adjust on the fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adjust on the fly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an idiom to refer to quickly changing a plan of action in response to real-time changes. For example, "We needed to adjust on the fly as new issues arose in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

We had to adjust on the fly.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're going to adjust on the fly," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

She is also better equipped to adjust on the fly.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm going to adjust on the fly," Mets Manager Art Howe said.

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

Greater flexibility reduces injury and makes it easier for a player to adjust on the fly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Smart lenses that adjust on-the-fly: Corrective lenses are poised for perhaps the first truly revolutionary leap forward they've ever experienced.

TechCrunch

You could, for example, tie the animation speed's variable to an on-screen slider, which any user running a pre-release copy of your app could adjust on-the-fly — but you'd have to manually code that in, and remember to take it out before release.

TechCrunch

It includes the adjustments of the fill time of the trapping device and the tight scheduling of elution times of the peptides, ideally adjusted on-the-fly.

Journal of Proteomics

Unfortunately, the above described capability is desirable because it can enable more flexible marketing strategies that can be adjusted on-the-fly, also by considering the current request (how many shoppers are interested in some kind of product?).

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

One approach uses a liquid lens, the shape of which can be adjusted on-the-fly to adjust for certain circumstances — say, when the focus of the game is on an object that the viewer normally wouldn't be able to focus on.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "adjust on the fly" when you want to emphasize the ability to react swiftly and effectively to unforeseen changes. For example, in project management, this idiom highlights the team's capacity to adapt to unexpected challenges without derailing the overall goal.

Common error

Avoid using "adjust on the fly" when careful planning and preparation are required. This phrase implies a reactive approach, not a proactive one. If a situation demands meticulous foresight, opt for terms like "plan ahead" or "strategize" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adjust on the fly" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to modify or adapt plans quickly and spontaneously. As indicated by Ludwig, it’s commonly used to describe real-time adaptations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sports

32%

Tech

21%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adjust on the fly" is a common idiom that describes the ability to quickly adapt and modify plans in response to real-time changes. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of contexts, particularly in news, sports, and technology. While versatile, it's best used in neutral to informal settings, as more formal alternatives like "adapt dynamically" might be preferable in certain professional contexts. The idiom conveys flexibility and responsiveness and is most effective when emphasizing the capacity to react without extensive preparation. Avoiding its use when careful planning is paramount can prevent misinterpretations. Overall, "adjust on the fly" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for efficiently describing adaptive strategies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust instantaneously

The original phrase is extended adding the adverb "instantaneously".

adapt in real time

Focuses on the immediacy of adaptation as events unfold.

modify as you go

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the modification process.

improvise a solution

Highlights the aspect of creating something new under pressure.

react to changing conditions

Stresses the responsiveness to external factors.

change tactics mid-course

Implies a shift in strategy during an activity.

course-correct dynamically

Suggests a more controlled and deliberate adjustment.

alter strategy instantly

Highlights the immediate and strategic nature of the change.

fine-tune instantaneously

Indicates a precise adjustment made rapidly.

make immediate alterations

Focuses on the speed and directness of the changes.

FAQs

How can I use "adjust on the fly" in a sentence?

You can use "adjust on the fly" to describe making quick changes or decisions in response to unexpected situations. For instance, "The team had to adjust on the fly when the market conditions shifted unexpectedly."

What is a similar phrase to "adjust on the fly"?

Similar phrases include "adapt in real time", "improvise a solution", or "react to changing conditions", all suggesting quick adaptation to new circumstances.

Is it appropriate to use "adjust on the fly" in formal writing?

While "adjust on the fly" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "adapt dynamically" or "modify as needed" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to "adjust on the fly"?

To "adjust on the fly" means to make changes or adaptations quickly and spontaneously, often in response to unforeseen events or circumstances. It emphasizes the ability to react effectively without prior planning.