are able to fly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to fly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the capability of someone or something to fly. Example: "Birds are able to fly, which allows them to migrate long distances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

The flies with normal wing postures or with mildly held-out wings from the above-described genotypes are able to fly, but most individuals with more strongly held-out wings show poor flying capabilities or are unable to fly.

Plosone

Most adults are able to fly; nonflying forms, however, are more abundant on small oceanic islands than are flying forms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Delta bases most of the pilots who are able to fly these planes in Atlanta, according to its pilots' union.

The New York Times

Bats are able to fly out, because the sheet is open at the bottom, but they are blocked upon return.

The New York Times

When the young leave the nest, they are able to fly and usually are similar to, although sometimes duller or paler than, the adult in plumage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The CAA will ensure that all Holidays 4U's customers are able to fly home as planned, so you should go to the airport for your flight as normal.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Being able to fly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We want to be able to fly.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I am able to fly".

The New York Times - Sports

I'd love to be able to fly.

The Guardian - Sport

Passengers will not be able to fly standby.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are able to fly" when you want to emphasize the capability or possibility of flight, especially when contrasting it with a previous inability or limitation.

Common error

In casual conversation, consider using the simpler phrase "can fly" instead of "are able to fly". Overusing the latter can make your speech sound overly formal or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to fly" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the capacity or capability of a subject to perform the action of flying. Ludwig examples show it used to describe abilities of birds, insects, planes and even humans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are able to fly" is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to express the capability of flying, with its usage ranging from describing animals to aircraft. While generally neutral, it tends towards a slightly more formal tone, making it suitable for news, science, and encyclopedic content. For more casual conversations, "can fly" may be a better choice. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility, and the related phrases offer alternative ways to convey the same meaning with subtle differences in emphasis and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can fly

A more concise and informal way of expressing the same ability.

have the ability to fly

Emphasizes the capability or potential to fly.

are capable of flying

Slightly more formal synonym, highlighting competence.

are equipped to fly

Suggests possession of the necessary equipment or features for flying.

are in a position to fly

Indicates a specific situation or circumstance allows flying.

are permitted to fly

Highlights that authorization or permission has been granted for flying.

are allowed to fly

Similar to 'are permitted', focusing on the absence of prohibition.

are designed to fly

Emphasizes the intended purpose or engineering for flight.

are known to fly

Indicates that flying is a recognized or documented behavior.

possess the power of flight

A more figurative or emphatic way to describe the ability to fly.

FAQs

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

You can use "are able to fly" to indicate the capability or possibility of flight. For example, "Some birds "are able to fly" long distances during migration".

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

You can use alternatives like "can fly", "have the ability to fly", or "are capable of flying" depending on the context.

When is it more appropriate to use "are able to fly" instead of "can fly"?

"Are able to fly" can be more appropriate when emphasizing the capability or when contrasting it with a previous inability. "Are able to fly" also works well when highlighting a specific situation or condition that makes flying possible.

Is "are able to fly" more formal than "can fly"?

Yes, ""are able to fly"" generally carries a slightly more formal tone compared to the simpler "can fly". The choice depends on the desired level of formality in your writing or speech.