being flexible

USAGE SUMMARY

"being flexible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or a person that is open to new ideas, approaches, or circumstances. For example: "The team was able to quickly adapt to the changing market conditions because they had a culture of being flexible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's all about being flexible.

The New York Times

There's nothing better than being flexible".

The New Yorker

The key is being flexible.

The New York Times

Being flexible is key here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Being flexible, curious and hungry helped.

The New York Times

"Being flexible with our clients helps them," he said.

The New York Times

Where possible, being flexible in terms of timetabling.

The Guardian

There's a tension between being resolute and being flexible.

The New York Times

There is nothing wrong with being flexible, of course.

The Guardian - Business

Either way, democracies, being flexible, tend to muddle through.

The Economist

"We're being flexible," said Matthew Stiffler, one of the curators.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being flexible" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of adaptability, not just a one-time adjustment.

Common error

While versatile, "being flexible" can sound informal in some professional settings. Opt for stronger synonyms like "demonstrating adaptability" or "exercising flexibility" to enhance the professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being flexible" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the state or act of being adaptable, as Ludwig AI explains. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use as a subject or complement in sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being flexible" is a very common and grammatically sound gerund phrase that signifies adaptability and willingness to adjust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across varied contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business domains, it also appears in academic settings, suggesting versatility. While its neutral register allows for broad application, in formal settings, consider stronger synonyms like "demonstrating adaptability" or "exercising flexibility" for a more professional tone. Remember, embracing "being flexible" means proactively adjusting and thriving in dynamic environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercising flexibility

Highlights the active use of flexibility in a specific instance.

showing willingness to adapt

Emphasizes the readiness to change, highlighting intention rather than current state.

adopting a flexible approach

Focuses on actively choosing a method that allows for adjustments.

demonstrating adaptability

Focuses on showcasing the ability to adapt, rather than the state of being adaptable.

remaining adaptable

Suggests maintaining a consistent state of adaptability over time.

displaying openness to change

Underscores the acceptance of alterations rather than the ability to adapt.

keeping options open

Implies maintaining maneuverability by not committing to a single course of action.

being amenable to adjustments

Highlights the agreeableness to modifications, rather than the proactive act of adapting.

adjusting to change

Highlights the reaction to changes rather than proactive flexibility.

accommodating different perspectives

Focuses on incorporating various viewpoints, which is a specific aspect of flexibility.

FAQs

How can I use "being flexible" in a sentence?

You can use "being flexible" to describe a quality, action, or state of adaptability. For example, "Being flexible is crucial in a rapidly changing environment".

What are some alternatives to "being flexible"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "demonstrating adaptability", "showing willingness to adapt", or "exercising flexibility".

Is it better to say "being flexible" or "to be flexible"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Being flexible" emphasizes an ongoing state, while "to be flexible" suggests a potential or intended action.

How does "being flexible" differ from "being adaptable"?

While similar, "being flexible" often refers to adjusting plans or methods, whereas "being adaptable" implies a broader ability to thrive in various conditions.