be able to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the capability or capacity to perform a task or job. Example: "After completing the training, I will be able to work independently on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People will still be able to work.

The New York Times

Would he be able to work again?

The New York Times

Will aid agencies be able to work?

The New York Times

You won't be able to work.

The Washington Post

Will I be able to work?

Harvard Business Review

Will my spouse be able to work?

Yale University

You need to be able to work that out.

Independent

"I must be able to work on it".

The New York Times

"I'll be able to work once again," he crowed.

The New Yorker

"He should be able to work," I contended.

The Guardian - Film

I think we'll be able to work something out".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be able to work" when emphasizing the capacity or ability to perform a specific job or task. It's particularly useful when discussing potential or future capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect tenses or auxiliary verbs with "be able to work". For example, instead of "I will can work", use "I will "be able to" work" or "I can work".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to work" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing the ability or capacity to perform work. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as correct and usable. It frequently appears to describe potential, future, or conditional capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be able to work" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction widely used to express the capacity, possibility, or permission to engage in work. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As demonstrated by the numerous examples, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, it's essential to avoid redundant constructions like "can "be able to"", and to select the appropriate tense and auxiliary verbs for clarity. Consider alternatives like "be capable of working" or "have the opportunity to work" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of working

Focuses on inherent ability or skill to perform work.

have the capacity to work

Emphasizes the potential or maximum amount of work one can handle.

be permitted to work

Highlights legal or formal authorization to engage in work.

be allowed to work

Implies permission or consent to perform work, often from an authority.

have the opportunity to work

Stresses the availability of a chance or occasion to work.

be in a position to work

Indicates having the circumstances or resources necessary for work.

be fit to work

Highlights the physical or mental suitability for performing work.

be ready to work

Emphasizes preparedness and availability to start working.

be available for work

Focuses on being accessible and not otherwise occupied when work is needed.

be employable

Describes the quality of being suitable for employment.

FAQs

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

Use "be able to work" to express the capacity or possibility of performing work. For example, "After the surgery, I hope to "be able to" work again".

What's a more formal alternative to "be able to work"?

In formal contexts, you might use "be capable of working" or "possess the ability to work" as alternatives to ""be able to" work".

Is it correct to say "can be able to work"?

No, "can "be able to" work" is redundant. "Can" already expresses ability, so use either "can work" or ""be able to" work".

What's the difference between "be able to work" and "be allowed to work"?

"Be able to work" refers to having the capacity or skill to perform work, while "be allowed to work" implies permission or authorization. One refers to ability, the other to permission.