able to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's capacity to adjust to new conditions or changes. Example: "In today's fast-paced work environment, employees must be able to adapt to shifting priorities and challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We were able to adapt".

The New York Times

"I was able to adapt".

The New York Times - Sports

They're able to adapt and adjust.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am able to adapt," she says.

The Guardian

This year I've been able to adapt to it more".

The New York Times - Sports

In this division you've got to be able to adapt".

The Guardian - Sport

You must be able to adapt and adjust".

The New York Times - Sports

This had happened before, and they'd been able to adapt.

The New York Times - Books

Humans would be able to adapt, he said.

The Guardian

Economic actors are resilient and will be able to adapt.

The Economist

There's nothing inconsistent about being able to adapt it to a new, 21st century use".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill or competency, use "able to adapt" to highlight the capacity to adjust to changing circumstances. For instance: "A key competency for project managers is being "able to adapt" to unexpected challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "adapt" as a noun; it's primarily a verb. Instead of saying 'they showed great adapt', say 'they were "able to adapt" effectively'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to adapt" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its capacity for adjustment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

53%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to adapt" is a versatile phrase used to describe the capacity for adjustment, flexibility, and resilience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various fields, most notably in science and news media. When writing, remember that "able to adapt" highlights capability, whereas "adaptable" is an inherent trait. Be mindful not to confuse the verb "adapt" with a non-existing noun form and opt for alternatives when precision is needed, such as "capable of adapting" or "flexible". By understanding its function and typical usage, you can wield "able to adapt" to create effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of adapting

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing the inherent capacity to adjust.

able to adjust

Is more specific and emphasizes the action of adapting.

adaptable

Emphasizes a personal quality of being able to change easily.

adaptive

Uses an adjective form to describe something that adapts easily.

flexible

Highlights the quality of being easily modified or responsive to change.

can adjust

Uses a more direct and simple verb construction.

able to change

More general and emphasizes the capacity to change.

able to modify

Highlights the ability to make alterations.

able to evolve

Suggests a more gradual and natural process of adaptation.

equipped to adapt

Highlights preparedness and resources for adapting.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to adapt" to describe someone or something's capacity to adjust to new conditions or changes. For example: "The company was "able to adapt" to the changing market conditions".

What can I say instead of "able to adapt"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of adapting", "flexible", or "can adjust" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "able to adapt" or "adaptable"?

Both "able to adapt" and "adaptable" are correct, but they have slightly different usages. "Able to adapt" is a phrase that describes a capability, while adaptable is an adjective that describes a quality.

What's the difference between "able to adapt" and "willing to adapt"?

"Able to adapt" refers to the capacity or skill to adjust to new situations, while "willing to adapt" implies a readiness or openness to making those adjustments. Someone might be "able to adapt" but not "willing to adapt", and vice versa.