ability to conform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to conform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to adapt or comply with certain standards, rules, or expectations. Example: "The candidate's ability to conform to the company's culture was a significant factor in the hiring decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Manufacturers say an increase in coils raises a mattress's ability to conform to a sleeping body.

The New York Times

Her plea of not guilty by reason of insanity would have been highly persuasive if the standard were her ability to conform her conduct to the law.

The New York Times

We subsequently designed biomaterials that complement the dynamic EC surface and have the ability to conform to any geometry through in situ crosslinking.

Harvard University

In Mr. Hayes's case, such a finding could include a jury determination that his ability to conform his actions to the law was significantly impaired.

The New York Times

In this trial, those include whether Mr. Hayes's mental capacity and his ability to conform his behavior to the law were significantly impaired.

The New York Times

Biaxial braided fabric is gaining popularity in primary structural application in small business jets because of its natural ability to conform to complex shapes.

International Journal of Fatigue

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

(And it's "socio", not "psycho", if the traits that Syed displays are true – the charm, the intelligence, the ability to adapt and conform in prison and get along fine).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Instagram users have proved to be an incredibly adaptable group that has the ability to collectively conform to certain codes of behavior as outlined by the users themselves.

Huffington Post

It is proposed that these balance criteria be considered together with practical issues, such as the ability to accurately conform to a design and to determine a sensible and efficient design for each experiment.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Barriers: Some of the biggest barriers I have in the entertainment industry include being offered roles that must include the ability to speak to conform to hearing society, and ignorant stereotypes about deaf people.

Huffington Post

This remarkable ability of microgels to conform to colloidal crystal lattice structures exemplifies the deformability of these materials in response to mechanical and/or osmotic restraints.

Accounts of Chemical Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal or ethical obligations, use "ability to conform" to emphasize adherence to rules and laws. This highlights not just the capacity, but also the responsibility to comply.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to conform" when you actually mean the willingness or desire to conform. Ability refers to the capacity to do something, whereas desire reflects motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to conform" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular attribute or capacity. Ludwig AI validates this usage, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to conform" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the capacity to adhere to established standards, rules, or norms. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. While it's versatile, it’s essential to distinguish between the ability and the desire to conform, as they represent different aspects of behavior. Its use spans across scientific, news, and formal business contexts, signaling its suitability for objective and precise communication. Alternatives like "capacity for compliance" or "capability to adapt" offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for compliance

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "conform" with "compliance", emphasizing adherence to rules.

capability to adapt

Substitutes "conform" with "adapt", focusing on the broader sense of adjusting to new conditions.

aptitude for alignment

Uses "aptitude" to denote a natural talent and "alignment" to highlight agreement with standards.

skill in adapting

Replaces "ability" with "skill", highlighting learned proficiency rather than inherent capability and focusing on the "adapting" aspect.

talent for adherence

Emphasizes a natural "talent" for "adherence", stressing strict following of guidelines.

potential for compliance

Focuses on the "potential" to achieve compliance, suggesting future capability.

facility to adjust

Highlights the ease and "facility" in making necessary adjustments.

power to comply

Emphasizes the "power" or authority to comply, rather than just the capability.

readiness to conform

Shifts the focus to willingness and "readiness", rather than inherent ability.

inclination to align

Implies a preference or "inclination" to align with certain standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "ability to conform" to describe someone's capacity to adapt to rules, standards, or expectations. For example, "The employee's "ability to conform" to company policy is essential for maintaining order."

What is a good alternative to "ability to conform"?

Alternatives include "capacity for compliance", "capability to adapt", or "aptitude for alignment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Ability to conform" refers to the actual capacity or skill to meet certain standards, while "willingness to conform" describes the desire or inclination to do so. One is about competence, the other about motivation.

Is "ability to conform" formal or informal language?

"Ability to conform" is generally considered neutral to formal language suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal contexts might use simpler phrases like "fitting in" or "going along with".