be able to enter

USAGE SUMMARY

"be able to enter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It often refers to the ability or possibility of entering a place or situation. Example: I have a key, so I will be able to enter the building even if it's locked.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"People have to be able to enter and exit gracefully.

The New York Times

Foreigners will reportedly be able to enter without visas.

The New York Times

And it will be able to enter the gambling business.

The Economist

Never again would he be able to enter the warm moistness of their bodies.

The New Yorker

"Submissions will be gratefully received but unfortunately we will not be able to enter into correspondence".

The Guardian

I would not be able to enter the men's rooms legally".

The New Yorker

Will players be able to enter the mines of Moria after the Fellowship has passed through?

The New York Times - Arts

Condominium owners will be able to enter their units in a rental program.

The New York Times

"Writers should be able to enter our country regardless of what they've written".

The New York Times - Arts

Doctors will be able to enter their patients' parameters and generate prognoses.

The Economist

That way, if he relapsed, he might be able to enter a study using the cells.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether a more specific verb (e.g., "access", "join", "penetrate") might provide a clearer and more vivid image than the general phrase "be able to enter".

Common error

Avoid using "be able to enter" in overly passive constructions. Rephrasing to use an active voice often makes the sentence more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The data will be able to be entered by the user", try "The user can enter the data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to enter" functions primarily as a modal verb phrase expressing the possibility or capacity to perform the action of entering. As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically sound and commonly used across various contexts to indicate the ability to access or engage with something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to enter" is a versatile phrase indicating the capability or permission to access something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While common across various registers, consider more precise verbs for clarity in formal writing. Remember to avoid overuse in passive constructions and choose contextually appropriate alternatives like "be permitted to enter" for formal contexts. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, underscoring its broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability to enter

Emphasizes the inherent capability or skill required to enter.

be permitted to enter

Focuses on formal authorization or allowance to enter.

be allowed to enter

Similar to "be permitted to enter", but may imply less formal authorization.

have access to enter

Highlights the availability of means or opportunity to enter.

be in a position to enter

Suggests readiness or suitability to enter based on current circumstances.

qualify to enter

Highlights that someone meets the requirements to enter

be eligible to enter

Emphasizes meeting specific criteria or qualifications for entry.

gain entry

Focuses on the action of successfully entering, often after overcoming an obstacle.

be capable of entering

Highlights the inherent capacity or skill to enter.

secure admission

Focuses on being granted entry, typically to a program or institution.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be able to enter" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "be permitted to enter", "be eligible to enter", or "qualify to enter", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "be able to enter" and "be allowed to enter"?

"Be able to enter" generally refers to having the capacity or capability to enter, while "be allowed to enter" implies permission or authorization. The former focuses on ability, the latter on consent.

Is "be able to enter" appropriate for academic writing?

Yes, "be able to enter" is acceptable in academic writing, but strive for precision. Consider if a more specific term—like "access", "access", or "penetrate"—better conveys your intended meaning depending on the field and research involved.

What are some common situations where "be able to enter" is used?

"Be able to enter" is commonly used when discussing physical spaces (e.g., buildings, rooms), virtual environments (e.g., websites, systems), or abstract concepts (e.g., competitions, markets). It indicates the possibility or capacity to gain access or participate.