to be nimble

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be nimble" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is quick and light in movement or action, often implying adaptability or agility. Example: "In today's fast-paced business environment, companies need to be nimble to respond to changing market demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This forced Brazilian firms to be nimble.

The Economist

"We have to be nimble.

The New York Times

So the key is to be nimble.

The New York Times

It's time to be nimble and revolutionary.

The Guardian - Business

"We've [set] up to be free and to be nimble.

Independent

"Generics firms need to be nimble and aggressive," he observes.

The Economist

"We need to be nimble with changing times and history," he said.

The New York Times

To survive in emerging markets, corporate Japan must learn to be nimble.

The Economist

"In the age of Twitter you have to be nimble," Mr. Morrissey said.

The New York Times

But they also recognise that they will have to be nimble.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It's one thing for individuals to be nimble mentally.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be nimble" when you want to emphasize the importance of quick adaptation and responsiveness in a dynamic environment. For example, in business or technology, being nimble can be a key advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "to be nimble" in situations that require stability or long-term planning. The phrase implies a need for constant adjustment, which may not be suitable in contexts that value consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be nimble" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as a verb complement or to express purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it describing the need for adaptability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be nimble" is a common and correct infinitive phrase that emphasizes the importance of adaptability and quick responsiveness. As Ludwig AI explains, its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and technology. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to consider the specific context to ensure its appropriateness. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "to be agile" or "to be quick on one's feet".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be agile

Replaces "nimble" with "agile", focusing on quickness and flexibility.

to be quick on one's feet

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the ability to react rapidly and intelligently.

to be adaptable

Highlights the capacity to adjust to new conditions or circumstances.

to be responsive

Focuses on the ability to react quickly and positively to changes or demands.

to be flexible

Emphasizes the capacity to modify plans or approaches as needed.

to be resourceful

Stresses the ability to find creative solutions and overcome challenges effectively.

to be efficient

Focuses on achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

to be fleet-footed

Suggests swiftness and grace in movement or action, often in a competitive context.

to be light on one's feet

Implies ease and quickness in movement or decision-making.

to be sharp-witted

Highlights mental agility and the ability to think and react quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "to be nimble" in a sentence?

You can use "to be nimble" to describe the ability to adapt quickly and effectively to changing circumstances. For instance, "The company needs "to be nimble" to compete in the fast-evolving market".

What are some alternatives to "to be nimble"?

Some alternatives include "to be agile", "to be adaptable", or "to be quick on one's feet", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "to be nimble" or "to be agile"?

Both phrases are similar, but "to be nimble" often implies a lighter, more graceful adaptation, while "to be agile" can suggest a more robust and versatile ability to adapt.

When is it appropriate to use "to be nimble" in professional writing?

"To be nimble" is appropriate when discussing the need for rapid and flexible responses to market changes, competitive pressures, or unexpected challenges in a business or organizational context.