able to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's capacity or willingness to wait for something or someone. Example: "I am able to wait for the results as long as it takes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ziad had not been able to wait.

The New Yorker

Some of us may not be able to wait.

Independent

But Mr. Zapatero may no longer be able to wait.

The New York Times

The college may be able to wait a little longer.

The Guardian

Eventually able to wait no longer, I approached the table.

The Guardian - Books

The kids who hadn't been able to wait sixty seconds could now wait fifteen minutes.

The New Yorker

The Haitians who will die in the continuing epidemic won't be able to wait that long.

The New Yorker

Maybe the lovers will not be able to wait that long.

The New Yorker

John Lewis, however, reckons its customers won't be able to wait that long.

The Economist

Many homeowners — among them, empty nesters — appear able to wait out the downturn, he said.

The New York Times

You will be able to wait to see what to do with that particular need".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to wait", ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is being waited for. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "able to wait" when you mean "want to wait" or "should wait". "Able to wait" implies capacity, while "want to wait" indicates desire and "should wait" indicates advice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to wait" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, followed by an infinitive verb. It indicates the capacity or capability of someone or something to postpone an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to wait" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that conveys the capacity or willingness to postpone an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It has a neutral tone, appearing across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Wiki. Related phrases include "capable of waiting" and "willing to wait", offering nuanced variations in meaning. When using "able to wait", clarity is paramount, ensuring the context reveals what is being awaited. Avoid replacing with other phrases such as "want to wait" that implies a different meaning than simply being capable of waiting. With its widespread applicability, mastering the usage of "able to wait" enhances writing precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of waiting

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing inherent ability or competence.

willing to wait

Focuses on the willingness and readiness to postpone action.

prepared to wait

Highlights the readiness and anticipation of a delay.

in a position to wait

Emphasizes the circumstances that allow for waiting.

have the patience to wait

Highlights the quality of patience as enabling the wait.

can afford to wait

Implies that there are no negative consequences for delaying.

in a state to wait

Emphasizes the current situation that allows someone to delay an action.

have the luxury to wait

Highlights the advantageous nature of the situation allowing for delay.

find it possible to wait

Indicates that the possibility of waiting exists.

choosing to wait

Highlights the active decision to postpone something.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to wait" to describe someone's capacity or willingness to wait for something or someone. For example: "She is "able to wait" for the results as long as it takes."

What can I say instead of "able to wait"?

You can use alternatives like "capable of waiting", "willing to wait", or "prepared to wait" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "able to wait" or "can wait"?

Both "able to wait" and "can wait" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Can wait" is generally more concise, while "able to wait" might emphasize the capability more explicitly.

What's the difference between "able to wait" and "willing to wait"?

"Able to wait" implies having the capacity or opportunity to wait, while "willing to wait" suggests a readiness or desire to postpone something. You might be "able to wait" because you have no other choice, but you are willing to wait because you are prepared to do so.