able to perceive

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to perceive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has the ability to perceive something or take something in. For example, "He was able to perceive the beauty of the sunset before him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They retain a capacity to be able to perceive light".

The Guardian

"You have to be able to perceive the quality of the ice itself," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Being able to perceive the true nature of everything instantly is actually awful," he told the psychiatrist.

The New Yorker

By analyzing the way the light bends around Proxima Centauri, scientists will be able to perceive whatever planets are nearby.

The New Yorker

Throughout his career, he was able to perceive subtle connections that others might not even have thought to look for.

The New York Times

The patient should be able to perceive, though not necessarily identify, the odour if the olfactory nerve is functioning correctly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perhaps because their lives were so complicated and roles so divided, they were more able to perceive, and be at home with, ambiguity.

The Guardian - Books

Because this state of liquefied, complex concentration, however faintly and dimly I'm able to perceive it, is the greatest pleasure I know.

The Guardian - Books

The communion between father and son is one of sound — the medium through which Termite is able to perceive the world around him.

The New York Times - Books

Leaving aside the chauvinistic rudeness, by recording what is happening in media elsewhere we are better able to perceive what the Herald rightly calls "a worldwide phenomenon".

The Guardian

But you have to be able to perceive clearly that this moment in time does not define your career, does not define you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to perceive" when you want to emphasize the capacity or capability of someone or something to sense or understand something, whether through the senses or through intuition. It's particularly useful when contrasting this ability with a previous inability or a lack thereof in others.

Common error

Avoid using "able to perceive" in contexts where simpler verbs like "see", "hear", or "feel" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted in everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to perceive" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to sense, understand, or become aware of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation where someone has the ability to perceive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to perceive" is a versatile phrase that signifies the capacity to sense, understand, or become aware of something. Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically sound and appropriate for use across numerous contexts. It's particularly common in scientific and news-related domains, implying a formal and considered tone. While interchangeable with simpler verbs like "see" or "hear" in some instances, "able to perceive" often suggests a deeper, more nuanced understanding. By understanding the phrase's connotations and context-specific appropriateness, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning while avoiding unnecessary formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of perceiving

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing the inherent ability or potential to perceive.

has the ability to perceive

Explicitly states that the subject possesses the capacity to perceive something.

in a position to perceive

Focuses on the circumstances that allow perception, rather than the inherent ability.

is capable of discerning

Combines capability with the act of discerning, highlighting both the potential and the process.

can discern

Uses "discern" to emphasize the act of distinguishing or recognizing something, implying a level of clarity in perception.

equipped to perceive

Focuses on the resources or qualities that prepare someone to perceive.

able to recognize

Shifts the focus to identifying or acknowledging something, rather than simply sensing it.

in a state to perceive

Emphasizes the condition or situation that enables perception.

can sense

Uses "sense" to highlight the sensory aspect of perception, focusing on feeling or detecting something.

has the capacity to understand

Substitutes "perceive" with "understand", indicating a cognitive grasp of something rather than purely sensory perception.

FAQs

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

Use "able to perceive" to indicate someone's capacity to sense or understand something. For example, "Scientists are now "able to perceive" gravitational waves thanks to advanced technology".

What are some alternatives to "able to perceive"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "capable of perceiving", "able to sense", or "able to discern".

Is it more formal to say "able to perceive" than "able to see"?

Yes, "able to perceive" is generally more formal and implies a deeper or more nuanced understanding than simply "able to see". Use "able to perceive" when describing abstract concepts or subtle differences.

When is it appropriate to use "able to perceive" instead of "can understand"?

"Able to perceive" is most appropriate when discussing sensory input or intuitive understanding, while "can understand" is better suited for intellectual comprehension. However in certain scenarios the two phrases may be used interchangeably.