remaining pliable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remaining pliable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that stays flexible or adaptable over time, often in contexts related to materials, ideas, or attitudes. Example: "To ensure the clay remains pliable, keep it covered with a damp cloth when not in use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Remaining pliable is crucial.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For residents of colder climes, this is not a happy time of year for body surfaces that depend upon moisture to remain pliable, comfortable and intact.

The New York Times - Health

But a good winter tire must remain pliable at lower temperatures; since ice is a microcrystalline structure, staying flexible allows the tire to grip what little roughness it has.

The New York Times

(C) Free floating "osteocytes" complete with fillapodia and (D) a filamentous mass that remained pliable and elastic.

Plosone

The soap mixture should harden just enough for it to remain pliable, while being workable enough to press into molds without burning your skin.

WikiHow

Despite extensive lymphomatous infiltration, the stomach usually remains pliable and distensible without significant luminal narrowing or obstruction.

Cancer Imaging

Use an ice pack designed to remain soft and pliable, even when frozen.

WikiHow

Indeed, as Burgundies from the exalted vintages remain stolid and sphinx-like, the 2000s have been pliable, open and delicious -- far better choices on restaurant wine lists, and cheaper, too.

The New York Times

With a pliable legislature and what he hoped would remain an equally compliant supreme court, Walker promptly attacked a fundamental part of Democrats' constituency and organisational base: labour unions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Flip chilies, and continue cooking until all sides are pliable.

The New York Times - Food

So pliable.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical materials, use "remaining pliable" to emphasize the quality of being easily bent or shaped without breaking. For abstract concepts, use it to highlight adaptability and openness to change.

Common error

Avoid using "remaining pliable" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "remaining adaptable" or "staying flexible", especially in professional or academic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remaining pliable" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun to describe its capacity to maintain its flexibility or adaptability over time. Ludwig suggests it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remaining pliable" describes the sustained ability to be easily bent or shaped, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register. While not overly common, its meaning is clear and can be a valuable way to emphasize sustained adaptability or flexibility. When using this phrase, consider whether synonyms such as "staying flexible" or "remaining adaptable" might be more suitable for the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staying flexible

Focuses on maintaining flexibility as an ongoing state.

remaining adaptable

Highlights the capacity to adjust to changing conditions.

staying responsive

Emphasizes the ability to react appropriately to external stimuli.

remaining supple

Implies a physical characteristic of being flexible and not stiff.

keeping resilient

Stresses the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

staying malleable

Refers to the ability to be easily influenced or shaped.

remaining compliant

Suggests adherence to rules or requests.

staying tractable

Indicates ease of management or control.

remaining workable

Focuses on the quality of being able to be worked or used successfully.

staying manageable

Highlights the ability to be controlled or handled effectively.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "remaining pliable" in a sentence?

You can use "remaining pliable" to describe a material's physical property, such as "Ensure the clay "remains pliable" by keeping it moist". Alternatively, you can use it metaphorically, as in "The team "remained pliable" throughout the negotiation process".

What are some synonyms for "remaining pliable"?

Some synonyms for "remaining pliable" include "staying flexible", "remaining adaptable", and "staying responsive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more common to say "remaining pliable" or "staying pliable"?

Both "remaining pliable" and "staying pliable" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as neither is significantly more common than the other.

What is the difference between "remaining pliable" and "remaining flexible"?

While both phrases imply adaptability, "remaining pliable" often suggests a physical characteristic of being easily bent or shaped, whereas "remaining flexible" is broader and can apply to both physical and abstract situations. Therefore, using "remaining flexible" can be more appropriate in a wider range of contexts.