able to continue to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to continue to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or capability to persist in an action or state. Example: "The team is able to continue to work on the project despite the challenges they face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must be able to continue to do so serenely.

The New York Times

They are able to continue to build their own lives.

The Guardian

Otherwise we won't be able to continue to build Europe.

The Guardian

Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM.

Independent

"We're optimistic as he continues to develop he'll be able to continue to handle his assignments".

The New York Times - Sports

This has meant that Japan has been able to continue to hunt whales in the Pacific.

Independent

"My expectation is that consumers are able to continue to increase spending, but only moderately".

The New York Times

But instead I was abandoned by nobody, so we were able to continue to function".

The New Yorker

"I'm glad I will be able to continue to be a writer, thanks to this".

The New York Times

We will be able to continue to evolve with innovation, new content and new thinking".

The New York Times

With treatment, patients are able to continue to work and support their families.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to continue to" to clearly express the capacity or permission to proceed with an action or activity. For instance, "The project team is "able to continue to" develop the software after securing additional funding."

Common error

Avoid using "able to continue to" when a simpler verb like "continue" or "proceed" suffices. For example, instead of "They are "able to continue to" work", simply use "They can continue working."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to continue to" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing the capacity, capability, or permission to persist in an action or state. It combines the ability aspect with the notion of ongoing activity, indicating that something is not only possible but also sustained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to continue to" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that conveys the capacity or permission to sustain an action or state. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, science, and formal business contexts. When writing, be mindful of avoiding redundancy and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for diverse audiences, and is supported by authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of continuing

Emphasizes inherent ability or capacity to persist.

prepared to keep going

Stresses the readiness and willingness to continue.

in a position to proceed

Highlights the readiness and suitable circumstances for continuation.

in a state to persevere

Emphasizes the current condition allows endurance and continuation.

empowered to carry on

Focuses on the enablement or authorization to persist.

poised to pursue further

Highlights a state of readiness and intention to continue pursuing something.

allowed to proceed onward

Indicates permission or authorization to keep going.

authorized to move forward

Indicates official approval or permission to advance.

fit to maintain progress

Highlights the suitability and condition to sustain advancement.

equipped to sustain action

Focuses on having the necessary resources or tools to keep acting.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "able to continue to" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "capable of continuing", "in a position to proceed", or "authorized to move forward". Each option offers a slightly different nuance while maintaining a professional register. For instance, "capable of continuing" emphasizes an inherent ability, while "authorized to move forward" implies official permission.

What verbs commonly follow "able to continue to"?

Common verbs that follow "able to continue to" include "work", "operate", "support", "develop", and "provide". These verbs often describe ongoing actions or processes that can be sustained. For example, "The system is "able to continue to" operate efficiently".

When is it better to use "can continue to" instead of "able to continue to"?

"Can continue to" is generally more concise and suitable for informal contexts. "Able to continue to" may be preferred when you want to emphasize capability or permission, particularly in formal writing or when highlighting a specific condition that allows continuation. For example, "can continue to" is more direct but "able to continue to" emphasizes capacity.

What's the difference between "able to continue to" and alternatives such as "allowed to proceed"?

"Able to continue to" typically indicates capacity or capability, whereas "allowed to proceed" implies permission. While both suggest continuation, the nuance lies in whether the emphasis is on ability versus authorization. For example, you might be "able to continue to" study if you have the resources, but you're "allowed to proceed" only if the instructor grants permission.