able to do

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to do" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It typically means having the ability, skill, or resources to do something. You can use "able to do" in various situations, such as: 1. "I was able to finish my project on time." (meaning: I had the ability/skill to finish it on time) 2. "They were able to afford a luxury vacation." (meaning: They had the resources/money to afford it) 3. "She is able to speak three languages." (meaning: She has the ability/skill to speak three languages) 4. "The doctor was able to save the patient's life." (meaning: The doctor had the skill/ability to save the patient's life) 5. "Despite the challenges, he was able to overcome them." (meaning: He had the ability/strength to overcome the challenges).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were able to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

And I was able to do that.

The New York Times

Parents are not able to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

— was able to do so in reading.

The New York Times

I've been able to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

And I was able to do it.

The New York Times - Sports

How was he able to do that?

Independent

We were able to do that today".

The New York Times

He was able to do that today".

The New York Times - Sports

Will I be able to do this?

Independent

"I was able to do that tonight.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to do" to clearly and directly state someone's capability or the possibility of performing an action.

Common error

Don't use unnecessarily complex phrasing when "able to do" suffices. For example, avoid saying "in a state of being able to do" when you can simply say "able to do".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to do" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate capacity, capability or possibility. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses the ability or capacity to perform an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to do" is a highly versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates the capability or possibility of performing an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it finds frequent application across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While synonyms like "capable of doing" exist, "able to do" provides a direct and clear way to express one's capacity to act. To ensure clarity in writing, it's best to avoid overly complex phrasing when this straightforward term is sufficient. With its neutral register, this phrase remains appropriate for both formal and informal communication, as demonstrated by its presence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and the BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of doing

Focuses on inherent capacity or potential for action.

in a position to do

Highlights the circumstances that allow for action.

equipped to do

Emphasizes having the necessary tools or resources.

prepared to do

Stresses readiness and willingness to act.

competent to do

Indicates having the required skills or knowledge.

empowered to do

Suggests being given the authority or power to act.

fit to do

Implies suitability or appropriateness for the action.

qualified to do

Highlights meeting the necessary standards or criteria.

permitted to do

Focuses on having the authorization or consent to act.

authorized to do

Emphasizes official approval or sanction for the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to do" to express the capacity or possibility of performing an action, such as "I am "able to help"" or "They are "able to finish" the project."

What's a more formal alternative to "able to do"?

A more formal alternative could be "capable of doing", which emphasizes inherent capacity or potential for action. For example, instead of "He is able to lead", you could say "He is "capable of leading"".

Is there a difference between "able to do" and "can do"?

While both phrases express ability, "able to do" often implies a specific circumstance or condition that allows the action, whereas "can do" suggests a general ability or inherent capability. You might say "I am "able to help" now that I'm free" versus "I can help anytime".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "able to do"?

One common mistake is using overly complex phrasing when "able to do" is sufficient. Avoid constructions like "in a state of being able to do" and instead opt for the simpler and more direct "able to do".