able to locate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to locate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capability or skill in finding something or someone. Example: "She is able to locate the missing files quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was able to locate only the Big Dipper.

The New Yorker

But no one was able to locate the family.

The Washington Post

"Tonight, I was able to locate everything," Gee said.

The New York Times - Sports

Anyone know people in Beirut able to locate him?

Independent

"Only thing I was able to locate was my curveball".

The New York Times - Sports

The data was "the most current information we have been able to locate," he wrote.

The New York Times

Indeed, a viewer might linger over Norfolk's work before being able to locate the candidate.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Hayes will doubtless be able to locate a few mean bones in his body.

The New York Times

In the case of Dennis Cook, it did involve a precedent we were able to locate".

The New York Times - Sports

"We heard it might be in Florida, but we haven't been able to locate any place.

The New York Times

They were patient and I wasn't able to locate real well".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to locate" when you want to emphasize someone's capacity or skill in finding something or someone, rather than just the act of finding itself.

Common error

Avoid using "able to locate" in passive constructions where the actor is obscured. Instead of "The error was able to be located", prefer the active voice: "The technician was able to locate the error."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to locate" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the capacity or capability of a subject to find or identify something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to locate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies the capacity or skill to find something. As Ludwig AI points out, it's appropriate for emphasizing capability in various contexts. While alternatives like "capable of finding" or "managed to pinpoint" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. To avoid common errors, especially overuse of passive voice, opt for active constructions. The phrase's frequency across News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts underscores its versatility, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of finding

Focuses on capability rather than the action of locating.

in a position to find

Highlights the situation or condition that allows finding.

have the ability to discover

Emphasizes the skill and potential for uncovering something.

successful in finding

Highlights the success of finding something specific

managed to pinpoint

Implies a precise and accurate location.

succeeded in tracking down

Implies an effort and ultimate success in finding

equipped to identify

Highlights the resources that make locating feasible.

have the means to detect

Focuses on detecting using appropriate resources

in a state to uncover

Highlights the situational readiness to uncover

possess the resources to discover

Focuses on possessing enough resources to discover

FAQs

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

Use "able to locate" to indicate someone's capacity or success in finding something. For example, "The detective was "able to locate" the missing witness".

What are some alternatives to "able to locate"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of finding", "managed to pinpoint", or "succeeded in tracking down" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "able to locate" or "could locate"?

"Able to locate" emphasizes the capability or skill, while "could locate" suggests possibility or past ability. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning. For instance, "She was "able to locate" the source of the problem" highlights her skill, whereas "She could locate it if she tried" suggests possibility.

What is the difference between "able to locate" and "available to locate"?

"Able to locate" signifies the capability of someone or something to find something. "Available to locate" implies that something or someone is accessible for finding or locating purposes. For example, the item could be "available to locate" in the database, but you are not "able to locate" it because you don't have sufficient credentials.