having to adapt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having to adapt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the necessity of adjusting to new circumstances or changes. Example: "In today's fast-paced world, businesses are having to adapt to the ever-changing market demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Communities are having to adapt.

The Guardian

Older brands are having to adapt.

The Guardian

The Martínez way has meant Baines having to adapt his role.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, most species are having to adapt to us, rather than adapt to the environment.

The Guardian - Tech

However, the commercial landscape is changing and our teams are constantly having to adapt.

The Guardian

It was not a process of just cut and paste, or having to adapt many characters.

The New York Times

Women are one-third of the dialogue delegates, and the men are having to adapt.

The New York Times

"Having to adapt - and Jose has used that phrase - is nothing particularly new here," Holland added.

Independent

Can the mighty retailer now shape its business environment, rather than having to adapt to it?

The Economist

Business schools focused on executives are having to adapt to an increasingly picky student cohort.

The Economist

And today, social service groups are having to adapt to a new landscape of philanthropy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having to adapt", ensure that the reason for adaptation is clear to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what new conditions or changes necessitate the adaptation.

Common error

Avoid using "having to adapt" without clearly stating what is being adapted. For example, instead of saying "The company is having to adapt", specify "The company is having to adapt its marketing strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having to adapt" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as part of a verb phrase to indicate the necessity of adjustment or change. As evidenced by Ludwig, this expression commonly introduces a condition or situation requiring modification. For instance, 'Communities are having to adapt' indicates societal changes, as demonstrated in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having to adapt" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to express the necessity of change or adjustment in response to new or altered circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic discussions, highlighting its versatility. The phrase primarily functions to convey obligation, and its usage is widespread, particularly in news and media outlets. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its impact is heightened by making clear what object is undergoing change. Overall, "having to adapt" effectively communicates the pressures and demands of our evolving world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needing to adjust

This alternative uses 'needing' instead of 'having', emphasizing the necessity of adjustment.

needing to change

Replaces 'adapt' with 'change', focusing on the action of becoming different.

forced to adjust

Highlights the element of compulsion or lack of choice in the adaptation.

being required to adapt

Formal phrasing, emphasizing a requirement or obligation to adapt.

compelled to change

Indicates a strong sense of being forced to undergo change.

being obliged to adapt

Emphasizes a moral or legal obligation to make changes.

facing the need to adapt

Shifts the focus to the challenge or situation that necessitates adaptation.

finding it necessary to adapt

Highlights the discovery or realization that adaptation is essential.

in a position where adaptation is necessary

Elaborates on the situation, stressing the unavoidable nature of adaptation.

adjusting as a necessity

Focuses on the adjustment itself as a required action.

FAQs

How can I use "having to adapt" in a sentence?

You can use "having to adapt" to describe a situation where someone or something needs to change to fit new conditions. For example, "Businesses are "having to adapt" to new technologies".

What's a more formal way of saying "having to adapt"?

More formal alternatives include "being required to adapt", "being obliged to adapt", or "finding it necessary to adapt".

Is "needing to adapt" or "having to adapt" more common?

"Having to adapt" is generally more frequently used. Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "having to adapt" might sound more natural in many contexts. You can also consider using "needing to adjust".

What's the difference between "having to adapt" and "choosing to adapt"?

"Having to adapt" implies a necessity due to external circumstances, while "choosing to adapt" suggests a voluntary decision. One implies a reaction to change, and the other suggests a proactive approach. Another way to suggest a proactive approach is "willing to adapt".