able to enjoy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to enjoy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's capacity or capability to experience pleasure or satisfaction from something. Example: "After a long day at work, I finally felt able to enjoy a quiet evening at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You might win big and be able to enjoy it".

The New York Times

I've been able to enjoy the American Dream.

Independent

"The little guy should be able to enjoy this too".

The New York Times

Being able to enjoy snow is a modern luxury.

Independent

Everyone should be able to enjoy the festivities again".

Independent

They will be able to enjoy a complete college life".

The New York Times

So it was nice to be able to enjoy it.

The Guardian

He was still able to enjoy ballroom dancing and biking.

The New York Times

"They should be able to enjoy their childhood.

The New York Times

I think I've just been able to enjoy life.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course one should be able to enjoy one's privacy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to enjoy" to emphasize the possibility or capacity to experience something positive. For example, "After the surgery, she was finally able to enjoy her favorite activities again."

Common error

Avoid using "able to enjoy" in situations where active voice would be clearer and more direct. Instead of "The concert was able to be enjoyed by all", use "Everyone was able to enjoy the concert."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to enjoy" functions as an infinitive phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capability or possibility of experiencing something with pleasure. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to enjoy" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the capacity, opportunity, or permission to experience something positive. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in science and formal business communications. While semantically similar phrases like "capable of enjoying" or "in a position to appreciate" exist, "able to enjoy" remains a direct and commonly understood way to express the possibility of pleasure or benefit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of enjoying

Emphasizes inherent capacity or skill.

in a position to appreciate

Highlights the circumstances allowing for enjoyment or understanding.

have the opportunity to relish

Focuses on having a chance to enjoy something deeply.

free to savor

Suggests being unconstrained in one's enjoyment.

permitted to delight in

Implies formal allowance or permission.

entitled to benefit from

Indicates a right or claim to enjoyment.

empowered to experience

Focuses on the enablement or authorization to enjoy.

given the chance to value

Emphasizes the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the worth of something.

at liberty to indulge in

Suggests freedom to enjoy something luxurious or pleasurable.

equipped to treasure

Focuses on being prepared to appreciate and cherish.

FAQs

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

Use "able to enjoy" to describe someone's capacity or opportunity to experience something pleasurable or beneficial. For instance, "Now that he's retired, he's finally able to enjoy his hobbies."

What are some alternatives to "able to enjoy"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of enjoying", "in a position to appreciate", or "have the opportunity to relish" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "being able to enjoy"?

Yes, "being able to enjoy" is grammatically correct. It often functions as a gerund phrase, for example, "Being able to enjoy the small things in life is important for happiness."

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

"Able to enjoy" implies a capacity or capability, while "allowed to enjoy" suggests permission or authorization. For instance, "He is able to enjoy the view because he has good eyesight", versus "He is allowed to enjoy the park after hours because he is a volunteer."