be suitable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be suitable' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is appropriate for a given situation. For example: The dress she wore to the wedding was suitable for the occasion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It'd be suitable.

The New York Times

Could they be suitable replacements?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

which would be suitable for haiti?

University of California, Berkeley

Something more countrified might be suitable and more accessible.

The Guardian

"We have some new medicine she might be suitable for.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said "The Street" would be suitable for broadcast television.

The New York Times

He found reading and world travel to be suitable educators.

The New Yorker

"Is there any particular time that would be suitable?

The New Yorker

First is that the type of potato must be suitable.

The New York Times

But the form will not be suitable for all organisations.

The Guardian

"And not every child will be suitable for adoption".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be suitable", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is suitable for. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be suitable" without specifying the criteria for suitability. Vague usage can lead to ambiguity and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be suitable" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something possesses the necessary qualities to meet a particular need or requirement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly conveys the idea of appropriateness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

15%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be suitable" is a versatile verb phrase used to express that something is appropriate or meets the requirements for a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral tone makes it adaptable to various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While alternatives such as "be appropriate" or "be fitting" exist, "be suitable" remains a common and effective choice, particularly when clearly specifying the context of suitability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be appropriate

Focuses on the fittingness or correctness for a specific situation or context.

be fitting

Emphasizes the harmony or correspondence with expectations or requirements.

be adequate

Highlights the sufficiency or satisfactoriness to meet a specific need or demand.

be qualified

Indicates the possession of necessary skills or attributes.

be acceptable

Stresses the permissibility or approval within a given standard or norm.

be applicable

Focuses on the relevance or connection to a particular case or situation.

be compatible

Suggests the ability to coexist or function harmoniously with something else.

be right

Simple and direct, implying correctness or suitability for a purpose.

be good enough

Indicates a minimum level of acceptance, often implying a compromise.

be designed for

Highlights intentional creation for a specific purpose or user.

FAQs

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

Use "be suitable" to indicate that something meets the requirements or is appropriate for a particular purpose or situation. For example, "This room would "be suitable" for a small meeting".

What are some alternatives to "be suitable"?

Alternatives include "be appropriate", "be fitting", or "be adequate", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be suitable for" or "be suitable to"?

"Be suitable for" is generally preferred and more common. "Be suitable to" can sometimes be used, but it's less frequent and might sound awkward in many contexts.

How does the meaning of "be suitable" differ from "be ideal"?

"Be suitable" means something is adequate or meets the requirements, while "be ideal" implies it is the best possible option. Something that "be suitable" might not "be ideal", but it still works.