able to think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's capacity for thought or reasoning, often in contexts discussing intelligence or cognitive abilities. Example: "The new AI system is not just able to think; it can also learn from its experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said of the study's results: "People were able to think better without thinking at all.

The New York Times

And also one able to think critically.

The New Yorker

People were able to think for themselves.

The Guardian

Are they able to think about multiple facets of things?

The New York Times

"As the months passed, I became less able to think".

The New York Times - Arts

"We've barely been able to think about that".

The New Yorker

I think basically we're able to think more socially.

The New York Times

But they have to be able to think.

The New York Times

If we want students to be able to think, then their teachers need to be able to think as well.

The New York Times

I like to be able to think straight.

The New York Times

I should have been able to think of something".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill it's useful to add adverbs between "able" and "to think" to enrich the meaning. For example, "able to think critically".

Common error

Don't use "able to think" when simpler words like 'think' or 'reason' would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to think" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's capacity or capability. Ludwig AI indicates it follows standard grammar rules and is widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "able to think" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the capacity for thought, reasoning, or problem-solving. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile and appears frequently in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and general writing. While a simpler word may work, "able to think" emphasizes capacity and capability. When writing, it's essential to ensure clarity and precision, using the phrase in contexts where it genuinely adds value to the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of thinking

Uses 'capable' instead of 'able', emphasizing inherent potential.

having the ability to think

More explicit, highlighting the presence of an ability.

in a position to think

Focuses on the circumstances enabling thought.

in a state to think

Uses 'state' instead of 'position', indicating a temporary condition.

equipped to think

Suggests having the necessary tools or skills for thinking.

with the faculty to think

Highlights the innate mental capacity or power to think.

prepared to think

Highlights readiness and willingness to engage in thought.

free to think

Emphasizes the absence of constraints on thinking.

empowered to think

Indicates that one has been given the agency and right to think.

competent to think

Refers to the capability and necessary skill to properly engage in thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to think" to describe someone's capacity for reasoning or problem-solving. For example, "After the meditation, I felt more "able to think" clearly".

What are some alternatives to "able to think"?

Some alternatives include "capable of thinking", "having the ability to think", or "in a position to think", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "able to think critically" or "capable of critical thinking"?

Both "able to think critically" and "capable of critical thinking" are correct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of your sentence. The former emphasizes the action of thinking, while the latter focuses on the ability itself.

What's the difference between "able to think" and "free to think"?

"Able to think" generally refers to the capacity or capability to engage in thought. "Free to think", on the other hand, emphasizes the absence of constraints or limitations on one's thinking process.