses the infinitive form of the verb, making it more concise and grammatically sound. "Ability of adapting" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "ability to adapt" and "willingness to adapt"?

"Ability to adapt" refers to the actual capability of adjusting to new circumstances. "Willingness to adapt", on the other hand, refers to someone's readiness or inclination to change. You can be capable but unwilling, or willing but lack the skills.