Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

able to distribute

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to distribute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's capability or capacity to share or allocate something, such as resources or information. Example: "The new software is able to distribute updates automatically to all users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We will be able to distribute wireless music within months".

News & Media

The New York Times

Nor should they be able to distribute them over the Internet.This is only the first step.

News & Media

The Economist

Does this means that Picard will finally be able to distribute the Picower billions?

News & Media

The New York Times

He noted he was able to distribute the magazine anyway, thanks to Taiwan's independent-minded distributors.

News & Media

The New York Times

We will be able to distribute across any fiber to anywhere in the world.

News & Media

The New York Times

Note: We are not able to distribute electronic copies of these publications.

Mr. Picard estimates he has recovered $9.1 billion, but has been able to distribute only $1.1 billion.

News & Media

The New York Times

Moreover, we were able to distribute the cross curvature with log-aesthetic variation along the isoparametric curves.

In eight days, UNRWA was only able to distribute 138 parcels of food each weighing 30 kilo and miserably inadequate given the number of people to be fed.

News & Media

Independent

To be able to distribute its products to Canadian athletes, the company secured independent certification that its ingredients were compliant with World Anti-Doping Agency rules.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

@57- Epon.. yeah, but would those devs then be able to *distribute* that code downstream?

News & Media

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to distribute" when emphasizing the capacity or capability to allocate resources, information, or tasks. For instance, "The company is now "able to distribute" its products globally thanks to the new logistics network."

Common error

Avoid using "able to" excessively with other modal verbs. Instead of saying "will be able to distribute", consider a more concise phrasing like "will distribute". Overuse of modals can make your writing sound cumbersome.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to distribute" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to perform the action of distributing. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, clarifying who or what possesses this ability, as stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to distribute" is a versatile phrase used to denote the capacity or capability to share or allocate something. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While highly prevalent, it's important to avoid redundancy with other modal verbs and to use it precisely when emphasizing the availability of resources or permission for distribution. Consider alternatives like "capable of distributing" or "authorized to distribute" for nuanced meanings or formal tones.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "capable of distributing", "authorized to distribute", or "empowered to distribute", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "able to distribute" and "allowed to distribute"?

"Able to distribute" implies capability or capacity, while "allowed to distribute" suggests permission or authorization. The former focuses on having the means, the latter on having the right.

Is "able to distribute" interchangeable with "can distribute"?

In many cases, yes. However, "able to distribute" often emphasizes the process or system that makes distribution possible, whereas "can distribute" is a more general statement of ability.

When should I use "able to distribute" instead of a simpler verb like "distribute"?

Use "able to distribute" when you want to highlight the capacity or the means by which something is distributed, especially if it's a new capability or a result of specific actions. If the ability is already implied, "distribute" may suffice.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: