are able to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express capability or possibility in various contexts. Example: "The new software features are able to be customized according to user preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those who are able to be open "flourish".

The Guardian - Opinion

"People are able to be themselves," he said.

The New York Times

Both men and women are able to be amazing negotiators.

The Guardian

Who are the people who are able to be at home?

The Guardian

"Some have lost their jetties and it's uncertain if airstrips are able to be landed on".

The Guardian

"They are able to be who they really are," he said.

The New York Times

But who are able to be fantastically inhuman when they choose to be".

The Guardian

She was shameless, as few women are able to be, even today.

The New York Times

"But out here, in nature, we are able to be pleasant and open".

The New Yorker

And they are able to be much bolder with higher cover prices.

The Guardian - Books

JOHN MAGER: Loons characteristically give three vocalizations that are able to be communicated over long distance.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are able to be" to express a specific capability or possibility, especially when emphasizing the effort or resources involved. For instance, instead of saying "The product can be customized", consider "The product is able to be customized with additional modules" if you want to highlight the customization options.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the passive construction "are able to be" as it can make your writing sound verbose. Whenever possible, rephrase the sentence to use an active voice. For example, instead of "Mistakes are able to be corrected", opt for "You can correct mistakes" for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to be" functions as a verbal phrase expressing capability, possibility, or permission. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes the capacity for something to occur or be performed. It can also describe a state or condition that can be achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are able to be" is a versatile construction used to indicate capability, possibility, or permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across various domains. While alternatives like "can be" offer conciseness, "are able to be" can emphasize the process or potential involved. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing, highlighting its broad applicability. However, it's important to avoid overusing the passive voice and consider more direct phrasing when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are capable of being

Emphasizes inherent capacity or potential. It sounds slightly more formal.

can be

A more concise and common alternative. Less formal.

are permitted to be

Indicates allowance or authorization. Changes the focus from capability to permission.

are designed to be

Highlights the intended purpose or function. Focuses on design rather than general ability.

are meant to be

Implies a preordained or expected outcome. Less about capability and more about destiny or intention.

are eligible to be

Suggests meeting specific requirements or qualifications.

are qualified to be

Indicates possession of necessary skills or experience.

are fit to be

Suggests suitability or appropriateness for a particular role or purpose. More formal.

are in a position to be

Highlights the circumstances or conditions that enable something. More wordy.

have the ability to be

Highlights that it's the subject who has the ability.

FAQs

How can I use “are able to be” in a sentence?

The phrase "are able to be" indicates capability or possibility. For example, "The data "are able to be analyzed" using this software" shows the data's capacity for analysis.

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

Alternatives include "can be", "are capable of being", or "are permitted to be", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more concise: "are able to be" or "can be"?

Can be is generally more concise and direct. "Are able to be" might be used when you want to emphasize the process or effort involved.

What is the difference between "are able to be" and "are going to be"?

"Are able to be" expresses capability, while "are going to be" indicates a future intention or plan. For example, "The repairs "are able to be completed" today" means it's possible to complete them, whereas "The repairs "are going to be completed" tomorrow" means they are scheduled for completion tomorrow.