able to appreciate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to appreciate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's capacity to understand or value something, often in a positive context. Example: "She is able to appreciate the nuances of classical music, which enhances her listening experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now you will be better able to appreciate their mastery.

The New Yorker

"The public should be able to appreciate it".

The New York Times

They should be able to appreciate that, even in YankeeWorld.

The New York Times

Moviegoers will leave the theater better able to appreciate the cityscape around them.

The New York Times

"Well," I told him, "I'm just sorry that you weren't able to appreciate it".

The New Yorker

Probably as a middle-distance athlete, being able to appreciate these longer distances.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There have been several men who have been able to appreciate the difference.

The Guardian - Film

Fewer people are also able to appreciate the unique cultural elements of fusha.

The New Yorker

You have to be able to appreciate a show like "Full House" as well as "E.R".

The New York Times - Magazine

The young Tatsumi worked relentlessly, afraid of failure and not often able to appreciate successes.

The Guardian - Books

He's raised everybody's excitement levels, they've all been able to appreciate his brilliance at times.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to appreciate" when you want to emphasize the capacity or potential to understand and value something, rather than simply acknowledging it. For example, 'After taking the course, students were able to appreciate the complexities of quantum physics.'

Common error

Avoid using "able to appreciate" in situations where a simpler term like "understand" or "like" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to appreciate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability of someone to understand or value something. It often suggests a positive or insightful perspective, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to appreciate" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express someone's capacity to understand or value something. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples across various contexts. While it is widely used, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly simplistic situations. Related phrases like "capable of valuing" or "sensitive to" can offer alternative ways to express appreciation or recognition. The phrase finds frequent use in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, suggesting a versatility that makes it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of valuing

Emphasizes the inherent capacity to assign worth or importance.

able to recognize

Focuses on acknowledging or identifying the qualities of something.

in a position to value

Highlights the situational aspect of being able to appreciate.

equipped to understand

Stresses the preparedness or readiness to comprehend.

prepared to acknowledge

Suggests a state of readiness to give recognition or acceptance.

sensitive to

Highlights an awareness of subtle nuances.

discerning of

Implies a refined ability to perceive or detect.

having an eye for

Indicates a natural talent for recognizing quality or value.

adept at recognizing

Emphasizes skill or proficiency in identifying something.

conscious of the merits of

Focuses on being fully aware of the good qualities or advantages.

FAQs

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

Use "able to appreciate" to express someone's capacity to understand or value something. For example, "Only after years of study was he "able to appreciate" the beauty of the mathematical proof."

What can I say instead of "able to appreciate"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of valuing", "able to recognize", or "sensitive to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "able to appreciate of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "able to appreciate" followed directly by the object being appreciated. The preposition "of" is not necessary and grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "able to appreciate" and "likely to appreciate"?

"Able to appreciate" indicates a current capacity or capability, whereas "likely to appreciate" suggests a probability or expectation of developing appreciation in the future.