able to pass

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to pass" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has the ability to pass a particular test or exam. For example, "The student was able to pass the entrance exam with flying colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She's able to pass the ball now.

The New York Times - Sports

And they were able to pass the law.

The New Yorker

To be able to pass on a little something.

Independent

Soon they might not be able to pass those resolutions".

The New York Times

"And we haven't been able to pass those costs along".

The New York Times

You should be able to pass it onto your children.

The Guardian

"I was slipstreaming Rubens and was able to pass".

The New York Times - Sports

But he was never able to pass on his greatness.

The New York Times - Sports

He would never be able to pass on to them how he felt about the land.

The New Yorker

Since then he has been able to pass laws almost at will.

The Economist

And by injecting it into living things, they might be able to pass on its powers.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to pass" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is being passed, whether it's a test, a law, or an object. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "able to pass" when the limitation is not ability but opportunity. For example, instead of saying "They were able to pass the bill, but didn't have the votes", clarify it as "They had the ability to pass the bill, but didn't have enough votes" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to pass" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity, skill, or permission to successfully complete or transfer something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to pass" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the capacity, skill, or permission to complete or transfer something successfully. As Ludwig AI validates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business. While synonyms like "capable of passing" and "permitted to pass" exist, the choice depends on whether the emphasis is on inherent ability or granted permission. Writers should ensure clarity in their usage, particularly in distinguishing between ability and opportunity. With a high source quality and expert rating, "able to pass" remains a reliable and effective phrase in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of passing

Replaces "able" with its direct synonym "capable", maintaining identical meaning.

permitted to pass

Emphasizes the allowance or authorization aspect, shifting focus slightly from ability to permission.

allowed to pass

Similar to 'permitted to pass', this alternative uses 'allowed' to highlight permission instead of inherent ability.

in a position to pass

This phrase indicates that circumstances allow for passing, rather than just having the ability.

eligible to pass

Highlights that requirements for passing have been met, adding a condition of eligibility.

qualified to pass

Suggests that someone meets the necessary qualifications or skills to pass.

empowered to pass

Focuses on the authority or power granted to someone to pass something, like a law.

authorized to pass

Similar to 'permitted' and 'allowed', but more formal, emphasizing official authorization.

fit to pass

Indicates suitability or appropriateness for passing, suggesting a degree of readiness.

has the capacity to pass

Highlights the inherent ability or potential to pass, focusing on internal capability.

FAQs

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

The phrase "able to pass" indicates the capacity or permission to successfully complete or transfer something. For example, "She was "able to pass the exam"" or "The company was "able to pass on the costs" to consumers".

What are some alternatives to "able to pass"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "capable of passing", "permitted to pass", or "qualified to pass".

When is it appropriate to use "able to pass" versus "allowed to pass"?

"Able to pass" refers to the inherent capability or skill to do something, while "allowed to pass" indicates permission or authorization. Use "able" when focusing on the capacity and "allowed" when focusing on the permission.

Is there a difference between "able to pass" and "eligible to pass"?

"Able to pass" generally means having the skill or capacity to succeed. "Eligible to pass" means meeting the necessary requirements or conditions to be allowed to succeed.