able to attain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to attain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capability to achieve or reach a certain goal or objective. Example: "With hard work and dedication, she is able to attain her career aspirations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Young people are not able to attain what they should be able to attain.

The Guardian

And so many of us have quests that we are never able to attain".

The New York Times

Interestingly, a proportion of patients were able to attain dialysis-independence after transplantation24.

Nature

This way, we were able to attain an agreement on intermediate-range missiles as well...

The New York Times

Well-defined goals guide results that you are able to attain through gradual behavior change.

Columbia University

Furthermore we are able to attain a space complexity of Θ(1).

Information Processing & Management

Many moved to the US with their parents when they were children and were never able to attain legal status.

Independent

"It is a matter of months before the Iranians will be able to attain military nuclear capability.

The New York Times - Magazine

This showed that the new electrode is able to attain the desired position with minimal damage to the intracochlear structures.

International Congress Series

But we won't be able to attain that without real political reforms, which must increase popular participation in the decision-making".

The New Yorker

Marshall had been accused, among other things, of defending inclusivism, the doctrine that non-Christians might be able to attain salvation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to attain" when you want to emphasize the capability or possibility of reaching a specific goal or objective. Ensure the context clearly defines what is being attained.

Common error

While "attain" is a valid word, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "achieve" or "get" in informal settings for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to attain" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or possibility of achieving a specific outcome. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show its use in varied contexts, from personal achievements to broader societal goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to attain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes the capacity to achieve a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts. While it appears most often in news and media, as well as scientific publications, its use can range from neutral to formal depending on the situation. For informal conversations, simpler alternatives like "achieve" or "get" may be more suitable, but "able to attain" is appropriate when emphasizing the feasibility or potential of reaching a desired outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of achieving

Replaces "able to" with "capable of", offering a more formal tone.

can accomplish

A more concise way of expressing the ability to complete something.

in a position to achieve

Emphasizes the circumstances that allow attainment.

eligible to obtain

Suggests that someone meets the requirements to get something.

equipped to reach

Highlights the preparedness or resources needed for attainment.

have the ability to gain

Focuses on the inherent ability to acquire something.

empowered to acquire

Emphasizes the authority or power to obtain something.

in a state to secure

Highlights the current status enabling one to secure something.

prepared to realize

Focuses on readiness and expectation of achievement.

have what it takes to fulfill

Highlights the necessary qualities for fulfilling something.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to attain" to describe someone's capacity to achieve a particular goal. For example: "With dedication, students are "able to attain" high grades."

What are some alternatives to "able to attain"?

Some alternatives include "capable of achieving", "able to achieve", or "in a position to achieve", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "able to achieve" or "able to attain"?

Both phrases are correct, but "attain" often implies a higher level of effort or a more significant accomplishment than "achieve". Choose the word that best fits the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "able to attain" and "eligible to obtain"?

"Able to attain" refers to the capability of achieving something, while "eligible to obtain" suggests that someone meets specific requirements to receive something. For example, one might be "able to attain" a certain skill through practice, but only "eligible to obtain" a license after passing an exam.