be able to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

"be able to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when one is discussing the ability to put something into practice. For example, "We must understand the principles of physics in order to be able to apply them in our work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will they be able to apply for dual nationality?

The Guardian

Minor children and spouses would still be able to apply.

The Washington Post

Does this mean youngsters should never be able to apply for asylum independently of their parents?

The New York Times

But he might be able to apply for medical parole, once sentenced.

The Guardian

You may be able to apply for free assistance without going through the green deal scheme.

The Guardian - Money

"What you learn in bull riding you're going to be able to apply to everyday life.

The New Yorker

An undetermined number of workers will be able to apply for other jobs.

The New York Times

You need to be able to apply your talent and use it properly.

The Guardian - Sport

Customers will be able to apply with a single telephone call, it said.

The Guardian - Business

OCR: Candidates will be able to apply for a January resit.

The Guardian

Miss Cummins will be able to apply to Harvard by the early-action deadline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to apply", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being applied and to what situation or object. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be able to apply" without specifying what exactly is being applied. For example, instead of saying "Students will be able to apply", specify "Students will be able to apply the learned concepts to real-world problems".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to apply" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the capacity or potential to utilize something, whether it's knowledge, skills, or rules. Ludwig examples confirm its role in indicating the ability to put something into practice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to apply" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates the capacity or potential to use something effectively. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to science and business. The key is to ensure that the context clarifies what is being applied and to what. Common alternatives include "be capable of applying" and "have the ability to apply", offering nuanced ways to express the same basic concept. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can confidently use "be able to apply" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of applying

Emphasizes inherent skill or potential rather than a specific opportunity.

have the ability to apply

Highlights the inherent capacity or skill to perform the action.

be permitted to apply

Focuses on formal permission or authorization to perform the action.

have the opportunity to apply

Stresses the availability of a chance or occasion to use something.

be in a position to apply

Highlights the circumstances or situation that enables the application.

be eligible to apply

Indicates meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications to apply.

be entitled to apply

Suggests a legal or moral right to perform the application.

be authorized to apply

Implies having official approval or sanction to use something.

have the means to apply

Focuses on possessing the necessary resources or tools to perform the application.

be equipped to apply

Stresses preparedness and readiness with the necessary skills or tools.

FAQs

How can I use "be able to apply" in a sentence?

Use "be able to apply" to express the capacity or opportunity to use knowledge, skills, or techniques effectively. For instance, "After the training, employees will be able to apply the new safety protocols".

What is a good alternative to "be able to apply"?

Alternatives include "be capable of applying", "have the ability to apply", or "be equipped to apply", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "be able to apply" or "can apply"?

"Be able to apply" and "can apply" are often interchangeable, but "be able to apply" can sometimes emphasize a learned or acquired skill, while "can apply" is more general. The choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean to "be able to apply" something in a practical sense?

To "be able to apply" something in a practical sense means you understand the concept or skill well enough to use it effectively in real-world situations or tasks. It implies a level of mastery beyond mere theoretical knowledge.