able to pass through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to pass through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the capability of something or someone to move or be transmitted through a barrier or medium. Example: "The new design allows the light to be able to pass through the glass without distortion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police, wearing helmets and sheltering behind riot shields, were pushed back against a concrete barrier and an ambulance was able to pass through with its sirens on.

Independent

SteelPath issues ordinary 1099s but is still able to pass through dividends as tax-free returns of capital.

Forbes

"If the water coming does not exceed that, we will be able to pass through this," he said.

The New York Times

JetBlue passengers will be able to pass through it on their way to the new Terminal 5.

The New York Times

Transforming DNA is able to pass through cellular and nuclear membranes and then integrate into the chromosomal DNA of the recipient cell.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Sea Gate, a private community at the western tip of Coney Island, laborers have been able to pass through the security gates without checking in.

The New York Times

Because of the extraordinary flexibility of the body, they are able to pass through openings hardly larger than the diameter of one eye.

Encyclopedia Britannica

FedEx and U.P.S. are among transportation companies that have been able to pass through higher rates to customers, despite an uneven economic recovery.

The New York Times

Higher concentrations produced a black solution which light was not able to pass through it.

Micro and Nano Systems Letters

Polymers or nanoparticles smaller than the slit size may be able to pass through the slit.

Journal of Nanostructure in Chemistry

This occurs since oxygen is able to pass through the water rather than through the material itself [28].

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the properties of materials, use "able to pass through" to clearly indicate permeability or penetrability. For instance, "The filter is able to pass through particles smaller than 5 microns."

Common error

In simple sentences, consider using more direct verbs like "penetrate" or "permeate" instead of the lengthier "able to pass through" for conciseness. For example, instead of "The water is able to pass through the fabric", try "The water permeates the fabric".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to pass through" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the capability of something to be transmitted or moved across a barrier or medium. It describes a property or characteristic related to permeability or penetrability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to pass through" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the capability of something to penetrate or permeate a barrier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts, most commonly in science, news, and encyclopedic content. Its function is primarily descriptive, conveying information about permeability or penetrability. While neutral in register, it finds frequent use in formal and technical writing. Alternatives include "capable of going through" and "permeable by". When using "able to pass through", ensure clarity and conciseness, opting for simpler verbs like "penetrate" when appropriate to avoid unnecessary wordiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of going through

Replaces "able" with "capable" and "pass" with "go", maintaining a similar level of formality.

can traverse

Uses a more concise and formal verb, "traverse", to indicate the act of passing through.

permeable by

Emphasizes the quality of being penetrable by something, often used in scientific contexts.

penetrable by

Similar to "permeable by", highlighting the possibility of something being entered or pierced.

allows transit

Focuses on the action of permitting passage.

permits movement through

More explicitly describes the action of allowing movement.

lets through

A more informal and direct way of expressing the same idea.

allows passage

Highlights the permission or allowance of passing.

can go beyond

Suggests the ability to exceed or surpass a certain limit or boundary.

has access through

Emphasizes the right or opportunity to pass through something.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to pass through" to describe the capability of something to move through a barrier or medium. For instance, "The light is "able to pass through" the transparent material".

What are some alternatives to "able to pass through"?

Alternatives include "capable of going through", "can traverse", or "permeable by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "able to passed through" instead of "able to pass through"?

No, "able to passed through" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""able to pass through"", as "pass" is the base form of the verb following "to".

What does it mean when something is "able to pass through" the blood-brain barrier?

It means that the substance in question has the properties necessary to cross the protective barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain fluid, potentially affecting brain function. Drugs and other molecules that are "able to pass through" this barrier can have significant effects on the central nervous system.