are usable for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are usable for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something can be utilized for a specific purpose or function. Example: "These tools are usable for a variety of tasks, including cutting, drilling, and shaping materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

As Mr. Friedman pointed out, NATO has 1.4 million soldiers in uniform, but only 55,000 are "usable" for missions abroad.

The New York Times

The bags are usable for years, they said, and any long-term effects of lead may be offset by the environmental benefits gained by not using regular plastic bags.

The New York Times

Used for stirring the soil at comparatively shallow depths, secondary-tillage equipment is generally employed after the deeper primary-tillage operations; some primary tillage tools, however, are usable for secondary tillage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both Betron and Ethical Coffee are selling capsules that say they are "usable for Nespresso machines" at prices that are as much as a third cheaper than the Nestlé capsules, the court said.

The New York Times

But without real costs to weigh against its nuclear plans, Iran will have little reason to consider the suspension of uranium enrichment and plutonium dabbling (both are usable for nuclear fuel-making but abusable for bomb-making) that the Europeans and others have made a condition for negotiations.In this section Hamas in a bind A chance for the new man Make or break?

The Economist

Energy scenarios are assuming that large agricultural areas are usable for SRC [5, 6].

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I certainly realized the method is usable for storage," he said.

The New York Times - Science

Instead he watched from one of 1,740 temporary seats that were usable for the game.

The New York Times

Next up is cleaning the yard so it will be usable for the summer.

The New York Times

In the end, however, because his death was not more immediate, his organs had deteriorated too much to be usable for transplant.

The New York Times

CONS: Because property is on a steep slope, only a portion of it is usable for play equipment and a patio.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the utility of a tool or resource, be specific about the tasks it "are usable for". For example, instead of saying "This software is usable", specify "This software is usable for data analysis and report generation."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "These materials are usable". Instead, provide context: "These materials are usable for constructing earthquake-resistant buildings due to their high tensile strength."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "are usable for" is to describe the capability or suitability of something for a particular purpose. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are usable for" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something's suitability for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this with a wide array of examples from varied sources, including scientific journals, news outlets, and encyclopedias. While it is versatile, the phrase appears most frequently in scientific contexts, indicating its descriptive use in explaining the functionality of tools, methods, and materials. When using the phrase, it is best to be specific about the purposes, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives such as "are suitable for" or "can be used for" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be employed for

Replaces "usable" with "employed" which suggests a more formal or deliberate use.

can be utilized for

Substitutes "usable" with "utilized", implying a more efficient or resourceful use.

are suitable for

Replaces "usable" with "suitable", indicating an appropriateness for a particular purpose.

are appropriate for

Similar to "suitable", but emphasizes the correctness or fitting nature of the usage.

are adaptable for

Focuses on the ability to modify or adjust for a specific use.

are designed for

Highlights the intentional creation or planning for a specific purpose.

can be adapted for

Similar to "are adaptable for", stressing the process of making something fit for a purpose.

are applicable to

Shifts the preposition to "to", emphasizing the relevance or pertinence to something.

serve the purpose of

Changes the structure to emphasize the function or aim that something fulfills.

fulfill the function of

Similar to "serve the purpose of", highlighting the role or capability that something has.

FAQs

How can I use "are usable for" in a sentence?

The phrase "are usable for" indicates that something can be employed for a specific purpose. For example, "These tools "are usable for" a variety of tasks".

What phrases are similar to "are usable for"?

Alternatives include "are suitable for", "can be used for", or "are adaptable for", depending on the desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "is usable for" instead of "are usable for"?

The correct form depends on the subject's number. Use "is usable for" with singular subjects (e.g., "This tool is usable for this task") and "are usable for" with plural subjects (e.g., "These tools "are usable for" these tasks").

What is the difference between "are usable for" and "can be used for"?

"Are usable for" implies a inherent capability for a specific function. "Can be used for" is broader, suggesting a potential or possible use. The phrase "are usable for" directly indicates applicability, whereas the phrase "can be used for" expresses possibility.