able to discuss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to discuss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating someone's capability or readiness to engage in a conversation or dialogue about a specific topic. Example: "The team is able to discuss the project details during the meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Only then will we be able to discuss political measures".

The New York Times

We are indeed very glad to be able to discuss issues with one another.

The New York Times

She didn't feel able to discuss the issue with anyone, which made borrowing money impossible.

The Guardian

Was Mr. Allen going to be able to discuss the film as we watched it?

The New York Times

I have been here for 10 days and I haven't been able to discuss cotton.

The Guardian

There are aspects of this debate that we wish we were able to discuss more freely.

The Guardian

He's always able to discuss performances in depth, and he's very well read.

The New York Times - Style

Cameron and Ed Miliband will only be able to discuss the CSR in general terms.

The Guardian

And here is another thing we might not be able to discuss.

The Guardian - Opinion

Challenges: "Not being able to discuss research ideas on a day-to-day basis".

The Guardian

Now that Patinkin's mother is 88, the two are able to discuss that period.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to discuss", ensure the context clearly indicates what topics can be discussed. Providing specific subjects enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to discuss" without specifying the subject. For example, instead of saying "We are able to discuss", specify "We are able to discuss the budget proposal."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to discuss" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating the subject's capacity or readiness to engage in dialogue. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is considered grammatically correct. For instance, “They must be able to discuss capital plans with total candor”.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to discuss" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the capacity or opportunity to engage in a conversation or dialogue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a widely accepted and correct construction. Its frequency across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and business documents, underscores its broad applicability. When using the phrase, it's best practice to specify the topic of discussion to enhance clarity. While alternatives like “capable of discussing” or “prepared to discuss” exist, "able to discuss" remains a straightforward and effective choice for expressing the potential for discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of discussing

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to engage in discussion.

in a position to discuss

Highlights the situational readiness or authorization to discuss.

prepared to discuss

Focuses on the readiness and willingness to engage in conversation.

ready to talk about

Uses a more informal term ('talk') replacing 'discuss'.

in a state to converse about

More formal and emphasizes the condition enabling conversation.

have the opportunity to discuss

Highlights the availability of a chance or occasion for discussion.

at liberty to disclose

Focuses on the freedom or permission to reveal information in a discussion.

authorized to communicate about

Stresses the official permission to communicate information.

empowered to debate

Indicates that one has been given power or authorization to argue.

free to exchange ideas on

Emphasizes the openness and lack of restriction in sharing ideas.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to discuss" to indicate the capability or opportunity to talk about a certain topic. For example, "The committee is "able to discuss" the new policy at the next meeting".

What are some alternatives to "able to discuss"?

Alternatives include "capable of discussing", "prepared to discuss", or "in a position to discuss" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "able to discuss"?

Yes, "able to discuss" is grammatically correct. It combines an adjective ("able") with an infinitive verb form ("to discuss").

What's the difference between "able to discuss" and "willing to discuss"?

"Able to discuss" implies the capacity or opportunity, while "willing to discuss" implies a readiness or eagerness. You might be "able to discuss" something but not "willing to discuss" it, and vice versa.