able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to describe one's ability to do something, usually preceded by a verb in the infinitive form. For example: "The student was able to complete the entire project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm able to walk.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm able to work".

The New York Times

"He's able to relate.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm not able to".

The New York Times

They may be able to.

The New Yorker

God is able to survive".

The New York Times

Should he be able to?

Independent

Able, to give material assistance.

Independent

Is he able to focus?

The New York Times - Sports

Yet neither looks able to.

The Economist

"We were able to adapt".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure that the verb following "able to" is in its base form (infinitive without "to"). For example, "I am able to help" is correct, while "I am able to helping" is incorrect.

Common error

Avoid using gerunds or past participles directly after "able to". Always use the base form of the verb. For example, it's incorrect to say "I am able to helping"; the correct form is "I am able to help".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's capability or capacity to perform a specific action. It is always followed by the base form of a verb. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to" is a versatile phrase used to express capability or possibility. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news articles to informal wikis. According to Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe one's ability to do something, usually preceded by a verb in the infinitive form. While alternatives like "capable of" exist, "able to" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remembering to use the base form of the verb following "able to" is crucial to avoid common grammatical errors. Its consistent usage and broad applicability solidify its place as a fundamental element of English expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of

Uses a different preposition and grammatical structure (adjective + preposition) to express a similar capability.

in a position to

Indicates a state or situation that allows for a certain action.

have the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent ability or skill required for an action.

be equipped to

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources for a task.

have the capacity to

Highlights the potential or maximum amount that can be done.

in a condition to

Emphasizes the state required to perform an action

be authorized to

Indicates official permission or right to do something.

be entitled to

Suggests having a right or claim to something

find it possible to

Suggests the possibility to perform an action

succeed in

Highlights a positive result of an action, indicating the capability to achieve success

FAQs

How do I use "able to" in a sentence?

The phrase "able to" is used to indicate capability or possibility. For example, "I am "able to swim"" shows you have the skill to swim. "He was "able to finish" the race" means he had the capacity to finish the race.

What are some alternatives to "able to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capable of", "in a position to", or "have the ability to".

Is it better to use "can" or "able to"?

"Can" is generally more informal and concise. "Able to" is often used in more formal contexts or when emphasizing the ability itself. For example, "I can swim" is more casual than "I am "able to swim"".

What's the difference between "able to" and "allowed to"?

"Able to" refers to having the capacity or skill to do something, while "allowed to" means having permission. For example, "I am "able to lift" the weight" means you have the strength. "I am "allowed to leave" early" indicates permission to leave.