able to contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to contain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the capacity or capability of something to hold or include another element. Example: "The new storage unit is able to contain all of our seasonal decorations without any issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was barely able to contain myself".

The Guardian

We weren't going to be able to contain ourselves.

The New Yorker

How Rinat was able to contain so much staggered me.

The Guardian - Music

She is barely able to contain her delight.

The Guardian

Since we were not able to contain them".

Independent

We were able to contain them somehow and sneak a point out of it".

The New York Times - Sports

Here are the torches!" said Pete, barely able to contain his excitement.

The Guardian - Travel

And no one on the team, particularly the point guards, seems able to contain his man.

The New York Times - Sports

"The government is hoping the unions will be able to contain public anger".

The New York Times

He appeared barely able to contain his disappointment in me or his fears for my future.

The New Yorker

Black counts on being able to contain the advanced passed d pawn after 17 d6.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to contain", ensure the subject performing the action and the object being contained are clearly defined for clarity. For example, "The dam is able to contain the floodwaters effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "able to contain" when a more specific verb would provide greater precision. For example, instead of "The box is able to contain books", consider "The box holds books" if simply holding is the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to contain" functions primarily as a descriptor, indicating the capacity or capability of a subject to hold, manage, or control something. Ludwig provides many examples where it describes physical containment, emotional control or managing abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to contain" is a versatile phrase used to express the capacity or capability to hold, manage, or control something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, supported by numerous examples across varied sources. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, though it also appears in scientific and business writing. While the phrase is generally appropriate, writers should ensure clarity and precision when deploying it, avoiding overgeneralization by considering more specific verbs where appropriate. Consider alternative phrases like "capable of containing" or "equipped to contain" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of containing

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

has the capacity to contain

Focuses on the maximum amount that can be contained.

in a position to contain

Indicates the necessary circumstances are present for containment.

equipped to contain

Highlights the presence of necessary tools or resources for containment.

in a state to contain

Emphasizes the readiness or condition for containing.

prepared to contain

Highlights readiness and anticipation of the need to contain.

competent to contain

Emphasizes the skill or expertise to contain.

empowered to contain

Suggests having the authority or power to contain.

fit to contain

Suggests suitability or appropriateness for containing.

authorized to contain

Implies official permission or sanction to contain.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to contain" to describe something's capacity or capability. For example, "The stadium is "able to contain" 50,000 spectators", or "This hard drive is "able to contain" all your important documents".

What are some alternatives to saying "able to contain"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "capable of holding", "can hold", or "has the capacity to contain".

Is it correct to say "able to contain to"?

No, the correct phrasing is "able to contain". The word "to" should not be repeated after "contain". Using "able to contain to" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "able to contain" and "likely to contain"?

"Able to contain" indicates a capability or capacity, while "likely to contain" suggests a probability. For instance, "The container is "able to contain" liquids" means it has the capacity, whereas "The sample is likely to contain bacteria" means it probably does.