lend itself to

USAGE SUMMARY

"lend itself to" is a correctly formed phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an activity or concept that easily fits into a certain situation or context, or that is easily adapted for a specific purpose. For example: "The project's flexibility lends itself to many potential solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Branding does not lend itself to standardization.

The New York Times

Professional football should lend itself to diaries.

Independent

- lend itself to a faster tempo.

The New York Times - Arts

But Christmas doesn't lend itself to moderation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That doesn't lend itself to human flourishing".

The Guardian - Tech

And that may lend itself to bragging".

The New York Times

Purple does not lend itself to muted.

The New York Times

Didactic lecture does not lend itself to teaching interprofessional collaboration.

Nurse Education Today

And how could the Soul lend itself to any admixture?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It's less likely to lend itself to social-desirability bias.

The New Yorker

Such food did not lend itself to decoration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lend itself to", ensure that the subject possesses inherent qualities that make it naturally suitable for the described purpose. Avoid forcing the phrase if the connection is weak or requires significant modification.

Common error

Avoid using "lend itself to" when the subject requires substantial alteration or external support to achieve the desired outcome. This phrase implies a natural fit, not a forced adaptation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lend itself to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is naturally suitable or adaptable for a specific purpose or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, highlighting its role in describing inherent compatibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lend itself to" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the inherent suitability or adaptability of something for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. To use the phrase effectively, ensure that the subject genuinely possesses the qualities that make it naturally suitable, avoiding forced or weak connections. While alternatives like "be suitable for" and "be adaptable to" exist, "lend itself to" emphasizes a natural fit. By understanding its nuances and common errors, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your writing to convey suitability and adaptability with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suitable for

Focuses directly on the appropriateness of something for a particular purpose or situation, lacking the sense of effortless adaptability.

be well-suited to

Emphasizes a strong compatibility or fitness, suggesting a deliberate design or arrangement for a specific purpose.

be adaptable to

Highlights the capacity of something to be modified to fit new conditions or purposes, emphasizing flexibility.

be amenable to

Suggests a willingness or openness of something to accept or be influenced by a particular treatment or suggestion.

be conducive to

Focuses on how something contributes to or promotes a particular outcome or condition.

be favorable to

Indicates that something creates a positive or advantageous environment for a specific activity or development.

be appropriate for

Highlights that something is correct or fitting for a specific situation or purpose, often implying a degree of formality or correctness.

be beneficial for

Emphasizes the advantageous or helpful nature of something in relation to a particular goal or outcome.

work well with

Implies compatibility and effective interaction between two or more elements, suggesting a harmonious relationship.

be easily applied to

Focuses on the straightforward and uncomplicated nature of adapting something for a new use or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "lend itself to" in a sentence?

Use "lend itself to" to describe something that is naturally suitable or adaptable for a particular purpose or situation. For example, "The open-source nature of the software "lends itself to" collaborative development".

What are some alternatives to "lend itself to"?

You can use alternatives such as "be suitable for", "be well-suited to", or "be adaptable to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say something "doesn't lend itself to" a particular purpose?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. Saying something "doesn't lend itself to" indicates that it is not naturally suited or easily adapted for that purpose. For example, "This rigid methodology "doesn't lend itself to" innovative solutions".

What is the difference between "lend itself to" and "is conducive to"?

"Lend itself to" implies a natural fit or inherent suitability, while "is conducive to" suggests that something helps or promotes a specific outcome or condition. The former focuses on inherent qualities, and the latter on creating a favorable environment.