be able to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to do" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express capability or the possibility of performing a specific action. Example: "I hope to be able to do all the tasks assigned to me by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will I be able to do this?

Independent

He may be able to do it.

The Economist

To be able to do that.

The New Yorker

Wouldn't be able to do it.

The Guardian

"I'll be able to do my job.

The New York Times - Sports

" 'You won't be able to do it.

The New Yorker

"I won't be able to do gigs.

The New York Times

I won't be able to do anything.

The New York Times

Shouldn't be able to do that.

The New York Times

He might be able to do more.

The New Yorker

"We should be able to do it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be able to do" to express a potential or capability, rather than a definite action. For definite actions, use a simpler verb tense.

Common error

Avoid using "be able to do" when "can" suffices. "Can" already expresses ability, so saying "can be able to do" is redundant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to do" functions as a modal phrase expressing capability, possibility, or permission. It's used to indicate that someone or something has the capacity or opportunity to perform a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

26%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be able to do" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express capability or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly used across various contexts, with the most frequent being in News & Media and Science. While it's essential to avoid redundancy with "can", using "be able to do" allows for greater flexibility in expressing ability across different tenses and forms. Consider alternatives like "have the capacity to do" or "be capable of doing" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the capacity to do

This alternative emphasizes the inherent ability or potential to perform an action.

be capable of doing

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "capable" instead of "able", implying a degree of competence.

be in a position to do

Focuses on the circumstances allowing the action, rather than inherent ability.

manage to do

Highlights the successful completion of an action, often implying effort or overcoming obstacles.

succeed in doing

Emphasizes the accomplishment of a task, suggesting a positive outcome.

have what it takes to do

Implies possessing the necessary qualities, skills, or resources for a task.

be equipped to do

Suggests having the necessary tools, knowledge, or preparation for an action.

know how to do

Highlights the knowledge or skill required to perform an action.

be permitted to do

Indicates authorization or permission to perform an action.

have permission to do

This emphasizes that someone has been granted permission to perform the action.

FAQs

What is the difference between "can" and "be able to"?

"Can" is a modal verb directly expressing ability or possibility. "Be able to" is a phrase that also expresses ability, but it can be used in tenses and forms where "can" cannot, such as future tenses ("will be able to").

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

Use "be able to" followed by a verb to indicate capability or possibility. For example, "I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow" or "She wants to be able to speak Spanish fluently."

What are some alternatives to "be able to"?

Alternatives include "be capable of", "have the ability to", "manage to", or simply using "can" when grammatically appropriate.

Is it grammatically correct to say "can be able to"?

No, it's not grammatically correct. The modal verb "can" already expresses ability, so using "can be able to" is redundant. Instead, use either "can" or "be able to" depending on the tense and context required.