be able to comply

USAGE SUMMARY

"be able to comply" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe the ability to follow instructions or fulfill a request. For example, "I will be able to comply with your request for additional documentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Passengers must be able to understand emergency instructions and, more importantly, be able to comply.

The New York Times

Few believe the city's Family Court system will be able to comply.

The New York Times

Only two of the country's 39 operators, Timah and Koba Tin are expected to be able to comply.

The Economist

Mr. Pataki, the party leader, has said anyone with grass-roots support should be able to comply with the rules.

The New York Times

Ms. Keene said she did not know exactly how many clinics might not be able to comply.

The New York Times

"We're making changes right now to be able to comply," its chief medical officer, Dr. Troyen A. Brennan, said.

The New York Times

That deadline is fast approaching, and none of the 27 nations will be able to comply with it.

The New York Times

It notes the managers are worried and "quite certain they will not be able to comply with all metrics".

The Guardian

We hope we'll be able to comply with all new rules and requirements that a post-EU Britain will have.

The Guardian

The state would be able to comply with the federal timetable only by lowering expectations for achievement.

The New York Times

The group was part of the proprietary trading operation at Goldman, which shed these businesses to be able to comply with the Volcker Rule.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to comply", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is complying with. For instance, specify the rules, regulations, or requests being followed.

Common error

Avoid using "be able to comply" without specifying the object of compliance. For example, instead of saying "The company must be able to comply", clarify with "The company must be able to comply with the new environmental regulations".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to comply" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or ability to adhere to a specific set of rules, regulations, or requirements. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to comply" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express the capacity or ability to adhere to rules, regulations, or requirements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard phrase across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's important to specify what is being complied with to ensure clarity. Alternatives include "be capable of complying" or "meet the requirements", depending on the desired nuance. Avoiding vague statements by specifying the object of compliance will strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of complying

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing inherent ability.

have the ability to comply

Rephrases the concept using the noun "ability".

be in a position to comply

Highlights the circumstances that allow compliance.

be ready to comply

Focuses on preparedness and willingness to comply.

be prepared to comply

Similar to "be ready to comply", but emphasizes the action of getting ready.

be equipped to comply

Suggests having the necessary resources or tools for compliance.

be suited to comply

Implies appropriateness or fitness for compliance.

be designed to comply

Suggests that something was created with the intention of compliance.

be structured to comply

Indicates that a system or process is organized for compliance.

meet the requirements

Focuses on satisfying specific requirements rather than the act of complying.

FAQs

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

You can use "be able to comply" to indicate the capacity to follow rules or instructions. For example, "The new software must "be able to comply" with data protection regulations".

What are some alternatives to "be able to comply"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be capable of complying", "be in a position to comply", or "meet the requirements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be able to comply" or "be capable of complying"?

Both "be able to comply" and "be capable of complying" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. "Be capable of complying" emphasizes an inherent ability, while "be able to comply" focuses on the capacity to act.

What's the difference between "comply with" and "adhere to"?

"Comply with" generally refers to following rules or regulations, whereas "adhere to" suggests sticking to principles or a code of conduct. Both terms can be used in similar contexts, but "comply" often implies a formal requirement, while "adhere" implies a voluntary commitment.