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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are able to apply
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are able to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability or permission to use a particular skill or knowledge in a specific context. Example: "Students who complete the course are able to apply their knowledge in real-world situations."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
We have slightly reduced the number of tickets you are able to apply for," he said.
News & Media
"And yes," she adds, "you are able to apply as a non-US student.
News & Media
By that way designers are able to apply water hydraulics where advantageous.
Patients with schizophrenia are able to apply reappraisal successfully under experimental conditions.
Science
Students are able to apply online for their upcoming projects without a lengthy process.
Academia
In possession of a valid passport and are able to apply for the necessary visa.
Academia
Whether PSG are able to apply their new manager's ideas in a real competitive situation remains to be seen.
News & Media
The small number found not to be refugees are able to apply for a merits review of their cases.
News & Media
Social enterprises are able to apply if they meet the criteria which the vast majority will not.
News & Media
In biomedical applications bioreactors are used, which are able to apply mechanical loadings under cultivation conditions on biological tissues.
Thanks to them we are able to apply older exploratory works in order to evaluate currently solved projects.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "are able to apply" when emphasizing the capacity or permission to use a skill or knowledge, particularly in formal contexts or when contrasting with a previous inability.
Common error
Avoid using "are able to apply" in informal writing where the simpler "can apply" is more appropriate and sounds more natural.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are able to apply" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or permission to use a skill, knowledge, or technique. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.
Frequent in
Academia
30%
News & Media
28%
Science
27%
Less common in
Formal & Business
15%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are able to apply" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to indicate that someone has the capacity or permission to use a particular skill, knowledge, or technique. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, though the simpler "can apply" is often preferred in less formal settings. It is frequently found in academic, news, and scientific writing, highlighting its broad applicability. When writing, it's best to use "are able to apply" to emphasize capability or permission, especially when contrasting it with a prior inability. Overusing this phrase in informal contexts can make your writing sound unnatural.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
can apply
More concise and commonly used alternative, removing "able to" for brevity.
have the ability to apply
Rephrases the expression to explicitly state the possession of an ability.
are capable of applying
Focuses on inherent capacity or competence in performing the application.
are permitted to apply
Emphasizes permission or authorization rather than inherent ability.
are qualified to apply
Focuses on having the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience for application.
are authorized to apply
Similar to "are permitted to apply", but implies a more formal authorization.
are eligible to apply
Highlights meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications for application.
can utilize
Similar meaning, more appropriate when 'apply' refers to using existing knowledge or skills.
are in a position to apply
Indicates the existence of suitable circumstances or conditions for application.
are empowered to apply
Suggests being granted authority or power to perform the application.
FAQs
How can I use "are able to apply" in a sentence?
You can use "are able to apply" to indicate someone's capacity or permission to use a specific skill or knowledge. For example, "Students who complete the course "are able to apply" their knowledge in real-world situations."
What is a simpler alternative to "are able to apply"?
The simplest alternative is "can apply", which is often preferred in less formal contexts.
When should I use "are able to apply" instead of "can apply"?
"Are able to apply" is suitable when you want to emphasize capability or permission, or when contrasting with a previous inability. "Can apply" is generally acceptable and often preferred for brevity.
Is there a difference between "are able to apply" and "are eligible to apply"?
"Are able to apply" refers to the capacity or permission to use something. "Are eligible to apply" refers to meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications to submit an application. They are not interchangeable; "are eligible to apply" focuses on meeting criteria, not capability.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested