able to respond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to respond" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when describing an entity's ability to respond to a situation or request. For example, "The software was designed to be able to respond quickly to user input."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is able to respond vocally".

The New York Times

"We will be able to respond tomorrow.

The Guardian

"The primary function is to be able to respond early".

The New York Times

We were able to respond in kind with marinated artichoke.

The Guardian - Opinion

He remembered not being able to respond, then crying.

The New York Times - Sports

Then she would be able to respond in the affirmative".

The Guardian

"Republicans can attack and we wouldn't be able to respond.

The New York Times

The students will be able to respond to the story.

Yale University

But Philae doesn't seem to have been able to respond.

Independent

Being responsible means being "able" to "respond" to stimulus.

WikiHow

Will we be able to respond to each crisis?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to respond", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is responding to. For instance, "The system is able to respond to various user requests" provides better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to respond" in overly passive constructions, which can make the writing sound weak. Instead of "A response was able to be made", prefer "The team was able to respond".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to respond" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to react or answer. It specifies a quality or characteristic of the subject, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to respond" is a versatile and frequently used expression in English, indicating the capacity or readiness to react or answer. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. With a neutral tone suitable for news, scientific, and business environments, it effectively conveys the potential for interaction and action. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure clarity and avoid passive constructions. By understanding its nuances, you can leverage this common phrase to express capability and readiness with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of responding

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing inherent ability.

in a position to respond

Highlights the situational readiness to respond.

equipped to respond

Focuses on having the necessary resources or tools to respond.

prepared to answer

Shifts the focus to answering, a specific type of response.

ready to reply

Similar to answering, but emphasizes a direct reply.

in a state to react

Highlights the condition of being ready to react.

competent to answer

Emphasizes the skill and ability to provide an answer.

authorized to respond

Highlights having the permission or authority to respond.

entitled to respond

Focuses on having the right to respond.

permitted to reply

Indicates having the permission to reply

FAQs

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

Use "able to respond" to describe someone or something that has the capacity to react or answer. For instance, "The customer service team is "available to respond" to inquiries 24/7".

What are some alternatives to "able to respond"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of responding", "in a position to respond", or "equipped to respond", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "able to respond" or "capable of responding"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Capable of responding" might emphasize an inherent quality, while "able to respond" focuses more on a current state or situation. Consider the context to determine the best fit.

When should I use "able to respond" instead of just "respond"?

Use "able to respond" when you want to emphasize the capacity or readiness to respond, rather than just the act of responding itself. For example, "The emergency services need to be "ready to respond" quickly to any crisis".