able to generate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to generate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's or something's capability to produce or create something. Example: "The new software is able to generate detailed reports in a matter of seconds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Query generation: Server should not be able to generate a coded query.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

"It's the amount of force he's able to generate.

The New York Times - Sports

"Now, they may be able to generate the ability.

The New York Times

I didn't raise enough to be able to generate reserves.

Independent

We're going to be able to generate positive financial returns, even if the markets don't improve".

The New York Times

Then, finally, in 1965, it was able to generate the temperatures necessary for steel.

The New Yorker

"I found out that colour is able to generate electricity," van Aubel said.

The Guardian - Business

As it is, he staggers on hoping he will be able to generate form in time.

The Guardian - Sport

"He knows that Bill and I are able to generate a lot of excitement".

The New York Times

The power Del Potro is able to generate on his forehand side is breathtaking.

The Guardian - Sport

But the Rangers were not able to generate any more offense.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to generate" when you want to emphasize the capability or potential of something to produce or create a specific outcome. For stronger impact, ensure the subject performing the generating and the object being generated are clearly defined.

Common error

Avoid using "able to generate" in excessively passive constructions. Instead of saying "Reports are able to be generated by the system", opt for the more direct "The system is able to generate reports".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to generate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's capacity or capability to produce or create something. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing various entities, from software generating reports to systems producing electricity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to generate" is a versatile and grammatically sound construct used to express the capacity or capability of something to produce a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for diverse contexts and registers, making it a reliable choice for both formal and informal communication. The phrase is "able to generate" significant insights across scientific, news-related, and business contexts, while alternative phrases like "capable of generating" and "in a position to generate" provide nuanced options for expressing similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of generating

Replaces "able" with its direct synonym "capable", maintaining the same meaning and grammatical structure.

in a position to generate

Shifts the focus to the circumstances that allow generation, implying readiness or preparedness.

in a state to produce

Indicates a condition or situation that enables the act of generation.

has the capacity to generate

Emphasizes inherent potential or maximum output, rather than current ability.

has what it takes to generate

Idiomatic expression emphasizing that something possesses all the necessary qualities for generation.

equipped to generate

Suggests possession of the necessary tools or resources for generation.

can yield

Uses "yield" as a synonym for "generate", implying a result or output.

empowered to generate

Highlights that authority or permission has been granted to produce something.

may create

Replaces "able" with "may" focusing on the possibility of creation.

is producing

Shifts the focus from potential to current action, using the present continuous tense.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to generate" to describe the capability of something to produce a specific outcome, for example: "The solar panels are "able to generate" enough electricity to power the entire house."

What are some alternatives to "able to generate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capable of generating", "can produce", or "has the ability to create" instead of "able to generate".

Is it correct to say "ability to generate" or "able to generate"?

"Ability to generate" is a noun phrase referring to the general capacity, while "able to generate" is an adjective phrase describing a specific capability. For instance, "The company's "ability to generate" revenue is crucial for its survival", versus "The new marketing campaign is "able to generate" significant leads".

What's the difference between "able to generate" and "likely to generate"?

"Able to generate" indicates a present capability or potential, whereas "likely to generate" implies a probability or expectation. One focuses on the capacity, the other one on the chance. For example: "This tool is "able to generate" 100 reports per day", versus "This marketing campaign is "likely to generate" more clients".