are able to attain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to attain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability to achieve or reach a certain goal or standard. Example: "With hard work and dedication, students are able to attain high levels of academic success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

As soon as we are able to attain to the required level of spiritual attainment, we will be able to merit entry into even Higher Heavenly Worlds.

Huffington Post

Well-defined goals guide results that you are able to attain through gradual behavior change.

Columbia University

Furthermore we are able to attain a space complexity of Θ(1).

Information Processing & Management

Students who have failed their maths or English GCSE sometimes need years of further classes before they are able to attain the qualification at this level.

The Guardian - Opinion

Therefore, through PSO training algorithm we are able to attain significantly better results than with BP training procedure based on the statistical criteria.

The Journal of Supercritical Fluids

"We don't think we will remain profitable as the banking application requires a lot of capital investment, but we have got a very stable business and have proven we are able to attain profitability.

The Telegraph

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Young people are not able to attain what they should be able to attain.

The Guardian

Interestingly, a proportion of patients were able to attain dialysis-independence after transplantation24.

Nature

This way, we were able to attain an agreement on intermediate-range missiles as well...

The New York Times

What Yahoo and Microsoft haven't been able to attain, however, is parity with the Google brand, which had become a formally recognized verb by 2002.

The New York Times

"It is a matter of months before the Iranians will be able to attain military nuclear capability.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a concise style, consider using "can achieve" instead of "are able to attain".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "are able to attain" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can get" or "can reach" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to attain" functions as a verb phrase expressing the capacity or potential to achieve a specific outcome or reach a certain level. This phrase is used to describe someone's ability to accomplish something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are able to attain" is a versatile construction that expresses the capability to achieve or reach a certain level. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for describing someone's ability to accomplish something. It's commonly used in contexts like science, news, and academia. While effective, consider alternatives like "can achieve" or "are capable of achieving" for conciseness and to avoid sounding overly formal. Remember that while "are able to attain" is often suitable, simpler options might be preferable in casual communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can achieve

This alternative is more concise and direct, using a simpler verb.

are capable of achieving

This alternative emphasizes capability and potential for attainment.

are in a position to reach

This alternative suggests readiness and favorable circumstances.

have the ability to gain

This alternative highlights the inherent ability and potential for gaining something.

are successful in acquiring

This alternative focuses on the successful completion of acquiring something.

manage to secure

This alternative implies effort and overcoming obstacles to secure something.

are empowered to obtain

This alternative conveys a sense of authority or permission to obtain something.

are permitted to reach

This alternative indicates that reaching is allowed by some authority.

find it possible to secure

This alternative suggests that attainment is feasible.

have what it takes to gain

This alternative stresses the qualities, resources, or abilities necessary for attainment.

FAQs

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

Use "are able to attain" to describe the capability or possibility of reaching a goal or achieving a specific level. For example, "Students who study diligently "are able to attain" high grades".

What are some alternatives to "are able to attain"?

You can use alternatives like "can achieve", "are capable of achieving", or "manage to secure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are able to attain" or "can attain"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "can attain" is generally more concise and frequently used. "Are able to attain" emphasizes the capability, while "can attain" simply states the possibility.

What's the difference between "are able to attain" and "are trying to attain"?

"Are able to attain" indicates a present capability of achieving something, while "are trying to attain" suggests an ongoing effort without a guaranteed outcome.