ability to adjust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to adjust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to adapt to new situations or changes. Example: "Her ability to adjust to different work environments has made her a valuable team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He added: "We've shown the ability to adjust.

Forbes

I have utmost faith and confidence in your ability to adjust to this new thing.

Huffington Post

"In economics, we assume an ability to adjust," he said.

The New York Times

He demonstrates some ability to adjust to the football.

The New York Times

Those who do not have the ability to adjust to life are those who are doomed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was Commack's ability to adjust that allowed it to win the rematch handily.

The New York Times - Sports

Belichick, on the other hand, was known for his ability to adjust on the fly.

The New York Times - Sports

Come full-time, they were certainly second best, but their ability to adjust was noteworthy.

The Guardian - Sport

Dillon's ability to adjust to Belichick's team-first philosophy is perhaps the biggest question mark.

The New York Times

"The ability to adjust was a major factor in their longevity.

The New York Times

If it does, then the PRS is limited in its ability to adjust.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing an individual's or organization's responsiveness to change, use "ability to adjust" to highlight their capacity to modify strategies, plans, or behaviors effectively. For instance, "The company's "ability to adjust" to market trends allowed it to remain competitive."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to adjust" when describing something inherently static or incapable of change. For instance, stating "The building has the "ability to adjust" its foundation" is inaccurate; instead, use descriptive terms like 'flexible' or 'adaptive' in appropriate contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to adjust" functions as a noun phrase, where "ability" is the head noun and "to adjust" acts as an infinitive phrase modifying the noun. It describes a capability or capacity to adapt or make changes, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to adjust" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the capacity to adapt or modify something in response to changing conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and scientific publications, maintains a neutral register, and is suitable for both formal and informal communication. Alternatives such as "capacity for adaptation" or "flexibility to adapt" can be used to add variety to writing. It's important to use "ability to adjust" in contexts where change or adaptation is genuinely possible, avoiding its application to static or unchangeable subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for adaptation

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "adjust" with "adaptation", emphasizing the inherent potential to adapt.

flexibility to adapt

Uses "flexibility" instead of "ability", highlighting the ease and willingness to change.

adaptability

A concise single-word alternative focusing on the quality of being adaptable.

skill in adapting

Replaces "ability" with "skill", emphasizing the learned or developed aspect of adjusting.

aptitude for modification

Emphasizes a natural inclination towards making changes or adjustments.

capacity to modify

Focuses on the inherent capability to make changes.

talent for adapting

Suggests a natural gift or inherent skill in adapting to new situations.

resourcefulness in adapting

Highlights the creative and effective use of resources when adjusting to changes.

power to alter

Emphasizes the strength and influence in making necessary changes.

facility in modifying

Indicates an ease and smoothness in the process of making modifications.

FAQs

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

"Ability to adjust" is used to describe the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances. For example, "Her "ability to adjust" to new situations made her an excellent employee."

What's a good alternative to using "ability to adjust"?

Alternatives include "capacity for adaptation", "flexibility to adapt", or simply "adaptability", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "ability to adjust" or "ability to adapt"?

Both "ability to adjust" and "ability to adapt" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize. Adjust suggests a finer tuning, while adapt implies a more fundamental change.

How does "ability to adjust" differ from "willingness to adjust"?

"Ability to adjust" refers to the capability or skill to change, while "willingness to adjust" refers to the readiness or inclination to do so. One implies competence, the other implies attitude.