are able to absorb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to absorb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or capability of someone or something to take in or understand information, substances, or experiences. Example: "The materials used in this construction are able to absorb sound, making the environment quieter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Molecules are able to absorb light of certain wavelengths because the energy content of the absorbed light is the precise value needed to cause a molecule to be excited from one energy state to a higher one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We are able to absorb it now," she said.

The New York Times

The structures, lacking rigid joints, are able to absorb large shocks without damage.

The Economist

"People are used to multitasking and hypertext and are able to absorb multiple flows of information," he said.

The New York Times

Unlike the hotel industry, however, corporate-apartment companies are able to absorb such dips in demand because their contracts typically allow them to terminate leases after a negotiated minimum period.

The New York Times

Still, there are other districts, like Piscataway and Montclair, that are ready, with programs that have been in place for years and that are able to absorb new students.

The New York Times

Consider whether there are one or more staff members within your organisation that have the potential to step up, or who are able to absorb or share the additional workload.

The Guardian

"It will provide a stable stream of cash for the next 30 or 40 years, so it is certainly a good thing for companies that are able to absorb such a project into their portfolios".

The New York Times

These legumes are known as nitrogen-fixers, because they are able to absorb gaseous nitrogen through bacteria on their roots, making it available to plants as well as fertilizing the soil.

The New York Times

Blue Shield's decision also illustrates how the insurers are able to absorb the losses associated with selling individual coverage because they are generating profits in other markets, like selling coverage for employers.

The New York Times

Hunt, Frost, and Lunneborg concluded that verbally facile people are those who are able to absorb and then retrieve from memory large amounts of verbal information in short amounts of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are able to absorb", ensure the subject clearly possesses the capacity or capability, whether physical, mental, or organizational, to take in or withstand the object of absorption.

Common error

Avoid using "are able to absorb" when the subject's capacity is limited or uncertain. Instead, consider phrases like "can potentially absorb" or "may be able to absorb" to convey a more accurate assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to absorb" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or capability of a subject to take in or assimilate something. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts, from physical absorption (e.g., materials absorbing light or shocks) to abstract assimilation (e.g., people absorbing information).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are able to absorb" is a versatile verb phrase used to express capacity or capability across a wide range of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. Related phrases such as "can absorb" and "are capable of absorbing" offer more concise or nuanced alternatives. When using this phrase, consider the subject's actual capacity and avoid overstating its absorptive abilities. Ludwig examples also showcase how this phrase is widely used and suitable for various formal levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are capable of absorbing

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

can absorb

Uses the modal verb "can" for a more concise expression of ability.

have the capacity to absorb

Replaces "are able" with "have the capacity", highlighting the inherent limit or potential.

are equipped to absorb

Suggests that necessary resources or preparations are in place.

are designed to absorb

Indicates that the subject was specifically created or modified for absorption.

are in a position to absorb

Focuses on the advantageous circumstances enabling absorption.

are strong enough to absorb

Highlights the strength or resilience required for absorption.

are prepared to absorb

Indicates readiness and anticipation of needing to absorb something.

are willing to absorb

Emphasizes a voluntary acceptance or undertaking of absorption.

are conditioned to absorb

Highlights the process of being trained to be able to absorb something.

FAQs

How can I use "are able to absorb" in a sentence?

You can use "are able to absorb" to describe the capacity of something or someone to take in a substance, information, or impact. For example, "The sponge is able to absorb a lot of water" or "The students are able to absorb new information quickly".

What's a more concise alternative to "are able to absorb"?

A more concise alternative is simply "can absorb". For instance, instead of "The soil is able to absorb the rainwater", you can say "The soil can absorb the rainwater".

Is there a difference between "are able to absorb" and "are capable of absorbing"?

While both phrases are similar, "are capable of absorbing" /s/are+capable+of+absorbing tends to emphasize an inherent potential or quality, whereas "are able to absorb" highlights the current ability or circumstance allowing absorption.

When should I use "are willing to absorb" instead of "are able to absorb"?

Use "are willing to absorb" when you want to emphasize the voluntary acceptance or undertaking of something, as opposed to just the capacity to do so. For example, "They are willing to absorb the initial losses" implies a conscious decision, not just an ability.