be able to retire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to retire" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the ability or readiness to stop working, typically due to financial stability or age. Example: "After years of saving and investing wisely, I hope to be able to retire comfortably by the age of 65."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The earlier you start planning for your retirement, the earlier you'll be able to retire.

Science Magazine

"Some may never be able to retire".

The New York Times

Otherwise we won't be able to retire".

The New York Times - Tech

Maybe I'll never be able to retire".

The Guardian

When will I be able to retire?

The Guardian - Money

A few more years and we'll be able to retire.

The Guardian - Books

He should not be able to retire like nothing happened.

The Guardian

"All the oil workers go over there to be able to retire.

The New York Times

When she contracted cancer, we were lucky enough to be able to retire.

The New York Times

Hopefully, I'll be able to retire one day, ideally near water, preferably in the Caribbean.

The Guardian

How will I be able to retire on my current salary of £22,285?

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be able to retire" to express the possibility of ceasing work due to sufficient resources or meeting specific criteria. For example, "If I invest wisely, I'll be able to retire early."

Common error

Avoid using "be able to retire" with absolute certainty unless the financial and eligibility aspects are definitively secured. A more cautious approach acknowledges the inherent uncertainties in retirement planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to retire" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the possibility or capacity to stop working, usually due to financial independence or having met certain age or service requirements. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science & Research

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be able to retire" is a common expression signifying the capacity or possibility of ending one's working life, predominantly due to financial security or fulfilling specific criteria. Ludwig AI verifies that this phrase is correct and widely usable in English. As evidenced by numerous examples, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as science and research. It's considered to have a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal discussions. When using this phrase, it's beneficial to specify the factors influencing the ability to retire, ensuring clarity and context. Consider alternatives like "have the means to retire" or "be in a position to retire" to add nuance. A common mistake is overstating certainty without a solid retirement plan in place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the means to retire

Focuses specifically on the financial resources required for retirement.

afford to retire

Highlights the financial aspect of being able to cover living expenses without working.

be in a position to retire

Emphasizes overall circumstances and readiness, not just financial.

be eligible to retire

Focuses on meeting the requirements, often age or service-related, for retirement benefits.

be ready to retire

Emphasizes personal preparedness and willingness to stop working.

be entitled to retire

Highlights the legal or contractual right to retire.

be fit to retire

Indicates suitability, potentially due to health or other personal factors.

have the option to retire

Highlights the availability of a choice regarding retirement.

manage to retire

Suggests overcoming obstacles or challenges to achieve retirement.

be able to stop working

Simplifies the concept to the act of ceasing employment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be able to retire"?

To "be able to retire" means having the necessary resources, such as financial savings and/or pension benefits, to comfortably cease working and maintain your desired lifestyle.

What factors influence whether someone will "be able to retire"?

Factors that determine if someone will "be able to retire" include the amount of savings, investment returns, pension plans, social security benefits, debt levels, and anticipated living expenses.

Is there a difference between "afford to retire" and "be able to retire"?

While similar, "afford to retire" specifically emphasizes the financial capacity to cover living expenses without working, while "be able to retire" encompasses a broader sense of readiness and eligibility, which may include health or personal considerations.

What are some alternative ways to say "be able to retire"?

You could say "have the means to retire", "be in a position to retire", or "be eligible to retire" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.