be able to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the capability or skill of reading, often in contexts discussing literacy or comprehension. Example: "To succeed in this course, you must be able to read and understand complex texts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then the check-reading machines won't be able to read the check, delaying the processing time.

The New York Times

You should be able to read them".

The New Yorker

Would he be able to read again?

The New York Times

Inters must be able to read German.

Harvard University

They should be able to read it in The Times.

The New York Times

I doubted whether I'd be able to read a word.

The New Yorker

They need to be able to read the gauge.

The New Yorker

"They must be able to read a tomato".

The New York Times - Food

But who will be able to read our writings?

The New York Times

"You had to be able to read the tea leaves".

The Guardian

You must be able to read your players.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing required skills, specify the level of reading proficiency needed. For instance, "employees must be able to read technical manuals" provides more context than simply saying "employees must be able to read."

Common error

Avoid assuming that because someone can read, they comprehend complex or specialized texts. Always clarify the expected level of reading comprehension. Just because one is "able to read" doesn't mean they can interpret nuanced data or understand technical jargon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to read" functions primarily as a verbal phrase expressing the capacity or ability to understand written language. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a common expression across different contexts. For example, "They should be able to read it in The Times."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be able to read" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the capability of understanding written text. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely recognized and applicable across various contexts. It's commonly found in news, science, and general writing, emphasizing its neutral register. When using this phrase, it's important to specify the level of reading proficiency required. While alternatives exist, "be able to read" remains a straightforward and versatile choice for conveying reading ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of reading

This is a more formal way of expressing the ability to read.

have the capacity to read

This option refers to a fundamental capability of reading.

know how to read

This is a more direct and simple way of expressing the ability to read.

be competent in reading

This phrase implies a satisfactory level of skill in reading.

possess reading comprehension

This alternative emphasizes the understanding aspect of reading, focusing on comprehension skills.

have reading proficiency

This suggests a high level of skill in reading.

have the literacy skills

This phrase highlights literacy as a whole, encompassing reading, writing, and understanding.

understand written language

This option directly refers to the comprehension of text.

be literate

This is a concise way to describe someone who possesses reading and writing skills.

can decipher

This alternative suggests the ability to understand something that is difficult or obscure, like codes or complex documents.

FAQs

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

You can use "be able to read" to express the capability or skill of reading. For example, "To succeed in this course, you must be able to read and understand complex texts." You might also say, "After the surgery, he will be able to read again."

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

Alternatives include "know how to read", "be literate", or "have reading proficiency", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "be able to reading"?

No, "be able to reading" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "be able to read", where "read" is the base form of the verb.

What's the difference between "can read" and "be able to read"?

While both "can read" and "be able to read" express the ability to read, "be able to read" sometimes implies a learned skill or a regained ability. "Can read" is generally more straightforward. Both can be used interchangeably in many contexts.