be able to purchase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to purchase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or opportunity to buy something. Example: "With the new savings plan, I will finally be able to purchase my dream car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But consumers will soon be able to purchase lightweight fuel cells, too.

The Economist

However Oregonians, like Alaskans, won't immediately be able to purchase pot from retail locations.

The Guardian

"They have enough funds to be able to purchase farmland," initially as second homes, he said.

The New York Times

Viewers and listeners should be able to purchase from as many alternative suppliers as possible.

The Guardian

They will also be able to purchase what Mr. Barry called "O.

The New York Times - Arts

"The critical thing is to be able to purchase those vaccines.

The Guardian - Business

Some Americans will have some money, and will be able to purchase goods and services.

The New Yorker

"Schedules are tight — people want to be able to purchase and sell tickets".

The New York Times

"Readers will be able to purchase an electronic version of that day's paper".

The New York Times

and the N.R.A. "All law-abiding citizens should be able to purchase guns at Kmart".

The New York Times

Customers needing more space will be able to purchase additional storage in yearly chunks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's ability to buy, ensure that the context clearly indicates what they are "be able to purchase", and whether any conditions apply (e.g., eligibility, financial constraints).

Common error

While both relate to obtaining something, "be able to purchase" specifically refers to buying, whereas "be able to "procure"" can encompass obtaining something through other means, like acquiring goods or services through effort or influence, without necessarily paying for them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to purchase" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or possibility to buy something. It combines the auxiliary verb 'be' with 'able to' (expressing ability) and the verb 'purchase' (meaning to buy). Ludwig confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

26%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be able to purchase" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the capacity or opportunity to buy something. Ludwig confirms this, highlighting its presence in diverse sources such as news, media, and scientific literature. While alternatives like "afford to buy" or "have the means to buy" exist, "be able to purchase" remains a versatile and widely understood option. Remember to use this phrase when discussing the potential or existing capability to buy, and always consider the context to ensure clarity. Avoid confusing it with similar phrases like "be able to procure", which implies more than just buying something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can buy

Shortened version of the original phrase, maintaining the same meaning.

afford to buy

Stresses the financial feasibility of making a purchase.

be capable of purchasing

Emphasizes the ability and power to make a purchase.

have the means to buy

Emphasizes the financial resources required for purchasing.

have the capacity to acquire

Focuses on the general ability and potential to obtain something.

be in a position to buy

Highlights the favorable circumstances that allow for a purchase.

be eligible to buy

Suggests that specific criteria or conditions are met to allow a purchase.

be entitled to purchase

Indicates a right or permission to buy something.

gain access to buy

Focuses on obtaining the opportunity or permission to make a purchase.

manage to buy

Highlights the effort or overcoming obstacles to make a purchase.

FAQs

How do I use "be able to purchase" in a sentence?

Use "be able to purchase" to indicate someone's capacity or opportunity to buy something. For example, "With the new discount, more students will "be able to purchase" the software."

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

You can use alternatives like "have the means to buy", "afford to buy", or "be in a position to buy" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be able to purchase" or "can purchase"?

Both "be able to purchase" and "can purchase" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Can purchase" is more concise, while "be able to purchase" may sound slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "be able to purchase" and "be allowed to purchase"?

"Be able to purchase" implies having the means or capacity to buy, while "be allowed to purchase" suggests permission or authorization to buy something, implying that there might be rules or restrictions involved.