adjusted themselves

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adjusted themselves" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing how individuals or groups have modified their behavior, attitudes, or actions in response to a situation or environment. Example: "After the feedback session, the team adjusted themselves to better meet the project's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Eventually the Puccinis adjusted themselves to a coexistence, but the composer from then on demanded absolute freedom of action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(And the sound the laces made as they adjusted themselves made just as strong an impression).

TechCrunch

Fortunately, the prices of raw materials and the cost of labor have not been inflated like security prices, which recently adjusted themselves so drastically.

Forbes

As it can be seen in Fig. 5a‚ the amount of stored energy has remained almost constant with increasing frequency in X band; in fact, in the frequency range the electrical dipoles in the structure of the nanocomposite adjusted themselves with the electrical field changes.

International Nano Letters

In pitch-side temperatures of 30 °C, Manchester United enjoyed their best spell of the match early on, while Arsenal's pair Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit adjusted themselves.

Wikipedia

This suggests that the involvement of proOmpA changed the nature of the interaction of SecB/SecA and the two SecA protomers adjusted themselves through asymmetric rearrangement to meet the requirements of the next step of preprotein translocation.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Let matters have time to adjust themselves between you.

The New Yorker

"They might have to adjust themselves to the Security Council.

The New York Times

Buildings would adjust themselves according to the temperature.

The Economist

"We don't want companies that do not adjust themselves to our laws in our country".

The New York Times

Students' biggest problems is adjusting themselves to being left pretty much to their own devices.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adjusted themselves", ensure the context clearly indicates what they adjusted to. The phrase often benefits from specifying the factor or situation causing the adjustment.

Common error

Avoid using "adjusted themselves" without a clear antecedent or reference point. Ensure the reader understands what prompted the adjustment, or else you create ambiguity and your sentence loses clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adjusted themselves" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has made changes to itself in response to external conditions. Ludwig's examples show this in contexts where groups or systems modify their behavior or settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Wiki

11%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "adjusted themselves" is a grammatically correct and usable reflexive verb phrase that communicates adaptation or modification. Ludwig indicates this is often in response to external conditions. It's most frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, make sure to indicate clearly the target or antecedent to which the subject adjusted. Alternatives include "adapted accordingly" or "modified their approach", depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adapted accordingly

Emphasizes a response that is appropriate for the specific situation at hand.

modified their approach

Focuses on a deliberate change in strategy or method.

changed their behavior

Highlights an alteration in conduct or actions.

altered their stance

Refers to a shift in opinion or position.

recalibrated their strategies

Implies a precise realignment or adjustment of plans.

readjusted their perspectives

Highlights shifting viewpoints or the way one understands the situation.

acclimated to the situation

Emphasizes becoming accustomed to a new environment or set of circumstances.

aligned themselves

Implies a formal or strategic association in order to achieve a common target.

evolved their understanding

Implies a gradual change in comprehension over time.

conformed to new norms

Highlights accepting and following established standards.

FAQs

How can I use "adjusted themselves" in a sentence?

You can use "adjusted themselves" to describe how individuals or groups have modified their behavior, attitudes, or actions in response to a situation or environment. For example, "After the feedback session, the team "adjusted themselves" to better meet the project's requirements."

What can I say instead of "adjusted themselves"?

You can use alternatives like "adapted accordingly", "modified their approach", or "changed their behavior" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "adjusted themselves" or "adjusted itself"?

"Adjusted themselves" is used when referring to a plural subject, while "adjusted itself" is used for a singular, non-human subject. For example: "The team "adjusted themselves"", versus "The machine "adjusted itself"".

What's the difference between "adjusted themselves" and "adapted themselves"?

While both convey a change, ""adjusted themselves"" often implies a finer, more precise change to improve something that already exists. "Adapted themselves" suggests a broader, more fundamental change to fit a new environment or circumstance.