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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

modify on the fly

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "modify on the fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where changes or adjustments are made quickly and in real-time, often in technology or programming discussions. Example: "The software allows users to modify on the fly, ensuring that any changes can be implemented immediately without downtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It can be a good idea to have an extra level appropriate encounter in reserve, preferably one that is easy to modify on the fly.

Today, the audio files are static — meaning a workout does not modify on the fly if you are hitting a wall or finding it too easy — but the longer-term intention is to bring this sort of technology to bear to make the experience more personalised, tapping into diagnostics that the app will pick up from wearables like the Apple Watch.

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With the statistical trap response (STR) method and modified on-the-fly method, the proposed model is validated by the experimental evidence under both DC and AC NBTI.

Second, because the design of a programmable logic chip can be modified on the fly, it is ideal for products where industry standards are still being hammered out.

News & Media

The Economist

"In this Afghan war, to the extent that we understand anything right now, which is pretty limited, it's clear the established command system was modified on the fly to empower these special ops guys to make decisions.

Even sizing is kept to a minimum in terms of complexity: the spacesuit can be modified on the fly to fit a number of different frames, and just six total sizes can pretty much run the gamut in terms of addressing the needs of different-sized human astronauts.

News & Media

TechCrunch

The statistical methods used to derive the probability models and the data that is included in the fusion can be modified on the fly to analyze the system dynamically.

Each call for a correction procedure modifies the sequence on-the-fly, and thus turns weak into solid k-mers.

When needed, the instructor should be able to modify the execution of an exercise "on-the-fly" to customize the difficulty on an individual level.

Read-only annotations add information to any object, relation or other annotation; the information remains within the external data source and is read by the BioXM system on-the-fly but not modified.

We can plug-and-play any energy function into the algorithm or even modify it on the fly.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical processes or systems, use "modify on the fly" to convey the ability to make immediate adjustments without interrupting the operation.

Common error

While "modify on the fly" is widely understood, it can sound informal in some professional or academic settings. Consider using more formal alternatives like "adjust in real-time" or "dynamically adapt" for a more polished tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

3.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "modify on the fly" functions as an adverbial phrase, describing how an action (modification) is performed. It emphasizes the immediacy and spontaneity of the modification process. While Ludwig provides examples of similar constructions, there is no direct reference to this phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "modify on the fly" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase that describes the act of making immediate changes or adjustments. Because of the lack of occurrences, is categorized as missing. It tends toward neutral to informal register, making it suitable for general communication, but perhaps less appropriate for strictly formal or academic settings. While Ludwig does not directly reference this phrase, the underlying AI affirms its usability. Consider more formal alternatives such as "adjust in real-time" or "dynamically adapt" to enhance clarity and professionalism.

FAQs

How can I use "modify on the fly" in a sentence?

You can use "modify on the fly" to describe making immediate changes or adjustments to something while it is in progress, for example: "The software allows users to "adjust in real-time", ensuring that any changes can be implemented without downtime."

What does "modify on the fly" mean?

"Modify on the fly" means to change or adjust something quickly and immediately, often in response to new information or changing circumstances. It implies a capability to make alterations without stopping or interrupting the ongoing process.

What can I say instead of "modify on the fly"?

Alternatives to "modify on the fly" include phrases like ""adjust in real-time"", "adapt instantly", or "change dynamically", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "modify on the fly" in formal writing?

While "modify on the fly" is generally acceptable, it can be perceived as informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "dynamically adapt", ""adjust in real-time"", or "revise immediately" to maintain a more professional tone.

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Most frequent sentences: