be able to undergo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to undergo" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capacity or capability to experience or endure something, often in a medical or technical context. Example: "The patient must be able to undergo the necessary treatment to improve their condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She won't be able to undergo treatment for cancer without risking the life of her unborn child.

The Guardian

Even a poorly preserved brain, they reasoned, might be able to undergo a kind of digital repair and rehabilitation.

The New York Times

Thus, they may at least potentially be able to undergo switching or shuffling events under stress scenarios.

Nature

Once the strength in the leg that was broken reaches 80percentt of that in the other leg, Williams will be able to undergo contact drills.

The New York Times - Sports

Residents, office workers and federal employees who are not now eligible would be able to undergo screening and then enter the long-term health-monitoring program.

The New York Times

Fry thinks she might be able to undergo a second round of her latest immunotherapy, as long as her cancer is still producing CD22 proteins.

The Washington Post

"The number of people who will be able to undergo scar remodeling surgery will go up dramatically if this drug works," says Cauwenbergh.

MIT Technology Review

In handing down the ruling the judge, Hisaki Kobayashi, said that, depending on the nature of the crime, individuals should be able to undergo rehabilitation with a clean online sheet after a certain period of time has elapsed.

The Guardian - Tech

The transporter must be able to undergo a conformational change when not bound to either substrate, so as to complete the cycle and return the binding sites to the side from which driving and driven substrates both move.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Babies born with incurable inherited diseases might in the future be able to undergo a revolutionary stem-cell treatment that restores the function of at least some of their damaged organs and tissues, scientists have said.

Independent

(By contrast, the cells that comprise the bulk of most tumours lack these surface proteins and are poor at creating new tumours).Dr Ryan, Dr Pine and Dr Harris reasoned that if such cells really are stem cells then they should be able to undergo both symmetrical and asymmetrical divisions, just like the stem cells in healthy tissue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to undergo", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and capable of the action described. For instance, "Patients must be able to undergo the treatment" clarifies the requirement for treatment eligibility.

Common error

Avoid using "be able to undergo" in contexts where the subject's willingness is more relevant than their capability. For example, instead of saying "They are able to undergo the procedure", consider "They are willing to undergo the procedure" if willingness is the primary concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to undergo" functions as a verb phrase indicating the capacity or suitability to experience a process, procedure, or change. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, often related to medical treatments, scientific processes, or personal development.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to undergo" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the capability or suitability to experience a process, with frequent application in scientific and news contexts. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, indicating capacity or permission. While alternatives like "be suitable to undergo" or "be eligible to undergo" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to ensure the subject is clearly defined and capable of the action. Overall, this phrase is a reliable and clear way to communicate the ability to experience something, as supported by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suitable to undergo

Replaces "able" with "suitable", focusing on appropriateness rather than just capability.

be eligible to undergo

Replaces "able" with "eligible", suggesting that certain conditions must be met before undergoing something.

be likely to undergo

Shifts the focus from capability to probability of experiencing something.

be prepared to undergo

Highlights the state of readiness for experiencing something.

be ready to undergo

Similar to "be prepared to undergo", indicating a state of readiness.

be in a position to undergo

Emphasizes the circumstances that allow for undergoing something.

have the capacity to undergo

Replaces "be able" with "have the capacity", emphasizing the inherent ability.

be qualified to undergo

Suggests meeting specific qualifications or requirements.

be permitted to undergo

Indicates that permission or authorization is granted.

be authorized to undergo

Similar to "be permitted to undergo", focusing on official authorization.

FAQs

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

Use "be able to undergo" to indicate that someone or something has the capacity or is in a suitable condition to experience a process or procedure. For instance, "Only patients with stable heart conditions will be able to undergo the surgery safely".

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

Alternatives include "be suitable to undergo", "be eligible to undergo", or "be likely to undergo" depending on whether you want to emphasize suitability, eligibility, or probability.

Is there a difference between "be able to undergo" and "be willing to undergo"?

"Be able to undergo" focuses on capability or suitability, while "be willing to undergo" emphasizes consent and readiness. For instance, a patient might be able to undergo a treatment but not be willing to do so. Consider clarifying the correct use cases in order to avoid confusion.

When is it more appropriate to use "be eligible to undergo" instead of "be able to undergo"?

Use "be eligible to undergo" when specific criteria or requirements must be met before someone can experience a process or treatment. For example, "Only those who meet the study criteria will "be eligible to undergo" the trial treatment".