able to be modified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to be modified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that can be changed or adjusted, such as software, documents, or plans. Example: "The settings in this application are able to be modified to suit your preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The scientists suggest the technique might be able to be modified to detect other diseases like malaria and bluetongue virus.

Science Magazine

Also, these nanoparticles are able to be modified and present the attached molecules to the surface of the targeted cells [11].

International Nano Letters

In previous work, we created photopolymerizable glycidyl methacrylate-hyaluronic acid (GMHA) hydrogels that had controlled degradation rates, were cytocompatible, and were able to be modified with peptide moieties.

Biomaterials

However, he acknowledged the difficulty of fitting his story into the rest of the Halo universe was far greater for Ghosts of Onyx than the other novels as more of the story had been made public and was no longer able to be modified.

Wikipedia

If β-cell deterioration is able to be modified, this would raise the possibility of altering the clinical course of the disease by targeting the primary defect.

Diabetes Care

The survey processes described here are unchanged since the inception of the survey in 1991 and are not able to be modified at the discretion of individual research teams.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Such cells should preferably be immortalized by a conditional (ie reversible) mechanism (in contrast to currently available lines) and be able to be genetically modified.

Breast Cancer Research

Hence, relay selection indicator is able to be removed, and modified subcarrier pairing indicator can be used for simplicity.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

In the long run, we're gonna be able to modify genes, but that's always a guessing game what the timeline is".

TechCrunch

Even students with cognitive delays may be able to attend modified post-secondary programs if given adequate preparation and encouragement in school.

Huffington Post

If problems arise with your exercise program you need to be able to safely modify it or change it to allow you to keep going.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider using the single-word adjective "modifiable" as a more concise and direct alternative when appropriate. This can improve sentence flow and clarity.

Common error

Avoid excessive passive voice constructions. Instead of "the code is able to be modified by the user", opt for the active voice: "the user can modify the code". This creates a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to be modified" functions as an adjectival phrase, specifically describing a noun's capability of undergoing changes or alterations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to be modified" is a grammatically sound way to describe something that can be changed, though, as Ludwig confirms, it is typically more concise to use the adjective "modifiable". While this phrase appears across various source types, it is most common within scientific literature, as the analysis highlights. When writing, evaluate if you can use the single-word adjective, but "able to be modified" is acceptable and useful when the modification process needs more emphasis or context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modifiable

This is a more concise and direct adjective meaning "able to be modified".

can be modified

This alternative employs a more direct and common verb construction.

capable of being modified

This option is more formal and emphasizes potential.

susceptible to modification

This suggests vulnerability to change.

amenable to alteration

This uses more formal vocabulary, implying a willingness to accept change.

adaptable

This focuses on the ability to adjust to different conditions.

adjustable

This implies the ability to be changed to achieve a better fit or result.

subject to change

This suggests that change is likely or expected.

open to modification

This emphasizes a welcoming attitude towards change.

flexible

This highlights the ability to bend or adapt without breaking.

FAQs

What does "able to be modified" mean?

The phrase "able to be modified" means something has the capacity to be changed, altered, or adjusted in some way. It indicates a degree of flexibility or adaptability.

How can I use "able to be modified" in a sentence?

You can use "able to be modified" to describe objects, systems, or even concepts that can be altered. For instance: "The software settings are "able to be modified" to suit individual user preferences."

What's a more concise alternative to "able to be modified"?

A more concise alternative to "able to be modified" is "modifiable". This single word carries the same meaning with greater efficiency.

When is it better to use "able to be modified" instead of "modifiable"?

While "modifiable" is often preferred for its conciseness, "able to be modified" can be useful when you want to emphasize the process or possibility of modification, or when you need to integrate it more naturally into a specific sentence structure.