able to find it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to find it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing someone's capability to locate something, whether it's a physical object or information. Example: "After searching for hours, I was finally able to find it in the last place I looked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And you're able to find it.

Cornell University

I haven't been able to find it.

Columbia University

People haven't been able to find it.

The Guardian

I've never been able to find it.

The New York Times

You'll be able to find it here.

The Guardian - Tech

Would she be able to find it again?

The New Yorker

SAUCKEL: Unfortunately, I am not able to find it.

Yale University

Would the duckling be able to find it?

The New York Times

Don't expect any taxis to be able to find it.

The New York Times - Travel

He would never be able to find it again.

The New Yorker

"You won't be able to find it," Lin told me when I phoned her from Sydney.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to find it" when you want to express a capability or possibility of locating something, either physically or conceptually. For instance, "With the new software, users will be able to find it easily."

Common error

Avoid using "able to find it" in overly passive constructions. For example, instead of saying "It is able to be found by anyone", use "Anyone can find it". This makes the sentence more direct and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to find it" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating capability or possibility. Ludwig AI data supports this function, showing its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to find it" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to denote the capability or possibility of locating something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across varied contexts, primarily within News & Media and Academia. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to avoid overuse in passive constructions for clearer and more direct communication. Alternatives like "capable of finding it" can be used for variety. Ultimately, mastering the nuances of "able to find it" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of finding it

Replaces "able" with its synonym "capable", maintaining the core meaning.

have the ability to locate it

Emphasizes the inherent ability to find something, rather than just the state of being able.

in a position to locate it

Uses a more formal and extended structure to express the ability to find something.

manage to discover it

Implies effort and perhaps some difficulty in finding something.

successful in locating it

Shifts the focus to the success of finding something, implying a completed action.

competent to track it down

Highlights the competence and persistence required to find something.

find it without difficulty

Focuses on the ease with which something can be found.

prepared to recover it

Suggests a recovery aspect, implying that something was lost or hidden.

be in a situation to identify it

Uses "identify" instead of "find", implying a recognition aspect.

have the capacity to unearth it

Employs "unearth", suggesting a more thorough and possibly investigative search.

FAQs

How can I use "able to find it" in a sentence?

You can use "able to find it" to indicate the capacity or possibility of locating something. For example, "With this map, you should be able to find it easily".

What are some alternatives to "able to find it"?

Alternatives include "capable of finding it", "in a position to locate it", or "manage to discover it", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "able to found it" instead of "able to find it"?

No, "able to found it" is incorrect. "Found" means to establish or create something, while "find" means to locate something that already exists. Thus, the correct phrase is "able to find it".

What's the difference between "able to find it" and "going to find it"?

"Able to find it" expresses the capacity or potential to locate something. "Going to find it" expresses a future intention or prediction of locating something. For example, "I am able to find it" implies I have the skills, while "I am going to find it" suggests my future action.