be able to sell

USAGE SUMMARY

"be able to sell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the ability to market and handle the sale of a product or a service. For example: "The sales team must be able to sell the company's products effectively in order to achieve success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Who should be able to sell it?

The New Yorker

"I know I'll be able to sell them easy".

The New York Times - Sports

It helps to be able to sell something right away.

The New York Times - Food

These days you wouldn't be able to sell Monopoly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Goldman Sachs will be able to sell some troubled assets.

The New York Times

Would they be able to sell their fish?

The Guardian

Eventually, the joint ventures will be able to sell stocks to Chinese citizens and institutions.

The New York Times

Nor will they be able to sell up and rent instead.

The Economist

Moreover, buyers of the state's shares will not be able to sell for one year.

The Economist

As a fringe benefit, it may be able to sell China its trading technology.

The Economist

And only so many farmers are likely to be able to sell branded premium milk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be able to sell" when you want to express a general capability or possibility of selling something. For instance, "With the new marketing strategy, the company will be able to sell its products more effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "be able to sell" when you want to emphasize a specific completed action of selling. Instead of saying "They will be able to sell the house next week", consider "They will sell the house next week" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to sell" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing the capacity, ability, or potential to perform the action of selling. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

19%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to sell" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that conveys the capability, permission, or potential to sell. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and this analysis reveals its prevalent use in News & Media sources. When using this phrase, focus on clearly indicating the subject, object, and conditions that influence the ability to sell. Alternatives such as "be capable of selling" or "have the authorization to sell" can offer nuanced meaning depending on the context. Remember to use this phrase in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of selling

Focuses on the competence and skill involved in selling, underlining the expertise.

be allowed to sell

Similar to 'be permitted', but can also imply a more informal allowance.

have the capacity to sell

Emphasizes the inherent ability or potential to sell something, highlighting capability.

be eligible to sell

Focuses on meeting the necessary qualifications or requirements to sell.

be permitted to sell

Similar to 'have the authorization', but emphasizes the allowance from an external authority.

be in a position to sell

Indicates readiness or favorable circumstances for selling, focusing on timing and situation.

be entitled to sell

Highlights a legal or moral right to sell, stressing the justification.

have the authorization to sell

Highlights the permission or legal right to sell, stressing the legitimacy.

have the opportunity to sell

Stresses the availability of a chance or occasion to sell, focusing on favorable moments.

manage to sell

Highlights the act of successfully selling, often implying effort or overcoming difficulties.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be able to sell"?

You can use alternatives like "be capable of selling", "be permitted to sell", or "have the capacity to sell" depending on the context.

Is "be able to sell" formal or informal?

The phrase "be able to sell" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context dictates the overall tone.

What does it mean to "be able to sell" something?

To "be able to sell" something means having the capability, right, or opportunity to market and complete the sale of a product or service.

Which is more appropriate, "be able to sell" or "can sell"?

"Can sell" is often more direct and concise. "Be able to sell" emphasizes the ability or condition that allows the selling to occur. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.