be able to restore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to restore" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or possibility of returning something to a previous state or condition. Example: "With the right tools, you will be able to restore the old car to its former glory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

If this happens, you should be able to restore your stuff from an external back-up.

The Guardian - Tech

Churchill wanted a showdown with the KKE so as to be able to restore the king.

The Guardian

Will Harlequins and rugby union be able to restore their reputations?

Independent

He said they expected to be able to restore it before the night was over.

The New York Times

Even if they give me the entire world they won't be able to restore my dignity".

The New York Times

He had to replace terra cotta tiles he thought he would be able to restore.

The New York Times

If you can edit genes, you ought to be able to restore them to their original condition.

The New Yorker

The Afghan Army is unlikely to be able to restore order as it did in the time of Najibullah.

The New Yorker

"Georgia will be able to restore order in the Pankisi Gorge on its own," he said at a news conference.

The New York Times

She sent a curt e-mail reply, the police said: "The police will not be able to restore my honor".

The New York Times

The city government expects to be able to restore about 45,000 apartments; the rest, he said, were in buildings that were destroyed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to restore", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being restored and to what state. For instance, specify "be able to restore the painting to its original condition" instead of simply "be able to restore the painting".

Common error

Avoid using "be able to restore" when the outcome is uncertain. Instead of saying "we will be able to restore the data", if the recovery is not guaranteed, use "we hope to be able to restore the data" or "we will attempt to restore the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to restore" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the ability or potential to return something to a previous state. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be able to restore" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the capacity or potential to return something to its former state. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "be capable of restoring" exist, "be able to restore" remains a clear and widely understood choice. When using this phrase, ensure the context specifies what is being restored and the intended outcome to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability to restore

Replaces "be able to" with "have the ability to", emphasizing the possession of the capability.

be capable of restoring

Uses "capable of" instead of "able to", offering a slightly more formal tone.

be in a position to restore

Emphasizes the situation or circumstances that allow for restoration.

possess the power to restore

Highlights the strength or authority needed to bring about restoration.

be equipped to restore

Focuses on having the necessary resources or tools for restoration.

be fit to restore

Suggests being in the right condition or state to carry out restoration.

be entitled to restore

Indicates having the right or permission to restore something.

manage to restore

Implies success in restoring, often after some effort or difficulty.

succeed in restoring

Similar to "manage to restore", but places greater emphasis on the successful outcome.

prove able to restore

Highlights the demonstration or confirmation of the ability to restore.

FAQs

What does "be able to restore" mean?

The phrase "be able to restore" means having the capacity or capability to return something to a previous state or condition. It indicates the potential for recovery or renewal.

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

You can use "be able to restore" to describe a situation where someone or something has the potential to return something to a former state. For example, "The software should "be able to restore" the system to its original settings".

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

Alternatives include "be capable of restoring", "have the ability to restore", or "be in a position to restore", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "be able to restore" formal or informal?

"Be able to restore" is generally neutral in tone and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "be capable of restoring" might be preferred in certain professional or academic settings.