able to make

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to make" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capability or capacity to create or produce something. Example: "She is able to make a significant impact on the project with her innovative ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They were able to make do.

The New York Times

"She's completely able to make decisions.

The New York Times

They're able to make stops".

The New York Times - Sports

Now he's able to make multiple jumps".

The New York Times - Sports

To be able to make my choices.

The New York Times - Sports

"You wouldn't be able to make movies".

The New York Times - Books

He wasn't able to make an adjustment.

The New York Times

You should be able to make 60.

The New York Times

Being able to make a difference.

The Guardian

I've always been able to make decisions.

The New York Times

"I wasn't able to make it happen.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to make" when you want to clearly state someone's capacity or ability to produce, create, or achieve something. It's straightforward and widely understood.

Common error

Avoid replacing active constructions with passive ones that obscure the actor. Instead of "Mistakes were able to be made", use the direct and clearer, "They were able to make mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to make" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or potential for creation, production, or action. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from decision-making to physical creation. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to make" is a versatile and commonly used expression denoting capability or potential for creation or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. Its frequency in news, scientific literature, and formal communications underscores its broad utility. To enhance clarity, avoid overusing the passive voice and consider alternatives like "capable of creating" or "competent to produce" for nuanced expression. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "able to make" to convey capacity and potential in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of creating

Focuses more on inherent skill or talent in creation.

competent to produce

Highlights the adequacy of skills and resources for production.

qualified to generate

Emphasizes formal training or certification.

in a position to develop

Suggests circumstances allow for advancement or growth.

has the capacity to form

Stresses the potential and resources available for creation.

equipped to construct

Focuses on the tools or preparation needed for building.

empowered to originate

Indicates authority or permission to start something new.

authorized to fabricate

Implies official permission or legal right to manufacture.

prepared to assemble

Highlights readiness and planning for putting elements together.

fit to compose

Underlines the appropriateness or suitability for creating something artistic or complex.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to make" to express capability or possibility. For example, "She is able to make complex decisions quickly", or "The new technology is able to make the process more efficient".

What are some alternatives to "able to make"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "capable of creating", "competent to produce", or "qualified to generate".

Which is correct: "able to make" or "able to do"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different uses. "Able to make" typically refers to creating or producing something, while "able to do" refers to performing an action. For instance, "She is able to make a delicious cake" versus "She is able to do the job well".

Is there a difference between "able to make" and "capable of making"?

While similar, "able to make" generally describes a specific instance of capability, whereas "capable of making" suggests a general or inherent ability. For example, "He is able to make the deadline this week" versus "He is "capable of making" consistently good decisions".