be able to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the capability or possibility of performing a specific action or task. Example: "After months of practice, I am finally able to do a handstand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Doctors "want to be able to do something," she says.

The New York Times

It's so stupid not to be able to do something".

The New York Times

I do hope they'll be able to do something".

The New York Times

We have to be able to do something.

The Washington Post

And, hopefully, I'll be able to do something about that.

The Washington Post

Sometimes, for a moment, I thought I would be able to do something.

The New Yorker

I love to be able to do something in a confined space.

The New Yorker

"My mother thinks she's going to be able to do something by staying".

The New York Times

It was pure joy, to be able to do something like that".

The New Yorker

Honestly, it has been my dream to be able to do something like that.

Independent

But you might also be able to do something like retile the bathroom.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "have the capacity to act" or "be capable of performing". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing while retaining the core meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to do something" when "be able to do something" is more concise and grammatically preferable. The continuous form is usually unnecessary unless emphasizing an ongoing process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to do something" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing capability, possibility, or permission. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and examples show its usage in expressing what someone can potentially achieve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to do something" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that expresses the capacity, possibility, or permission to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While alternatives exist for more formal or casual tones, this phrase remains a reliable choice for clear and direct communication. With its frequent occurrence in news, media, and academic sources, understanding its usage is essential for effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of performing

Substitutes "able to do" with a more formal and active construction.

have the capacity to act

Replaces "be able" with a more formal expression of capability.

be equal to the task of

Indicates sufficient skill or strength for a specific action.

manage to accomplish

Focuses on the successful completion of an action, implying effort and success.

be in a position to execute

Implies having the necessary resources or authority to carry out an action.

hold the power to complete

Stresses the possession of power or authority to finish something.

be empowered to act

Suggests having the authority or permission to take action.

find a way to achieve

Emphasizes the process of discovering or creating the means to accomplish something.

be permitted to undertake

Highlights the permission or authorization to start or engage in something.

get to do something

Replaces with a more colloquial way to express the possibility to act.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be able to do something" for a formal context?

In formal contexts, you can replace "be able to do something" with phrases like "have the capacity to act", or "be capable of performing".

What's a more casual way to say "be able to do something"?

For a more casual tone, consider using "get to do something" or simply "can do something", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How does "be able to do something" differ from "manage to do something"?

"Be able to do something" indicates a general capability or possibility, while "manage to accomplish" suggests that you have succeeded in doing something, often overcoming some difficulty.

Is it correct to say "being able to do something" instead of "be able to do something"?

While "being able to do something" is grammatically correct, it's often less concise than "be able to do something". Use the continuous form only when you need to emphasize the ongoing or progressive nature of the ability.