able to trust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to trust" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity or willingness to have confidence in another person or entity. Example: "After years of friendship, I finally feel able to trust him with my secrets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's about being able to trust him.

The Guardian

They are able to trust people.

Harvard Business Review

Now I'll never be able to trust anyone.

The New York Times

Partners need to be able to trust each other absolutely.

The Economist

Coyle should be able to trust his corners, too.

The New York Times

They were supposed to be able to trust him.

The Guardian

"She had to be able to trust me," Kaun said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Brooklynites must be able to trust their court system".

The New York Times

But that does not make us able to trust them".

The Guardian

Soldiers must be able to trust one another in combat.

The New York Times

I would never be able to trust them.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the active voice as a more direct alternative. Instead of "they need to be able to trust us", try "they need to trust us".

Common error

Avoid overgeneralizing trust. Saying "I am not able to trust anyone" implies a complete lack of trust, which may not be accurate or helpful. Consider specifying the context or reasons behind your lack of trust to provide more clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to trust" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the capacity or possibility of someone having confidence in someone or something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

9%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to trust" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the capacity or possibility of having confidence in someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. It is versatile enough for neutral contexts, spanning from News & Media and Academia to more informal settings like Wiki articles. When writing, it’s important to consider the context and clearly identify the object of trust to avoid ambiguity. Remember that overuse can sometimes be streamlined using more direct alternatives, like the verb "trust" itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of trusting

Focuses on the inherent ability to trust, rather than a current state.

in a position to trust

Highlights the circumstances that allow trust to be possible.

can have faith in

Emphasizes belief and confidence in someone's reliability.

can rely on

Stresses the dependability of someone or something.

entitled to trust

Suggests a right or justification for trusting someone.

allowed to trust

Implies permission or a lack of obstacles to trusting someone.

empowered to trust

Focuses on gaining confidence and agency in trusting someone.

free to trust

Highlights the absence of constraints preventing trust.

authorized to trust

Suggests formal approval or clearance to place trust.

in a situation to trust

Emphasizes contextual dependence of trust.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to trust" to describe someone's capacity or willingness to have confidence in another person or entity. For example: "After years of friendship, I finally feel "able to trust" him with my secrets."

What are some alternatives to "able to trust"?

Alternatives include "capable of trusting", "in a position to trust", or "can rely on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "able to trust" or simply "trust"?

While "trust" is more direct, "able to trust" emphasizes the capacity or possibility of trust. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the ability or the action itself.

When should I use "not able to trust" instead of "distrust"?

"Not able to trust" suggests a lack of opportunity or conditions for trust, while "distrust" implies active suspicion or doubt. Choose the option that accurately reflects the situation.