be able to live

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to live" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the capability or possibility of living in a certain way or under specific conditions. Example: "In order to thrive in this environment, we must be able to live sustainably and harmoniously with nature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As one Libyan said, "We just want to be able to live like human beings".

The New York Times

"Nobody will be able to live here".

The New York Times

"Everyone must be able to live here".

The New York Times

"I want to be able to live," Barber said.

The New Yorker

"We won't be able to live here," she said.

The Economist

Will he ever be able to live independently?

The New York Times

"People should be able to live as who they are".

The New York Times

Many of us may be able to live with that.

The New York Times

They will be able to live freely in the nation.

The New York Times

Those are strings everyone should be able to live with.

The New York Times

Would he be able to live up to these expectations?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to live", ensure the context clearly defines the conditions or environment being referenced. For example, "be able to live comfortably" specifies a standard of living.

Common error

Avoid using "be able to live" without specifying where or how someone can live. Saying "people should be able to live" is vague. Instead, specify "people should "be able to live in peace"" or "people should "be able to live comfortably"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to live" functions as an infinitive phrase, expressing the ability or capacity to exist and sustain life. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, showcasing its role in indicating potential or possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be able to live" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the capacity or possibility of living under certain conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Its frequency and appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlight its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure the context specifies where or how someone can live to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "have the ability to live" or "be capable of living" for more formal or nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability to live

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or potential to live, highlighting ability rather than just possibility.

be capable of living

Focuses on the inherent capability and competence to sustain life in a particular way or environment.

manage to live

Highlights the act of successfully surviving or maintaining life, often implying effort or overcoming challenges.

succeed in living

Stresses the successful achievement of living, often in the face of adversity or difficulty.

get to live

Implies an opportunity or privilege to experience life, rather than just the ability.

be permitted to live

Indicates that living is allowed or sanctioned by an external authority or circumstance.

be in a position to live

Focuses on having the necessary resources, conditions, or circumstances to support living.

have the means to live

Specifically emphasizes possessing the necessary resources, typically financial, to sustain life.

be sustained in life

Highlights the support or maintenance required to continue living, often implying external assistance.

have what it takes to live

Emphasizes possessing the necessary qualities, skills, or characteristics needed to survive and thrive.

FAQs

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

Use "be able to live" to express the possibility or capability of living in a certain way or under specific conditions. For example, "We want to "be able to live in dignity"".

What's a more formal way to say "be able to live"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "have the capacity to live" or "be capable of living", which emphasize inherent ability and competence.

What can I say instead of "be able to live" to emphasize surviving hardship?

If you want to emphasize surviving despite challenges, consider using phrases such as "manage to live" or "succeed in living", highlighting the effort required.

How does "be able to live" differ from "get to live"?

"Be able to live" focuses on capability, while "get to live" implies an opportunity or privilege to experience life. The latter suggests a chance or permission, rather than just the ability.