be able to formulate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to formulate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability to create or develop something, such as ideas, plans, or responses. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, you must be able to formulate effective strategies that address the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Sir Alan won't be able to formulate government policy, yet is allowed to go to cabinet meetings to inform debate.

The Guardian

"On the basis of this report they should be able to formulate a very clear plan of action," Pachauri said.

The Guardian

They might know what they're feeling but it seems unlikely they'd understand, let alone be able to formulate it so neatly.

The Guardian - Books

Assuming that we should be able to formulate a more coherent definition, let us break the question down: does it matter that these are paintings – as opposed to photographs?

The Guardian - Opinion

Francis claims that the purpose of monitoring people visiting the Lawrence family home was in order "to be able to formulate intelligence on who was going into the house with regards to which part of the political spectrum, if any, they were actually in".

The Guardian

"I was like, if I can take my own notes and formulate my own game plan, then if there is a slight difference in terminology or definition, I'll be able to formulate a better idea in my mind by writing it down myself".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

But no one has been able to formulate a basic rule for calving.

The New York Times - Science

The University of Warwick wants to see that students are able to formulate a rational argument and write it to length.

The Guardian

Administration and defense officials said the strikes came before Mr. Bush's national security team had been able to formulate its own comprehensive policy toward Iraq.

The New York Times

Onsager also was able to formulate a general mathematical expression about the behaviour of nonreversible chemical processes that has been described as the "fourth law of thermodynamics".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scientists have been able to formulate distinctiveness in the case of DNA, but definitive research has yet to provide a similar formulation for a fingerprint or a voice.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to formulate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being formulated (e.g. a plan, a strategy, an idea).

Common error

Avoid using "be able to formulate" when a simpler verb like "create", "develop", or "make" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to formulate" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the capacity or capability to create, devise, or express something systematically. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to formulate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the capacity to create or develop ideas, plans, or strategies. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While common, avoid overuse in simple contexts where simpler verbs would suffice. Consider alternatives like "capable of formulating" or "able to develop" for nuanced variations. The phrase is frequently found in authoritative sources such as The Guardian and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of formulating

Replaces "be able" with "capable of", emphasizing inherent ability rather than possibility.

able to develop

Uses "develop" instead of "formulate", suggesting a more gradual and detailed creation process.

in a position to formulate

Highlights the necessary conditions or circumstances that allow formulation.

have the ability to formulate

Emphasizes the inherent skill or talent to create something.

competent to formulate

Stresses the required skill and expertise for formulation.

qualified to formulate

Indicates that someone meets the necessary criteria or requirements for formulating.

prepared to formulate

Highlights the readiness and willingness to create or develop something.

empowered to formulate

Focuses on the authority or enablement to create something.

authorized to formulate

Stresses the official permission or sanction to create something.

in a state to formulate

Indicates being in a certain condition or state where formulation is possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "be able to formulate" to express the capability to create or develop something, such as "Researchers must "be able to formulate" clear hypotheses based on their observations."

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

Alternatives include "capable of formulating", "able to develop", or "in a position to formulate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be able to formulate" formal or informal?

"Be able to formulate" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. Simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "be able to formulate" and "be able to create"?

"Be able to create" is a more general term, while ""be able to formulate"" often implies a more structured and deliberate process of developing ideas or plans. For example, you might "be able to create" art, but you ""be able to formulate"" a business strategy.