are able to take

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to take" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing someone's capability or capacity to accept or receive something. Example: "The volunteers are able to take on additional responsibilities during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Exploration and production profits are able to take center stage.

The New York Times

So they are able to take those risks.

The Guardian - Books

If you are able to, take advantage of them.

Stanford University

Mexicans are able to take out mortgages again and loan interest rates are coming down fast.

The Economist

(New York residents are able to take the ferry or PATH train).

The New York Times

"The Irish are able to take tragic circumstances and turn them into humor," he said.

The New York Times

None of the children are able to take her into their homes.

The New Yorker

And both spouses are able to take advantage of the $2 million exemption instead of one.

The New York Times

Do you see BBC2 as a place where dramas are able to take their time?

The Guardian

Some people are able to take a picture of that and capture it.

The New York Times - Arts

Alumni are able to take advantage of the YSPH CareerBoard to find new public health opportunities.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are able to take", ensure the context clearly defines what action or object is being taken. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "are able to take" excessively in passive constructions. Opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Decisions are able to be taken by the committee", try "The committee can make decisions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to take" functions as a verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to perform an action. It combines the auxiliary verb "are" with the adjective "able" and the infinitive "to take", indicating a potential or realized capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are able to take" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to indicate capability, permission, or opportunity. Ludwig AI analysis shows that the phrase is quite common across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "can take" offer conciseness, "are able to take" often provides a more formal and emphatic tone. When using the phrase, remember to maintain an active voice and ensure clarity regarding the action being undertaken.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can take

Uses a modal verb to indicate ability or possibility, offering a more concise alternative.

are capable of taking

Emphasizes the capacity or skill to perform an action.

have the ability to take

Highlights the inherent ability or potential to do something.

are in a position to take

Focuses on the circumstances that allow for a particular action.

are permitted to take

Indicates that taking something is allowed or authorized.

are allowed to take

Implies permission or lack of restriction.

are authorized to take

Suggests formal approval or mandate to perform an action.

are entitled to take

Indicates a right or claim to do something.

are eligible to take

Indicates that someone meets the necessary requirements to do something.

have the opportunity to take

Highlights the availability of a chance or occasion.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "are able to take"?

You can often replace "are able to take" with "can take" for a more concise and direct expression of ability.

When is it better to use "are able to take" instead of "can take"?

"Are able to take" is more formal and can emphasize a specific capability or opportunity, whereas "can take" is generally more informal and expresses general ability or possibility.

Are there alternatives to "are able to take" that emphasize permission?

Yes, you can use phrases like "are allowed to take" or "are permitted to take" to specifically indicate permission or authorization.

How does "are able to take" differ from "are capable of taking"?

"Are capable of taking" emphasizes inherent skill or capacity, while "are able to take" focuses more on having the opportunity or resources. They are very close, but "are capable of taking" suggests an innate or developed ability.