are able to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express capability or possibility regarding an action or task. Example: "With the new software update, users are able to do more complex calculations with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They are able to do two things.

University of California, Berkeley

"Patients feel they are able to do something about it.

The New Yorker

Not many teams are able to do that.

The New York Times

But that is about all they are able to do.

The Guardian

I don't think those kids are able to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

"The people are able to do incredible things".

The New York Times - Arts

Not that they are able to do so.

The New York Times

"Not a lot of companies are able to do that".

The New York Times

I am confident we are able to do that".

The Guardian

It has changed what choreographers are able to do.

The New York Times - Arts

"Our best writers are able to do this.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are able to do" to express a specific capability or the possibility of performing an action, especially when emphasizing the means or opportunity available. For a more informal tone, consider using "can do".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "are able to do" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. In these situations, opt for the simpler and more natural "can do".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to do" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the ability or capacity of the subject to perform a specific action. It expresses capability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are able to do" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote capability or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and versatile. While it's more formal than "can do", its neutral register makes it suitable for a wide array of contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to business communications. When choosing between "are able to do" and alternatives, consider the level of formality desired and whether you want to emphasize the means or opportunity enabling the action. Remember that mastering best practices allows you to communicate your message with clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can do

A more concise and informal alternative, directly expressing the ability to perform an action.

are capable of doing

Emphasizes inherent ability or potential to perform an action, often implying skill or talent.

have the ability to do

Highlights the possession of the necessary skills or resources to accomplish something.

are in a position to do

Indicates that circumstances or conditions permit the action, focusing on opportunity.

are permitted to do

Implies authorization or allowance to perform an action, often by a governing body or rule.

are allowed to do

Similar to 'are permitted to do', but can also suggest a lack of prohibition rather than active permission.

are authorized to do

Suggests official or legal approval to perform an action, often in a professional or formal setting.

are empowered to do

Emphasizes that someone has been given the power or authority to act.

are entitled to do

Indicates a legal or moral right to perform an action.

are enabled to do

Focuses on the provision of the means or tools necessary to accomplish something.

FAQs

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

Use "are able to do" to indicate capability or possibility. For example, "With the new software, users "are able to do" more complex calculations." Consider the context; "can do" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

What's the difference between "are able to do" and "can do"?

"Are able to do" is generally more formal than "can do". While both express ability, "are able to do" may emphasize the means or opportunity, whereas "can do" is a more general expression of ability.

What can I say instead of "are able to do"?

You can use alternatives like "are capable of doing", "have the ability to do", or simply "can do" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "are able to do" over "can do"?

Use "are able to do" in formal writing, professional settings, or when you want to emphasize the specific means or circumstances that enable an action. "Can do" is perfectly acceptable in less formal situations.