able to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about having the ability or capability to do something. For example: "He was able to apply his knowledge of mathematics to solve the problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will they be able to apply for dual nationality?

The Guardian

Does this mean youngsters should never be able to apply for asylum independently of their parents?

The New York Times

But he might be able to apply for medical parole, once sentenced.

The Guardian

You may be able to apply for free assistance without going through the green deal scheme.

The Guardian - Money

"What you learn in bull riding you're going to be able to apply to everyday life.

The New Yorker

"John Oliver was able to apply our process to a more considered thing," Stewart said.

The New Yorker

This has meant he has been able to apply, without interruption, the philosophy he believes in.

The Guardian - Sport

Customers will be able to apply with a single telephone call, it said.

The Guardian - Business

The unique vision which he had been able to apply to India was no longer feasible.

The Guardian

OCR: Candidates will be able to apply for a January resit.

The Guardian

Miss Cummins will be able to apply to Harvard by the early-action deadline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to apply" when emphasizing the capacity or possibility of using something, such as a skill, knowledge, or procedure. For example, "After the course, students will be able to apply the learned techniques in real-world scenarios".

Common error

Avoid using "able to apply" when you mean "applicable". "Applicable" describes something that is relevant or appropriate, while "able to apply" describes someone's capacity to use something. For instance, don't say "These rules are able to apply to everyone"; instead, say "These rules are applicable to everyone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to apply" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the capability or capacity to utilize something, whether it be a skill, knowledge, or a specific procedure. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to apply" is a versatile phrase used to express the capability or capacity to utilize something effectively. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various domains, from news and media to scientific research, make it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. When using "able to apply", ensure clarity by differentiating it from "applicable", which describes relevance rather than capability. Remember to consider related phrases like "capable of applying" or "eligible to apply" to fine-tune your message, thus improving precision and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of applying

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing inherent ability.

eligible to apply

Highlights meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications.

in a position to apply

Indicates being in a situation that allows application.

have the ability to apply

Emphasizes possession of the skill or capacity.

authorized to apply

Suggests having official permission or sanction.

entitled to apply

Focuses on having a right or legitimate claim.

qualified to apply

Highlights meeting the required standards or skills.

permitted to apply

Indicates that applying is allowed or not prohibited.

in a state to apply

Implies being in the right condition or circumstances.

have the opportunity to apply

Emphasizes the existence of a chance or occasion to apply.

FAQs

How can I use "able to apply" in a sentence?

Use "able to apply" to indicate someone's capacity or capability to utilize something, such as knowledge or skills. For example, "Graduates will be "capable of applying" their training in the field".

What's a good alternative to "able to apply"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "eligible to apply", "qualified to apply", or "permitted to apply".

Is there a difference between "able to apply" and "applicable"?

"Able to apply" refers to someone's capacity to use something, while "applicable" refers to something being relevant or suitable. It's important not to confuse the two.

When is it appropriate to use "able to apply" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "able to apply" in formal writing when you need to explicitly state someone's capacity or ability to utilize a specific skill, method, or knowledge base in a given situation. This is common in business, academic, and scientific contexts.