somewhat flexible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat flexible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a degree of adaptability or can be adjusted to some extent. Example: "The schedule is somewhat flexible, allowing for changes if necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus, antigenic sites may benefit by being somewhat flexible [ 59], but probably become less effective as the flexibility increases beyond some useful level.

BMC Genomics

That's summer with a noise-tolerant, flexibly scheduled work-at-home parent, and a second parent with a somewhat flexible schedule as well.

The New York Times

But even that seemed somewhat flexible.

The New York Times

Processor requirements are somewhat flexible.

Configuring ISA Server 2000 Building Firewalls for Windows 2000

That is why the administration has been willing to be somewhat flexible on this issue.

The New York Times

For one thing, Mr. Dobbs has a somewhat flexible relationship with reality.

The New York Times

The class curriculum is somewhat flexible and takes 3-4 semestors to complete.

Yale University

But Ms. Glick says that she's "willing to be somewhat flexible".

The New York Times

4 There must be grievous loss, and that term itself is somewhat flexible.

Cornell University

While the dates are somewhat flexible, periods of different thinking can be distinguished.

Advances in Agronomy

While the lithium-polymer batteries used in smartphones today are somewhat flexible, they can't survive being bent many times.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing schedules or plans, use "somewhat flexible" to indicate that while changes are possible, they should not be drastic or frequent.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat flexible" when the situation is actually highly adaptable. This can lead to misunderstandings and unmet expectations; instead, use a phrase like "highly adaptable" or "very flexible."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat flexible" functions as an adverb-adjective construction, modifying the adjective "flexible" to indicate a degree or extent. It softens the meaning of "flexible", suggesting a limited or moderate degree of adaptability. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat flexible" is a versatile adverb-adjective construction used to indicate a moderate degree of adaptability or adjustability. According to Ludwig, its AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral register. When using the phrase, it's important to accurately reflect the level of flexibility being described to avoid misunderstandings. Related phrases, such as "fairly adaptable" or "moderately adjustable", can provide alternative ways to express similar concepts while emphasizing different aspects of flexibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly adaptable

Substitutes "flexible" with "adaptable", focusing on the capacity to adjust to different conditions.

reasonably adjustable

Uses "adjustable" instead of "flexible", implying the capacity to be modified to suit particular requirements.

not entirely rigid

Expresses flexibility by negating rigidity, suggesting a departure from strictness or inflexibility.

moderately pliable

Replaces "flexible" with "pliable", suggesting a physical bendability more than adaptability in a figurative sense.

somewhat accommodating

Shifts the focus to being obliging and willing to help or adjust to another's needs.

kind of bendable

Replaces "somewhat" with "kind of" and "flexible" with "bendable", suggesting a physical capacity to be bent.

slightly pliant

Substitutes "flexible" with "pliant", indicating ease of influence or control.

relatively elastic

Emphasizes the ability to return to an original form after being stretched or deformed.

to some extent malleable

Replaces "flexible" with "malleable", highlighting the capacity to be easily shaped or influenced.

comparatively yielding

Replaces "flexible" with "yielding", suggesting a willingness to concede or give way under pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat flexible" to describe plans, schedules, materials or even rules that allow for a degree of adjustment or modification. For example, "The deadline is "somewhat flexible", so we have some room for adjustments."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat flexible"?

Alternatives include "fairly adaptable", "moderately adjustable", or "reasonably elastic", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "somewhat flexible" or "very flexible"?

The choice depends on the degree of flexibility you want to convey. "Somewhat flexible" suggests a limited degree of adaptability, while "very flexible" implies a high degree of adaptability.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "somewhat flexible"?

The phrase "somewhat flexible" is appropriate when you want to indicate that something allows for some, but not complete, adjustment or modification. This is useful in scenarios where complete rigidity is undesirable but complete freedom isn't possible or practical.