are able to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are able to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's capability or capacity to perform a task or job. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team members are able to work together effectively to meet the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Yet most are able to work.

The Economist

That's how we are able to work long hours".

The New York Times

"For those who are able to work, they should work.

The Washington Post

"We are able to work together pragmatically," Mr. Ghani said.

The Washington Post

You are able to work autonomously to feel ultimate motivation.

Columbia University

Barely half of all men are able to work beyond the current state pension age.

The Guardian

We pray to God that we are able to work again".

The Guardian

If you are able to work with widening participation or public engagement departments, take it.

The Guardian

They are able to work legally, get a driver's license, apply for scholarships.

The New Yorker

Refugees outside camps are able to work, generate income and receive remittances from friends or family.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'm able to work".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are able to work" to clearly express someone's capacity or permission to perform work, especially when emphasizing capability despite challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "are able to work" in every instance where "can work" would suffice. Overusing "able to" can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for "can" in most cases for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to work" functions as a predicate adjective describing the subject's capacity or permission to perform work. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are able to work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the capacity, skills, or permission required for employment or labor. As Ludwig AI points out, it is perfectly acceptable in written English and appears across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While alternatives like "can work" offer a more concise option, "are able to work" emphasizes capability, especially when challenges exist. Use it thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in favor of simpler alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can work

This is a more concise and common way to express the same meaning, implying the ability or permission to work.

are capable of working

This alternative emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to perform work.

have the capacity to work

Similar to 'capable', this emphasizes the inherent capacity or aptitude for work.

have the ability to work

This phrase explicitly states the possession of the ability to work.

are permitted to work

This alternative focuses on the permission or authorization to engage in work.

are allowed to work

Similar to 'permitted', this indicates that there is no prohibition against working.

are fit to work

This phrase suggests that someone is in a suitable condition (physically or mentally) to work.

are eligible to work

This highlights that someone meets the necessary requirements or qualifications to work.

are in a position to work

This indicates that someone's circumstances enable them to work.

are qualified to work

This means someone has the necessary skills, knowledge, or certifications to perform a specific job.

FAQs

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

You can use "are able to work" to describe someone's capacity or permission to perform work. For example, "Despite her injury, she is able to work part-time" or "They are able to work remotely from anywhere in the world".

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

You can use alternatives like "can work", "are capable of working", or "are permitted to work" depending on the context.

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

Both "are able to work" and "can work" are grammatically correct. "Can work" is generally more concise and commonly used, while "are able to work" may be used to emphasize the ability or capacity to work, especially when it's achieved despite challenges.

What's the difference between "are able to work" and "are willing to work"?

"Are able to work" refers to the capacity or permission to perform work, while "are willing to work" indicates a readiness or desire to work. Ability focuses on capability, while willingness focuses on motivation.