able to respire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to respire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the ability of organisms to breathe or exchange gases. Example: "All living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals, are able to respire in order to sustain life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The hypothesis, that DIRB may be able to respire structural Fe III) in ferruginous clays, then prompted recent studies on interactions between DIRB and ferruginous clay minerals.

Geochemical Transactions

One strain (FRB1) isolated from the FR belongs to the genus Clostridium which is able to respire both electron acceptors, Fe III) and As V) (see Additional File 1).

Geochemical Transactions

Aerobic bacteria are able to respire carbohydrates, but one-third of the starting energy is not utilized by the cell and is lost in the form of heat; the remaining energy is conserved biochemically.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing

The tests conducted in the selective medium for dissimilatory arsenic-reducing bacteria (DARB) described by Kuai et al. [35] clearly show that at least one strain within the FR community was able to respire As V).

Geochemical Transactions

Most species of Hydrophiinae are able to respire through the top of their skin.

Wikipedia

The isolate was able to respire with (per chlorate, nitrate, and CO2.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Development of industrial fermentation processes based on such an approach requires, amongst other steps, the identification of yeast strains which are able to grow and respire under the relatively harsh conditions found in grape must.

International Journal of Food Microbiology

Budding yeast cells are petite positive, i.e. able to survive without the wild-type mtDNA (so called rho+ mitochondrial genome) and the ability to respire.

FEMS Microbiology Reviews

With the help of the integrated three-electrode setup, the working electrode potential of the microfluidic M3C was able to be accurately controlled and thus a well-defined electrochemical environment was provided to Geobacter sulfurreducens to respire on the electrode.

Electrochimica Acta

Mangrove roots are also able to absorb water from anaerobic soils and in order to maintain the absorbed water the plants need to respire easily which is enabled by their pneumatophores or aerial roots [ 2].

BioMed Research International

Plants and animals use oxygen to respire and return it to the air and water as carbon dioxide (CO2).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about organisms or biological processes, consider the context. Use "able to respire" when emphasizing the specific physiological ability to exchange gases, especially in scientific or technical contexts. For general audiences, "able to breathe" might be more easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "able to respire" in contexts where simpler language like "able to breathe" would suffice. Overly technical language can alienate readers and obscure your message. Use simpler alternatives when the level of formality is not necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to respire" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the capacity or ability to perform the biological process of respiration. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples in scientific contexts. It acts as a descriptor of an organism's capability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Wiki

12.5%

News & Media

12.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to respire" is a grammatically correct and scientifically relevant term indicating the capacity for gas exchange. Ludwig's AI analysis and the examples show it's commonly found in scientific contexts, with occasional appearances in news and wiki sources. Although the term is accurate, it's more formal than alternatives like "able to breathe", making it best suited for technical or scientific writing. As Ludwig confirms, understanding its specific usage ensures clarity and precision in your writing, avoiding potential jargon where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of breathing

Changes the wording from "able to" to "capable of", which is a direct synonym. "Respire" becomes "breathing" for a more common term.

can breathe

Uses the modal verb "can" for ability, replacing "able to". It uses the more common verb "breathe".

has the capacity to breathe

Replaces "able" with "has the capacity", emphasizing potential rather than current ability. It uses the more common verb "breathe".

able to ventilate

Replaces "respire" with "ventilate", focusing on the mechanical aspect of breathing.

capable of gas exchange

Shifts the focus to the process of "gas exchange", rather than the act of breathing itself. Replaces "able to" with "capable of".

can oxygenate

Focuses on the oxygenation aspect of respiration, implying the ability to take in and process oxygen.

able to metabolize aerobically

Specifically refers to aerobic metabolism, a type of respiration that requires oxygen.

able to sustain aerobic metabolism

Similar to "able to metabolize aerobically" but places emphasis on sustaining the process over time.

capable of cellular respiration

Specifies the biological process more technically, focusing on respiration at a cellular level. Replaces "able to" with "capable of".

able to undergo respiration

Focuses on the ability to initiate and experience the process of respiration. Replaces verb form of "respire" with noun form.

FAQs

What is the difference between "able to breathe" and "able to respire"?

"Able to breathe" is a more common and general term for the process of taking in and expelling air. "Able to respire" is a more technical term that refers specifically to the physiological process of gas exchange at a cellular level.

Is "able to respire" formal or informal?

The phrase "able to respire" is generally considered more formal and is often used in scientific or medical contexts. In everyday conversation, "able to breathe" is more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "able to respire"?

Synonyms for "able to respire" include "capable of breathing", "can breathe", "has the capacity to breathe", and "able to ventilate".

When is it appropriate to use "able to respire" in writing?

Use "able to respire" when discussing the specific physiological processes of gas exchange in scientific or technical writing. In more general writing, "able to breathe" is typically sufficient.