be adjusted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be adjusted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the need for something to be modified or changed to fit a particular requirement or condition. Example: "The settings on the device may need to be adjusted for optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The grind could be adjusted.

The New York Times

The others could be adjusted.

The Economist

The speed can be adjusted.

The New York Times - Tech

The acoustics can be adjusted.

The New York Times - Arts

It can always be adjusted.

The Guardian

"The bill will be adjusted".

The New York Times

Obviously, instruments had to be adjusted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The census would then be adjusted accordingly.

The Economist

Everything can be adjusted or reworked.

The New York Times

These priorities need to be adjusted.

The New York Times

Products, too, have to be adjusted.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be adjusted" when you want to emphasize the need for modification or adaptation to suit specific requirements or conditions. For instance, "The budget might need to be adjusted to reflect the current economic climate."

Common error

While versatile, avoid overusing "be adjusted" in highly formal documents where more precise language like "be revised" or "be amended" might be more appropriate. Tailor your word choice to the context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be adjusted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is acted upon to modify or change it. It's often used to denote the need for adaptation or correction, as supported by Ludwig's examples showing adjustments to plans, settings, and priorities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be adjusted" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase, indicating the need for something to be modified or adapted. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context and choose the most precise language for formal documents. Alternatives like "be modified", ""be adapted"", and "be revised" offer nuanced options depending on the intended meaning. Keep in mind that while the phrase is frequent in some areas, its absence from others is mostly due to the specificity of the domain and not a matter of incorrectness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be modified

Focuses on the act of making changes, often implying a specific alteration.

be adapted

Emphasizes changing to suit new conditions or purposes.

be altered

Suggests a change in form or character, potentially significant.

be corrected

Highlights the act of fixing errors or inaccuracies.

be amended

Specifically refers to making formal corrections or improvements, often in documents or rules.

be revised

Implies a thorough review and subsequent changes for improvement.

be refined

Suggests subtle improvements to enhance quality or precision.

be calibrated

Focuses on precise adjustments to ensure accuracy, often in technical contexts.

be tuned

Implies fine-tuning for optimal performance, commonly in musical or mechanical settings.

be customized

Emphasizes making something unique to individual preferences or needs.

FAQs

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

You can use "be adjusted" to indicate that something needs to be modified or changed. For example, "The settings might need to be adjusted for optimal performance" or "The plan may need to "be adapted" to the new circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "be adjusted"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "be modified", "be altered", ""be adapted"", or "be revised", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be adjusted"?

It is appropriate to use "be adjusted" when you want to convey the idea that something requires modification or adaptation to better suit a particular purpose or situation. It's suitable in various contexts, from technical settings to policy discussions.

Is there a difference between "be adjusted" and "be corrected"?

"Be adjusted" implies a modification to better fit a situation, while "be corrected" suggests fixing an error or inaccuracy. For example, a financial forecast might "be adjusted" based on new data, while a grammatical mistake would "be corrected".