to be resourceful

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be resourceful" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing someone's ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. Example: "In challenging situations, she always knows how to be resourceful." Alternative expressions include "to be inventive," "to be clever," and "to be adaptable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So Mr. Shields had to be resourceful.

The New York Times - Books

"You just have to be resourceful".

The New York Times

It also helps to be resourceful.

The Guardian

Both companies have to be resourceful.

The Guardian

Kids were taught to be resourceful and practical".

Independent

Still, he is going to have to be resourceful.

Independent

So these independent bands had to be resourceful.

The Guardian - Music

But fans once had to be resourceful when a championship was at stake.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted to proceed with caution, to be resourceful and use what I had," he said.

The New York Times

They are expected to be resourceful and resilient, proud of their class and country.

Independent

Helen is a solitary who has had to learn to be resourceful and brave.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "to be inventive" or "to be clever" to add variety to your writing while maintaining the meaning of "to be resourceful".

Common error

Avoid using "to be resourceful" when the situation requires strategic planning with ample resources; the phrase implies a degree of limitation or constraint.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be resourceful" is as an infinitive phrase, often used to describe a necessary attribute or action. It functions as a predicate adjective complementing a subject, as seen in Ludwig AI examples: "You have to be resourceful", "They need to be resourceful".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

24%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be resourceful" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that highlights the ability to effectively utilize available resources to overcome challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. It's particularly prevalent in News & Media and Science and can be replaced by alternatives like "to demonstrate ingenuity" or "to make do with what one has" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and ensure it aligns with situations where resource limitations or constraints are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be adept at using limited resources

Specifically mentions the efficient use of scarce resources, directly related to the core meaning.

to make do with what one has

Implies accepting limitations and using what's available despite potential shortcomings, emphasizing constraints.

to leverage available resources

Highlights the strategic use of resources to gain an advantage or achieve a goal, suitable for formal context.

to be creative in finding solutions

Focuses on innovative thinking as a means to overcome challenges, highlighting originality.

to be skilled at improvising

Stresses the ability to create solutions on the spot, which can be a part of being resourceful.

to demonstrate ingenuity

Highlights cleverness and inventiveness in problem-solving, rather than just using available resources.

to be good at problem-solving

Emphasizes the ability to resolve issues effectively, which is a component of being resourceful.

to be good at using one's initiative

Emphasizes self-starting and proactive behavior, related to resourcefulness.

to show initiative

Focuses on taking action and being proactive, whereas "to be resourceful" centers on utilizing existing means.

to be able to think outside the box

Highlights unconventional thinking to find solutions.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be resourceful" to describe someone who finds clever ways to overcome difficulties. For example, "She had "to be resourceful to avoid" falling behind on payments".

What does it mean to be resourceful?

Being resourceful means skillfully using available resources to solve problems and achieve goals, often under challenging conditions. It involves creativity, adaptability, and making the most of what you have.

What are some skills that demonstrate someone is resourceful?

Skills that demonstrate resourcefulness include problem-solving, adaptability, creativity, and the ability to improvise. Resourceful individuals are also good at networking and finding unconventional solutions.

What's the difference between "to be resourceful" and "to be inventive"?

"To be resourceful" implies using existing resources cleverly, while ""to be inventive"" suggests creating new solutions or approaches. Resourcefulness is about making do, while inventiveness is about innovating.