able to support

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to support" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone or something has the capability to provide help/assistance. For example: "The team was able to support us with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Am I able to support my horse financially?

WikiHow

"We are able to support ourselves".

The New York Times

We both want him to be able to support us.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Because I'd like to be able to support my family".

The Guardian - Film

I wanted to be able to support my family here".

The New York Times - Sports

Afghanistan will never be able to support it self.

The New Yorker

He vowed his daughter would be able to support herself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I might not have been able to support a family".

The New York Times

We would not be able to support them.

Independent

"I'd like to be able to support myself.

The New York Times

MR. BLITZER: Would you be able to support him?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to support", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being supported and the nature of the support being provided. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "able to support" without clearly defining what is being supported. For example, instead of saying "The system is able to support," specify "The system is able to support up to 1000 concurrent users."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to support" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability of someone or something to provide assistance, resources, or maintenance. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across diverse contexts, affirming its role in expressing the ability to sustain or aid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to support" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the capacity or capability to provide assistance, resources, or maintenance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. While it is very common across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science and Formal & Business domains, clear articulation of the supported entity is essential for effective communication. Consider alternatives such as "capable of aiding" or "equipped to help" to add nuance. Overall, the phrase serves as a reliable way to convey competence and dependability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of aiding

Focuses on the inherent capacity to assist.

equipped to help

Emphasizes preparedness and resources for providing assistance.

in a position to assist

Highlights the current circumstances enabling support.

empowered to sustain

Suggests authority or permission to maintain something.

fit to uphold

Indicates suitability for maintaining or defending something.

ready to back

Highlights the willingness and preparation to provide support.

prepared to assist

Focuses on the readiness to help when needed.

competent to maintain

Highlights the skill and ability to keep something in good condition.

resourced to prop up

Emphasizes having the necessary resources to support something.

entitled to enable

Suggests having the right or authority to make something possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to support" to indicate the capacity or capability to provide assistance or resources. For example, "The organization is "equipped to help" families in need."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "able to support"?

Alternatives include "capable of aiding", "in a position to assist", or "fit to uphold", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "able to supporting"?

No, "able to supporting" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "able to support", as "support" should be in the base form after the infinitive "to".

What is the difference between "able to support" and "willing to support"?

"Able to support" indicates capability or capacity, while "willing to back" indicates a readiness or willingness to provide assistance. Someone might be "able to support" but not necessarily "willing to support", and vice versa.