able to dissolve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to dissolve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a substance's capability to break down or disintegrate in a solvent. Example: "Salt is able to dissolve in water, creating a saline solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such salty water wouldn't be able to dissolve oxygen.

The New York Times - Science

Furthermore, they are able to dissolve many compounds, and form two-phase systems with many solvents.

Comprehensive Biotechnology

Water also serves as a nearly universal solvent, able to dissolve more substances than any other liquid.

The New York Times - Science

The president would be able to dissolve the parliament, but the chamber could also demand a new presidential election.

The Guardian

Within three years he was able to dissolve the parliament, arrest his enemies, and have himself voted dictatorial powers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was not immediately clear when the foundation would be able to dissolve, given an ongoing investigation in New York.

The Washington Post

Solid dispersion of FITC-BLM in SoyPC prepared was able to dissolve in 16 SNEDDS prototypes (approximately 2200 mU BLM in 1 g SNEDDS).

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Water-soluble and water-dispersible surfactants are able to dissolve the target dose of each drug in the dosage form and efficiently keep it in solution during dispersion.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Unlike conventional organic solvents, ionic liquids possess no vapor pressure, are able to dissolve many compounds, and can be used to form two-phase systems with many solvents.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

Computational results indicated that a rational combination of the anions and cations allows designing ILs able to dissolve with different selectivity lignin and cellulose.

Industrial Crops and Products

We see that motion is able to dissolve and inflame the air; indeed, moving bodies are often actually found to melt.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the properties of a substance, use "able to dissolve" to clearly indicate its capacity to break down in a solvent. Ensure that the context makes it clear what solvent is being referred to, if not explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "able to dissolve" when the substance only partially dissolves or requires specific conditions to dissolve. Instead, specify the degree of solubility or the necessary conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to dissolve" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating the capability or potential of that noun to dissolve in a solvent. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in scientific contexts, such as describing the dissolving properties of materials, aligning with Ludwig AI assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

68%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to dissolve" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that effectively conveys a substance's capacity to dissolve in a solvent. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for a variety of contexts, particularly in scientific and informational writing. When using the phrase, ensure that the specific solvent is either explicitly stated or clear from the surrounding context. Alternatives like "capable of dissolving" or "is soluble in" can also be used to achieve similar meaning, depending on the desired emphasis. With a strong presence in science and news, "able to dissolve" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can dissolve

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same idea.

capable of dissolving

Synonymous alternative, emphasizing capability rather than ability.

is able to be dissolved

Changes the focus to the object being dissolved rather than the dissolving agent.

has the capacity to dissolve

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or potential.

is soluble in

Focuses on the solubility of a substance in a specific solvent.

dissolves readily in

Indicates ease and speed of dissolution.

possesses the property of dissolving

Highlights the characteristic or attribute of dissolving.

demonstrates dissolving capabilities

Focuses on demonstrated ability or performance.

has dissolving power

Emphasizes the strength or effectiveness of the dissolving agent.

exhibits dissolving behavior

Focuses on the observed behavior or process of dissolution.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to dissolve" to describe a substance's capacity to break down in a solvent, as in "Sugar is "able to dissolve" in water."

What's a good alternative for "able to dissolve"?

Alternatives include "capable of dissolving", "can dissolve", or "is soluble in" depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "able to dissolve" or "soluble"?

"Able to dissolve" describes the action or capability, while "soluble" is an adjective describing the state of being able to be dissolved. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

In scientific writing, is "able to dissolve" considered formal enough?

Yes, "able to dissolve" is acceptable in scientific writing. However, for more concise phrasing, "is soluble in" may be preferred.