able to save

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to save" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capability or capacity to rescue, preserve, or protect something or someone. Example: "The new software is able to save your progress automatically, ensuring you never lose your work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are not able to save.

The New York Times

We were able to save the gorilla.

Independent

She was able to save a third.

The New York Times

I'll be able to save money.

The Guardian

Doctors were able to save her legs.

The New York Times

"I've been able to save some money".

The New York Times

Eventually I'll be able to save.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And forget about being able to save money," she added.

The New York Times

"We never were able to save that much money".

The New York Times

"And we were able to save a day of filming".

The New York Times

If you are able to save, it will.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, use "able to save" to indicate the possibility of accumulating funds, as in, "With the new budget, we are finally able to save for our future".

Common error

Avoid using "able to save" when a stronger verb like "rescue", "preserve", or "protect" more accurately reflects the intended meaning. "Save" can be vague; choose a verb that specifies what is being saved from what threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to save" functions as a verb phrase expressing the capacity or possibility to prevent loss, rescue, or preserve. Ludwig AI's examples show it used in contexts ranging from financial savings to rescuing people and animals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to save" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the capacity or possibility of preventing loss, harm, or waste. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to choose precise synonyms like "rescue", "preserve", or "protect" to avoid vagueness. Common alternatives include "capable of rescuing" and "can conserve".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can conserve

A shorter and more direct synonym, focusing on the ability to maintain something.

capable of rescuing

Replaces "able" with "capable" and "save" with "rescue", emphasizing the act of saving from danger.

have the capacity to protect

Emphasizes the inherent ability ("capacity") and uses "protect" as a broad term for ensuring safety.

in a position to conserve

Uses "in a position to" to denote ability and "conserve" as a more formal synonym for saving, often used regarding resources.

equipped to preserve

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources ("equipped") to maintain something in its original state ("preserve").

empowered to safeguard

Implies being given the authority or power ("empowered") to protect from harm ("safeguard").

in a state to salvage

Focuses on being in the right condition ("in a state") to rescue something damaged or lost ("salvage").

in a condition to retain

Emphasizes the ability to keep or hold onto something in a specific situation.

have what it takes to secure

Uses an idiomatic expression to suggest possessing the necessary qualities to guarantee safety.

fit to redeem

Highlights the suitability or preparedness to recover or set something right.

FAQs

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

Use "able to save" to describe the capacity or possibility of preventing loss or harm. For example, "The new technology was "able to save" the company millions of dollars".

What are some alternatives to "able to save"?

You can use alternatives such as "capable of rescuing", "in a position to conserve", or "can conserve", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "able to save"?

It is appropriate to use "able to save" when you want to indicate the capability or possibility of preventing something from being lost, wasted, or harmed. For instance, "Doctors were "able to save" her legs".

What is the difference between "able to save" and "able to salvage"?

"Able to save" implies preventing loss or harm before it occurs, while "able to salvage" suggests recovering something after it has already been damaged or lost. For example, you might be "able to save" a company from bankruptcy, but "able to salvage" some of its assets after bankruptcy.