be able to respond

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to respond" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability or readiness to reply to a question or situation. Example: "I hope you will be able to respond to my email by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We will be able to respond tomorrow.

The Guardian

Then she would be able to respond in the affirmative".

The Guardian

"The primary function is to be able to respond early".

The New York Times

"Republicans can attack and we wouldn't be able to respond.

The New York Times

Perhaps he wants them to be bicultural, to be able to respond as circumstances dictate.

The New York Times

It doesn't look like the state will be able to respond," said Raftopoulos.

The Guardian

We can't promise that we'll be able to respond to or act on each idea.

The Guardian

"Please note that we will not be able to respond via email".

The Guardian

"The other side would be really short-breathed and wouldn't be able to respond".

The New York Times

These businesspeople will be able to respond rapidly to changing consumer tastes using innovation and creativity.

The New York Times

"To say we would love to be able to respond is probably overstating it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to respond", ensure the context clearly indicates to what the response is directed. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid vague sentences where it's unclear what the subject should "be able to respond" to. Always specify the stimulus or question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to respond" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to react or answer. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and widely used expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to respond" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to express the capacity or readiness to react or answer. As indicated by Ludwig, its neutral register and common usage across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the target of the response. Consider alternatives like "be capable of responding" or "be in a position to respond" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of responding

This alternative uses "capable" instead of "able", emphasizing inherent ability.

be in a position to respond

This phrase highlights the necessary circumstances or conditions for responding.

have the capacity to respond

This option stresses the potential or maximum ability to respond.

be prepared to respond

This alternative focuses on readiness and anticipation of the need to respond.

be equipped to respond

This phrase emphasizes having the necessary tools or resources to respond.

be authorized to respond

This highlights that one has permission or authority to respond.

be entitled to respond

This suggests a right or justification to respond.

be eligible to respond

This indicates that one meets the requirements to respond.

be available to respond

This alternative focuses on the accessibility and presence to respond.

know how to respond

This indicates an understanding of the appropriate method or manner of response.

FAQs

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

You can use "be able to respond" to describe someone's capacity to react or answer. For example, "The company needs to "be able to respond" quickly to market changes."

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

Alternatives include "be capable of responding", "be in a position to respond", or "have the capacity to respond", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "be capable of responding" instead of "be able to respond"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "be capable of responding" may be perceived as slightly more formal than "be able to respond". The choice depends on the overall tone and register of your writing.

What's the difference between "be able to respond" and "be willing to respond"?

"Be able to respond" indicates the capacity to respond, while "be willing to respond" indicates the readiness or desire to respond. One focuses on ability, the other on motivation.