be able to write

USAGE SUMMARY

"be able to write" is correct and usable in written English, and can be used to express the ability to write something, either physical or metaphorical.
For example, "I know I need to improve my writing skills, so I'm going to start practicing regularly to be able to write better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be able to write a story.

The Guardian - Books

Will I be able to write again?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They'll never be able to write the show tonight.

The New York Times

"You don't have to be able to write it down.

The New Yorker

"I'd like to be able to write clearer.

The New Yorker

"You have to be able to write well," Boyd said.

The Guardian - Books

He is said to be able to write notes.

The New York Times - Arts

Will I still be able to write jokes?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I should be able to write a rollicking little masterpiece".

The Guardian - Books

"He wanted to be able to write like that.

The New York Times - Arts

"Ideally a man should be able to write about childbirth.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be able to write", ensure the context clearly defines what kind of writing is being referred to (e.g., "be able to write code", "be able to write concisely").

Common error

Avoid using "be able to write" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "The report should be able to be written by the team", opt for the more direct "The team should be able to write the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to write" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to perform the act of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates competence or potential, which is demonstrated across various examples in the search results.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to write" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express the capacity or ability to write. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While its register is generally neutral, ensure clarity in defining the type of writing referred to and avoid overuse of passive constructions. Alternatives like "have the ability to write" and "know how to write" offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability to write

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to perform writing.

have the skill to write

Directly points to possessing the learned ability to write.

know how to write

Focuses on possessing the knowledge and technique required for writing.

be capable of writing

Highlights the competence and potential to engage in writing.

be permitted to write

Shifts the focus to having authorization or allowance to write.

be in a position to write

Indicates having the necessary circumstances or resources to write.

be qualified to write

Emphasizes having the necessary credentials or expertise for writing.

be eligible to write

Similar to 'be permitted to write' but implies meeting specific requirements.

can put pen to paper

Figurative expression suggesting the ability to start the process of writing

be empowered to write

Suggests having the confidence, authorization, or resources to write effectively

FAQs

How can I improve my ability to write?

Improving your writing skills involves consistent practice, reading widely to observe different styles, seeking feedback on your work, and focusing on clarity and conciseness. Consider exploring online writing courses or joining a writing group for structured guidance.

What are some alternatives to saying "be able to write"?

You can use alternatives like "have the ability to write", "know how to write", or "be capable of writing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be able to writing"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "be able to write", where "write" is the base form of the verb. Using the gerund form "writing" is not appropriate after the modal verb "be able to".

How does context affect the meaning of "be able to write"?

The context can specify the type or quality of writing being discussed. For example, "be able to write concisely" emphasizes brevity, while "be able to write code" refers to programming skills. The context provides the specific scope of the writing ability.