able to be counted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to be counted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing items or quantities that can be quantified or enumerated. Example: "The number of participants in the study was able to be counted accurately, ensuring reliable results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But you can't keep having them, because you gotta be reliable and you gotta be able to be counted on.

The Guardian - Sport

As tire experts, we know very well that there are very few companies in the world — if not certainly able to be counted on one hand — that would be able to make tires for this.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet companies likely gave much more than was able to be counted.

Huffington Post

Conversely, there are likely benefits not yet able to be counted because of a lack of quantified evidence.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Finding that special person who is able to be counted upon during problematic times is like finding a diamond on the beach.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He would, finally, be able to stand up and be counted.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think the relationship you have with yourself is everywhere, every moment of the day — to be able to be alone, to be able to think, to be able to count on yourself, to be able to console yourself, to be able to inspire yourself, to be able to give yourself advice.

The New York Times

Ideally, each voter should be able to verify that his vote was counted.

The New York Times - Science

But we won't always be able to count on being the best house in a bad neighborhood.

Huffington Post

"In a very uncertain world, the one thing everyone has been able to count on is that the U.S. government will pay its bills on time".

The New York Times

Moreover, we are able to count the number of eigenvalues in each cluster.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for brevity, consider using the single-word alternatives "countable" or "quantifiable" instead of the longer phrase "able to be counted".

Common error

Avoid using "able to be counted" in very informal situations where simpler language would suffice. It can sound overly formal or stilted when a more casual word like "countable" would do.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to be counted" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun and indicating its capability of being enumerated or quantified. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to be counted" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates something can be enumerated or quantified. Ludwig AI underscores this point. While predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, it's important to consider single-word alternatives like "countable" for brevity. Remember that while the phrase is appropriate for formal settings, it can be replaced by shorter words like "countable" without sacrificing clarity. Be mindful of the context to choose the most effective phrasing, avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

countable

Single word replacement, simpler and more direct.

quantifiable

Emphasizes the ability to express something numerically.

capable of being enumerated

Formal and emphasizes the action of counting.

fit to be tallied

Highlights the act of summing up or recording.

in a condition to be reckoned

More figurative, suggesting importance in calculation.

susceptible to being calculated

Focuses on the possibility of a mathematical operation.

able to be assessed numerically

Highlights a numerical evaluation or estimation.

in a state for enumeration

Focuses on the state or readiness for counting.

amenable to quantification

Formal and highlights the process of expressing something in quantity.

subject to being totaled

Emphasizes that the number of something can be summed.

FAQs

What does "able to be counted" mean?

The phrase "able to be counted" means that something is in a condition or state where it can be enumerated or quantified. It implies that the items or quantities are distinct and identifiable enough to be included in a count.

When is it appropriate to use "able to be counted" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "able to be counted" in contexts where you want to emphasize the possibility or ability to enumerate something, often in more formal or technical settings. For simpler contexts, consider using "countable" or "quantifiable".

What are some alternatives to "able to be counted"?

Some alternatives include "countable", "quantifiable", capable of being enumerated, and susceptible to being calculated. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "able to be counted" and "can be counted"?

While both phrases convey the idea that something can be enumerated, "able to be counted" often suggests a more inherent or intrinsic property. "Can be counted" is more general and describes a possibility that might depend on external factors.