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Meaning & use

to be mobile

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/tə bi ˈməʊbaɪl/
US/tə bi ˈmoʊbl/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    to be able to move or be moved easily

    Grammar: Used to describe people, animals, or things that can move. Often after 'still' or 'fully': 'still mobile'.

    Patterns

    • be mobile
    • stay mobile
    • remain mobile

    After the operation, it took him weeks to be mobile again.

    The patient is still mobile and can walk short distances.

    The robot is designed to be mobile on rough ground.

  2. phrasefixed phrasebusiness

    to be willing or able to travel or move to different places, especially for work

    Grammar: Often used in job contexts: 'You need to be mobile' means you must be ready to move or travel.

    Patterns

    • be mobile
    • be geographically mobile

    For this job, you need to be mobile and willing to travel.

    Young workers today are more mobile than in the past.

  3. phrasefixed phrasetechnical

    to be able to use a mobile phone or move around while connected to a network

    Grammar: Common in technology contexts; 'mobile' here contrasts with staying in one place.

    Patterns

    • be mobile
    • mobile access

    With this app, users can be mobile while checking their email.

    The service allows employees to be mobile and still access company files.

Common combinations

stay mobile
Regular exercise helps older people stay mobile.
fully mobile
After the cast was removed, she was fully mobile again.
be mobile
The injured player is now mobile and training lightly.
mobile workforce
A mobile workforce can work from anywhere.

Synonyms and how they differ

able to move
A plain phrase with the same basic meaning; 'be mobile' is more concise and often used in medical or formal contexts.
active
Focuses on doing things and being energetic; 'mobile' focuses on the ability to move.
portable
Used mainly for objects that can be carried; 'mobile' can describe people and animals too.

Opposites

immobilebedridden

Word family

mobility noun
The ability to move or travel.
mobile adjective
Able to move or travel.
immobile adjective
Not able to move.

Commonly confused: to be mobile or mobile phone?

to be mobile vs mobile phone

'Mobile' as an adjective means able to move. 'Mobile phone' is a noun for the device; in American English, 'cell phone' is more common.

Practice

After her hip replacement, it took months for her to ______ mobile again.

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