able to distinguish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'able to distinguish' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain that someone has the ability to make a distinction or draw a line between two things. For example: With her keen sense of sight, the eagle was able to distinguish between a rabbit and a squirrel from a great distance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She felt able to distinguish herself.

The New York Times - Style

We want to be able to distinguish between those cases.

Harvard Business Review

I was really able to distinguish between that and me.

The Guardian - Film

"Now we are better able to distinguish ourselves," she said.

The New York Times

It is able to distinguish malignant from benign tumors.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Foreign investors are better able to distinguish among euro members.

The Economist

The team feared the promoter wouldn't be able to distinguish cells in a specific subregion.

MIT Technology Review

I could not see colour, only being able to distinguish light objects from dark ones.

The New Yorker

Eight-month-old infants are able to distinguish the facial expressions of one language from another.

The Guardian - Opinion

And in that case, it's hard to see how it would be able to distinguish itself.

MIT Technology Review

The satellite will be able to distinguish objects that measure 0.17 square meters.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to distinguish", ensure the objects or concepts being distinguished are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using "able to distinguish" in overly complex sentences where a simpler verb like "differentiate" or "discern" would improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to distinguish" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to differentiate between two or more entities or concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to distinguish" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the capacity to differentiate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications. While alternatives like "capable of discerning" or "can differentiate" exist, the core meaning remains consistent. Remember to clearly define what is being distinguished to avoid ambiguity and consider simpler verbs for improved clarity in complex sentences. The phrase is very common and used across many sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can differentiate

A more concise alternative, removing "able to" for brevity.

able to differentiate between

Specifically indicates distinguishing between two or more items.

capable of discerning

Replaces "able to" with "capable of", emphasizing the inherent capacity for distinction.

in a position to distinguish

Highlights the favorable circumstances enabling distinction.

equipped to differentiate

Highlights the readiness and tools available for making distinctions.

competent to discern

Stresses the skill and expertise in making accurate distinctions.

has the capability to discern

Focuses on the potential and inherent capacity for distinction.

in a position to discriminate

Indicates having the necessary standing or authority to make a distinction.

prepared to differentiate

Indicates readiness and willingness to make distinctions.

has the faculty to differentiate

Emphasizes the innate ability or inherent power to distinguish.

FAQs

How to use "able to distinguish" in a sentence?

You can use "able to distinguish" to indicate the capacity to differentiate between two or more things. For example, "The software is "able to distinguish" between valid and invalid data entries."

What can I say instead of "able to distinguish"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of discerning", "can differentiate", or "equipped to differentiate" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "able to distinguish" and "capable of distinguishing"?

"Able to distinguish" generally implies a present ability, while "capable of distinguishing" suggests a potential or inherent capacity. While largely interchangeable, "capable" emphasizes inherent potential.

Is it always necessary to follow "able to distinguish" with "between"?

While "able to distinguish between" is common, it's not always necessary. If the context makes it clear what is being distinguished, "able to distinguish" can stand alone. For instance, "The radar system is "able to distinguish" objects of that size."