able to prevent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to prevent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or capacity to stop something from happening. Example: "The new security measures are able to prevent unauthorized access to the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is it able to prevent it?

Independent

Why aren't schools able to prevent this?

The Guardian

I might have been able to prevent this from happening".

The New York Times

Central bankers won't be able to prevent it.

The Guardian - Business

It hasn't been able to prevent all proliferation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though we will not be able to prevent all psychosis, we should be able to prevent some of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We will never be able to prevent such hazards.

Princeton University

Mr. Silver's allies insisted he might be able to prevent a vote on the rules change.

The New York Times

"We are not going to be able to prevent every problem from occurring," he said.

The New York Times

And maybe Lewis will be able to prevent him from throwing that punch.

The New York Times - Sports

Faced with the same conditions, we would not be able to prevent another Rwandan genocide.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to prevent" to clearly indicate a capacity or capability to stop something from happening. Consider stronger verbs like "deter", "hinder", or "preclude" for more forceful prevention.

Common error

Avoid using "able to prevent" when the possibility of prevention is uncertain or only partial. Instead, use qualifiers such as "may prevent" or "potentially able to prevent" to reflect a more realistic assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to prevent" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate capability or capacity. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is frequently used to describe the properties of systems, interventions, or agents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to prevent" is a versatile phrase used to express the capacity to stop something from happening. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and demonstrates its frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While "able to prevent" is generally appropriate, writers should consider stronger verbs or more precise language to suit the specific context. Be aware of the potential for overstatement, and use qualifiers when the possibility of prevention is uncertain. By considering these points, writers can effectively use "able to prevent" to convey capability and potential in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of preventing

Replaces "able" with a synonym, emphasizing the inherent capacity to prevent.

in a position to avert

Uses more formal vocabulary, suggesting a strategic advantage in preventing something.

is built to deter

Focuses on the built-in capacity to deter events.

has the power to stop

Highlights the authority or influence needed to prevent an event.

is designed to block

Focuses on the intention or purpose behind a measure aimed at prevention.

can preclude

A more formal and definitive way of saying prevent, suggesting complete blockage.

in a state to avoid

Highlights the current form as favorable to avoid events.

equipped to hinder

Focuses on the tools or resources available to impede or prevent.

has what it takes to deter

Emphasizes the necessary qualities for discouraging or preventing an action.

is competent to impede

Highlights the adequacy to be an obstacle to the event.

FAQs

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

Use "able to prevent" to describe the capacity to stop something from occurring. For example, "The new security system is "able to prevent" unauthorized access."

What are some alternatives to "able to prevent"?

Alternatives include "capable of preventing", "in a position to avert", or "has the power to stop", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "able to prevent" or "can prevent"?

"Able to prevent" emphasizes the capability, while "can prevent" indicates possibility. Both are correct, but the best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. For example saying "X is "able to prevent" Y" means that X possesses the requirements/abilities/capacities to stop Y. While saying "X can prevent Y" only suggests that X has the potential to stop Y.

What's the difference between "able to prevent" and "preventable"?

"Able to prevent" describes an actor's capacity to stop something, while "preventable" describes whether something can be stopped in general. For example, "The disease is preventable if detected early, and doctors are "able to prevent" serious complications."