be slightly flexible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be slightly flexible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that someone should be open to adjustments or changes in a situation or plan. Example: "In order to accommodate everyone's needs, we should be slightly flexible with the meeting times."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Similarly the terrible dilemma posed by offshore detention of asylum seekers requires the government and the opposition to be slightly flexible with solutions.

The Guardian

With this in mind, we might need to be slightly flexible in our definition of (or tolerance for identifying) naturalness, especially in situations where we were unable to find a clear majority behaviour.

Security Informatics

Allows the backbone to be slightly flexible during the minimization -enzdes:chi_min  optional but recommended.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

ABS is a very strong plastic, and is slightly flexible.

Cornell University

A metal mirror, if well ribbed on the back, may be lighter than a glass mirror and therefore easier to handle, but most metals are slightly flexible and require just as careful support as glass mirrors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When opening the area for dental implant insertion, the grafted area proved to be well vascularized and the tissue at the site of the former trap-door location was slightly flexible and had a fibrous aspect.

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

Having been investors for a while, we are now more focused on ownership these days, but at our prior funds, we learned that being slightly flexible with your check size/ownership targets allows you to access more deals and presents an opportunity for you to build relationships with other great co-investors.

TechCrunch

This mismatched symmetry requires that the protein cross-linkers are slightly flexible such that they able to accommodate a ±7° deviation from their ideal binding orientation.

Plosone

In addition, analyses of computational errors showed that subunits should be treated cautiously, as they are slightly flexible and not strictly rigid bodies.

BioMed Research International

The RMSD shows that the protein is stabilized by both ligands, however, mannohexaose shows to be slightly more flexible in the catalytic pocket as shown in Figure  2B.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

A comparison of the spectra obtained by the proposed approach to the existing ones, reveals that the commonly used assumption of triangular blast load evolution with time can sometimes be slightly unconservative, particularly for flexible structural systems, but can also be significantly overconservative for stiffer structures.

International Journal of Impact Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be slightly flexible", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect requires flexibility. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the degree of flexibility required. Using phrases like "be extremely flexible" when only minor adjustments are needed can create unrealistic expectations and potential disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be slightly flexible" functions as an instruction or recommendation to adopt a more adaptable approach. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in suggesting openness to adjustments in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be slightly flexible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that suggests a need for adaptability or compromise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While it is crucial to avoid overstating the degree of flexibility needed, the phrase serves as a practical way to encourage adjustments and facilitate smoother interactions. Related phrases like ""be somewhat adaptable"" or ""be a bit more lenient"" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be somewhat adaptable

Replaces "slightly flexible" with "somewhat adaptable", emphasizing adaptability more directly.

be a bit more lenient

Focuses on being less strict or severe, implying a degree of flexibility in rules or expectations.

exercise some flexibility

Uses a more formal tone, suggesting the active application of flexibility.

show a degree of pliability

Emphasizes the ability to bend or adjust easily, often in response to influence.

maintain some give

Highlights the importance of not being rigid and allowing for movement or change.

leave room for adjustment

Focuses on ensuring there is space or opportunity for changes to be made.

be open to adjustments

Emphasizes a willingness to consider and accept changes.

allow for some leeway

Indicates permitting a certain amount of freedom or flexibility in how something is done.

be reasonably accommodating

Highlights the willingness to help or do what someone else wants.

be understanding and adaptable

Combines being understanding of different situations with the ability to adapt to them.

FAQs

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

You can use "be slightly flexible" to suggest a willingness to make minor adjustments or compromises. For example, "We need to "be slightly flexible" with the deadlines to accommodate everyone's schedules".

What are some alternatives to saying "be slightly flexible"?

Alternatives include "be somewhat adaptable", "be a bit more lenient", or "exercise some flexibility", depending on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "be slightly flexible"?

It's appropriate to use "be slightly flexible" in situations where minor adjustments or compromises are necessary to achieve a goal or accommodate different needs. It suggests a willingness to adapt without completely changing plans.

Is it better to say "be slightly flexible" or "be very flexible"?

The choice depends on the degree of adaptability required. "Be slightly flexible" suggests minor adjustments, while "be very flexible" implies a need for significant changes. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.