be able to spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to spell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability or skill in spelling words correctly. Example: "By the end of the course, students should be able to spell all the vocabulary words accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We introduced "spellcasting" (making magic by spelling out simple instructions) because we wanted children to be able to spell; it was deliberate wordplay.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Referring to David Wright and Carlos Delgado, Manuel said: "You've got to be able to spell David at third and maybe Carlos at first.

The New York Times - Sports

He worries that his diorama looks as if "it was made by a 2-year-old"; he decides to write a short poem "because that would mean fewer words he might not be able to spell".

The New York Times - Books

"My mom tells me all the time: 'Spellcheck has made you not be able to spell,' " said Ehren Fairfield, a 22-year-old senior at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., who spent a year studying in Beijing.

The New York Times - Tech

If you can reach the soaring beauty of The Great Gatsby you can get away with pretty much anything, but the rest of us drones should be able to spell privilege with our eyes shut.

The Guardian - Books

"Only two things I know about Albuquerque: Bugs Bunny should have taken a left turn there and give me a hundred tries, I'll never be able to spell it".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Nobody accuses them of not being able to spell potato.

The New York Times

Being able to spell that out concretely, with specific examples, could be crucial to being hired.

The New York Times

Being able to spell difficult, unphonetic English words is not an intellectual exercise but a stunt.

The New York Times

Imagine if you had the added complication of not being able to spell?

The Guardian - Money

"I just don't think that being able to spell is today a critical skill," Ms. Nathanson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing spelling skills, use "be able to spell" to clearly indicate someone's capacity to spell words correctly. For example, "Students should be able to spell common vocabulary words by the end of the semester."

Common error

Avoid replacing "be able to spell" with unnecessarily complex alternatives. Simpler phrasing ensures clarity and directness in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to spell" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing the capacity or skill of spelling. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It indicates someone's capability to correctly form words using letters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be able to spell" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating someone's capacity to spell words correctly. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, it’s often found in news, media and educational content. For alternative expressions, you could consider "know how to spell" or "have the ability to spell". When writing, ensure clarity and avoid overcomplicating the phrase with unnecessarily complex vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

know how to spell

Focuses on the knowledge aspect rather than the ability.

have the ability to spell

More formal and emphasizes the inherent capacity.

be capable of spelling

Highlights competence in spelling.

be proficient in spelling

Stresses a high level of skill in spelling.

spell correctly

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the action of spelling accurately.

master the art of spelling

More figurative, suggesting a deep understanding of spelling.

demonstrate spelling skills

Emphasizes showing the ability to spell.

be adept at spelling

Highlights skillfulness in spelling.

possess spelling competence

Formal and emphasizes the required spelling abilities.

manage to spell

Focuses on achieving the act of spelling, possibly despite difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "be able to spell" to describe someone's capacity to spell words correctly. For example, "A good student should be able to spell well".

What's a simple way to say "be able to spell"?

A simpler way to say "be able to spell" is to use phrases like "know how to spell" or just "spell correctly".

Which is correct, "be able to spell" or "can spell"?

Both "be able to spell" and "can spell" are correct, but "can spell" is generally more concise and commonly used. "Be able to spell" emphasizes the ability itself.

What is the difference between "be able to spell" and "have the ability to spell"?

"Be able to spell" and "have the ability to spell" are similar, but the latter is more formal and emphasizes an inherent capacity, whereas the former refers to a general skill.