able to shape

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to shape" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity or capability to influence or mold something, whether it's ideas, opinions, or physical objects. Example: "The artist is able to shape the clay into beautiful sculptures that capture the essence of nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"And I was able to shape the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm able to shape the ball better with better trajectory control.

The Guardian - Sport

Yet an Otello must also be able to shape Verdi's phrases with lyrical elegance.

The New York Times - Arts

"We are less safe and less able to shape events abroad.

The New York Times

Are actors able to shape the performance and the content more in video games nowadays?

The Guardian - Tech

Miró was the first major European artist whose American career Matisse was able to shape.

The New York Times - Arts

Being able to shape one's own public (and private) image is the beginning of empowerment.

The New York Times - Arts

He wanted miners to be able to shape their own destinies.

The Guardian

Employers and students will also be able to shape the courses to ensure they are relevant.

The Guardian

His is essentially a lyric tenor, able to shape Puccini's phrases with tenderness and lovely colorings.

The New York Times - Arts

Skype allowed the teachers to connect, and they were able to shape their lesson plans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to shape", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of influence or control being exerted. For instance, "able to shape opinions" suggests a different level of impact than "able to shape policy".

Common error

Avoid using "able to shape" when the actual influence is minimal or indirect. Overstating someone's ability to shape events can lead to inaccurate or misleading portrayals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to shape" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive verb, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the capacity or potential to influence or mold something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to shape" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that indicates the capability to influence or mold something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, writers should consider the specific context and avoid overstating the degree of influence. Alternatives such as "capable of influencing" or "in a position to mold" can be used depending on the intended nuance. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the phrase's usage, grammatical function, and potential applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to mold

A shorter and simpler way to say "able to shape".

capable of molding

Suggests the person is qualified or possesses the required skill.

capable of influencing

Emphasizes the potential to have an effect on something.

in a position to mold

Highlights the opportunity and readiness to form something.

in a position to influence

Highlights the circumstances that allow affecting something.

empowered to direct

Focuses on having the authority or power to guide something.

has the capacity to form

Stresses the inherent ability to create or develop.

has influence over

Directly states possession of power to affect something.

equipped to guide

Implies readiness and the necessary tools or resources.

competent to craft

Emphasizes skill and expertise in creating or forming something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "able to shape" indicates the capability to influence or mold something. For example, "The leader was "able to shape" the company's direction with their innovative ideas."

What are some alternatives to "able to shape"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "capable of influencing", "in a position to mold", or "empowered to direct".

Is it better to say "able to shape" or "capable of shaping"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. However, "able to shape" might sound slightly more informal than "capable of shaping", which can be more appropriate in formal contexts.

What does it mean to be "able to shape" something?

To be "able to shape" something means having the power, skill, or opportunity to influence its form, development, or outcome. It suggests a significant degree of control or impact over the subject in question.