be pliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pliable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is flexible, adaptable, or easily influenced. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to be pliable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Add as much flour as necessary – the pastry should be pliable but not sticky.

The Guardian

Many of Russia's financial barons fear that while Mr. Chernomyrdin may be pliable, he is also unelectable.

The New York Times

Toast the tortilla in a large frying pan until slightly brown but not crispy (it still needs to be pliable for the wrapping).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When tomatoes are just about done, add penne to water and cook until al dente (it should be pliable, but still firm in center).

The New York Times - Food

"Harry thought that I would be pliable, that I was a woman from a political background and would never ask questions," she said.

The New York Times

Drawing on the work of the historian Benjamin Quarles, many believed that four of the five delegates were uneducated former slaves, hand-picked by Lincoln and his colonization commissioner, James Mitchell, to be pliable and subservient.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

But it's pliable.

The New York Times - Arts

People are pliable.

The Guardian

As Mexico shows, democracy is pliable.

The New York Times

The night was deep, and time was pliable.

The New Yorker

He seems to think that facts are pliable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing materials, use "be pliable" to emphasize its flexibility and ease of manipulation. For describing people, use it cautiously, as it can sometimes imply a lack of strong will or independence.

Common error

Avoid solely relying on "be pliable" to describe a character's personality. Instead, elaborate on the specific reasons or situations that make them adaptable or easily influenced to offer a more nuanced portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pliable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or quality of a subject. It typically indicates a characteristic of being easily bent, influenced, or molded, as demonstrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

33%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be pliable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase signifying flexibility or susceptibility to influence. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase "is correct" and can effectively describe both physical objects and abstract concepts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Use the phrase "be pliable" to describe flexibility and ease of manipulation, but be mindful of potential negative connotations when describing individuals. Remember, there are many alternatives like "be flexible" or "demonstrate adaptability".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhibit flexibility

Focuses on the demonstration of being flexible, changing the emphasis from a state of being to an action.

demonstrate adaptability

Highlights the ability to adapt, shifting the focus to the capability to adjust to different conditions.

show responsiveness

Emphasizes the quality of reacting positively to influence or changes.

be easily influenced

Directly addresses the susceptibility to external factors, making the phrase more explicit.

be impressionable

Highlights the characteristic of being easily affected by outside influence, generally used to describe people.

display malleability

Emphasizes the capacity of being shaped or formed. More often used in the context of physical objects, but can be used metaphorically.

be amenable

Indicates a willingness to agree or cooperate, related to the concept of being easily persuaded.

have a yielding nature

Focuses on the characteristic of giving way easily, suggesting a compliant attitude.

be compliant

Suggests obedience or willingness to conform, highlighting a specific aspect of pliability.

be tractable

Highlights the quality of being easily managed or controlled, emphasizing ease of handling.

FAQs

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

You can use "be pliable" to describe something easily bent or influenced. For example, "The dough needs to "be pliable" for the recipe to work" or "He hoped she would "be pliable" to his suggestions".

What can I say instead of "be pliable"?

Alternatives include "be flexible", "be adaptable", or "be easily influenced" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be pliable" to describe a person?

Describing a person as "be pliable" suggests they are easily influenced or adaptable. Use this carefully, as it can imply a lack of assertiveness. Consider if "be open-minded" or "be receptive" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "be pliable" and "be flexible"?

"Be pliable" emphasizes being easily bent or molded, while "be flexible" focuses on adaptability and willingness to change. Something "be pliable" might physically bend easily, while someone who "be flexible" is willing to adjust plans.