be flexible about

USAGE SUMMARY

"Be flexible about" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to emphasize openness and willingness to adapt to certain situations. For example, "I'm trying to be flexible about the deadline for this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We're willing to be flexible about how we do that".

The New York Times

You want to travel with some determination but be flexible about where you're going.

The Guardian

"We'll be flexible about them returning in the next day or two," Mr. Sullivan said.

The New York Times

Most colleges say they are trying to be flexible about when materials reach them.

The New York Times

"Obviously, we'll have to be flexible about the Nov. 1 postmark date," Ms. Browning said.

The New York Times

But they may have to compromise about their expectations or be flexible about the time periods.

The New York Times

While Iran's Shia population may be flexible about such imagery, Sunni Muslims elsewhere are not.

Independent

Network officials said Mr. Nicholson was not taking into account their ability to be flexible about coverage.

The New York Times

They said if I could be flexible about my dates, they could give me a good deal".

The New York Times

I can be flexible about some detectives, but not Jane Marple, based on Christie's grandmother and her friends.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mr. Zahar told reporters that Hamas would be flexible about who will take charge of reconstruction, The Associated Press reported.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating, use "be flexible about" to signal your willingness to compromise on specific aspects, such as deadlines or budget allocations. For example, "We can "be flexible about" the payment schedule if necessary."

Common error

Avoid using "be flexible about" in excessively passive constructions that obscure who is being flexible. Instead of "Flexibility needs to "be flexible about" the requirements", specify who should be adaptable: "Managers should "be flexible about" the requirements".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be flexible about" functions as a directive, advising or indicating a willingness to adapt or adjust plans, requirements, or expectations. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

20%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be flexible about" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a willingness to adapt or compromise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the level of formality required and ensure that the flexibility doesn't undermine core principles like ethics or safety. Alternatives such as "show flexibility regarding" or "demonstrate adaptability concerning" can be used for a more formal tone, providing a versatile approach to communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be adaptable to

Focuses on the ability to adjust to different conditions or situations.

be amenable to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression, meaning to be agreeable or open to suggestion.

show flexibility regarding

Changes the structure to use "show flexibility" instead of "be flexible", and replaces "about" with "regarding".

be accommodating with regard to

Highlights the willingness to help or make concessions, adding a formal tone.

demonstrate adaptability concerning

Uses "demonstrate adaptability" which is more formal, and substitutes "about" with "concerning".

allow leeway regarding

Implies granting freedom or space for variation within specific limits, replacing "about" with "regarding".

leave room for adjustment in

Suggests creating possibilities for modification or alteration.

exercise discretion over

Replaces "be flexible" with "exercise discretion", implying a deliberate choice, and changes the preposition to "over".

adopt a lenient approach to

Indicates a more permissive attitude by using "adopt a lenient approach", and substitutes "about" with "to".

maintain an open mind regarding

Emphasizes a willingness to consider different viewpoints with "maintain an open mind", and changes the preposition to "regarding".

FAQs

How can I use "be flexible about" in a sentence?

You can use "be flexible about" to express willingness to adapt to different circumstances. For example, "We need to "be flexible about" the project timeline to accommodate unforeseen issues."

What's a more formal way to say "be flexible about"?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "demonstrate adaptability concerning" or "show flexibility regarding".

When is it not appropriate to "be flexible about" something?

It's generally inappropriate to "be flexible about" ethical standards or safety regulations. These areas require strict adherence rather than adaptability.

What does it mean to "be flexible about" a deadline?

To "be flexible about" a deadline means you are willing to adjust or extend the due date if necessary, understanding that circumstances may change.