adjust for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'adjust for' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of making changes in order to take something else into account. For example, "We need to adjust for inflation when calculating the cost of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unless you adjust for inflation.

The New York Times

Taste and adjust for seasoning.

The New York Times - Magazine

Economists try to adjust for this.

The Economist

The Dow doesn't adjust for inflation either.

The New York Times - Magazine

In fact, if you adjust for inflation the S.&P.

The New York Times

The brackets change each year to adjust for inflation.

The New York Times

"Did we adjust for everything under the sun?

The New York Times

The superautomatics can't adjust for all possible variables, though.

The New York Times - Tech

· Time-travel app does not automatically adjust for Julian calendar.

The New Yorker

But it is not impossible to adjust for such differences.

The New York Times

"We adjust for the height of every player," Adams said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adjust for", ensure clarity regarding what is being adjusted and what factor is being accounted for. For example, "Adjust for inflation when calculating future costs".

Common error

Avoid using "adjust for" without specifying what needs adjustment or what factor is being considered. Vague statements like "We need to adjust for that" lack clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adjust for" primarily functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the process of making corrections or allowances to account for certain factors or variables. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

27%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adjust for" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe making modifications to account for specific factors. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears frequently in news, scientific, and general knowledge contexts, reflecting its utility in ensuring accuracy and relevance. When using "adjust for", clarity is key to specify what is being adjusted and the factors being considered. Related phrases like "account for", "compensate for", and "correct for" offer similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

account for

This alternative suggests including something in a calculation or explanation.

compensate for

This implies counterbalancing or offsetting the effects of something.

correct for

Suggests rectifying or removing errors from something.

make allowance for

This indicates taking something into consideration, often a potential problem.

factor in

Implies including something as a relevant element when making a decision or calculation.

take into account

A more formal way of saying 'consider'.

allow for

Similar to "account for" but can also mean to permit or enable something.

make adjustments for

This explicitly refers to making changes.

calibrate for

Suggests fine-tuning or aligning something with a standard.

reconcile with

This emphasizes bringing two things into agreement or harmony.

FAQs

How do I use "adjust for" in a sentence?

Use "adjust for" to indicate making a change to take something into account. For example, "Economists try to "account for" changes in the market when making predictions."

What is a good alternative to "adjust for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "compensate for", "correct for", or "take into account".

Is it better to say "adjust for" or "adjust to"?

"Adjust for" means to modify something to account for a factor, while "adjust to" means to become accustomed to something new. For instance, "adjust for inflation" versus "adjust to a new environment."

What does it mean to "adjust for" confounding variables in research?

In research, "adjust for" means to statistically control for the effects of confounding variables to isolate the relationship between the variables of interest. This might involve using methods like regression analysis to "correct for" the influence of these other variables.