able to imagine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to imagine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity to visualize or conceive of ideas, scenarios, or concepts. Example: "She is able to imagine a world where technology and nature coexist harmoniously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have always been able to imagine being unjustifiably hated".

The New York Times - Books

And you may even be able to imagine eating again.

The New York Times - Food

I knew enough to be able to imagine everything.

The Guardian - Books

We need to be able to imagine that.

The Guardian

Nor will that future mass-mind be able to imagine what we are like.

The New Yorker

I couldn't, but I wanted to be able to imagine it.

The New Yorker

And he's able to imagine much more than the usual dialogue between past and present.

The New York Times

They are able to imagine a West entirely populated by demented, heart-healthy centenarians".

The New York Times - Books

"He is able to imagine doing things that everyone else thinks are impossible.

The Economist

"Free from Chomskyan constraints, I was able to imagine new relationships between grammar and culture".

The New Yorker

By then I won't be able to imagine life without my new digital eyes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to imagine" when you want to emphasize someone's capacity or potential to form a mental image or concept, particularly in situations requiring creativity or problem-solving.

Common error

Avoid using "able to imagine" in situations where a simpler term like "understand" or "believe" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly complex and less natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to imagine" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the capacity or capability of someone or something to form a mental image or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to imagine" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the capacity to visualize or conceive something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. It appears most commonly in news and media, but also has a presence in scientific and general contexts. When writing, consider that simpler alternatives like "understand" may be more appropriate in certain situations. As the usage analysis shows, being attentive to the context allows for more impactful and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of imagining

Emphasizes a general capacity or potential to imagine.

in a position to imagine

Highlights the circumstances that allow for imagining.

equipped to envision

Focuses on having the necessary tools or resources for imagining.

prepared to conceive

Suggests readiness and willingness to form a mental picture.

empowered to visualize

Implies having the authority or ability to create a mental image.

have the capacity to dream

Uses "dream" as a metaphor for imagining, often in a hopeful context.

possess the imagination to

Stresses the inherent imaginative ability of a person.

it is conceivable to

Shifts the focus to the possibility of something being imagined.

see in one's mind's eye

A more poetic and figurative way of expressing imagination.

picture in your mind

This emphasizes a visualization of the scenario.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to imagine" to describe someone's capacity to visualize or conceive of something. For instance, "She is "able to imagine" a future where renewable energy powers the entire world."

What are some alternatives to "able to imagine"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "capable of imagining", "envision", or "conceive".

Is there a difference between "able to imagine" and "capable of imagining"?

While the phrases are similar, "able to imagine" often implies a specific instance or situation, whereas "capable of imagining" suggests a general ability or potential.

When is it better to use "imagine" instead of "able to imagine"?

Using just "imagine" is suitable when you are asking someone to actively engage in visualization. For example, "Imagine a peaceful beach." "Able to imagine" is better when discussing someone's inherent or developed skill to visualize.