being able to breed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to breed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing reproduction, genetics, or animal husbandry, among other topics. Example: "In certain species, being able to breed is crucial for the survival of the population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But according to Aqua Bounty, their engineered salmon are all female, they are all sterile, and they are raised in physically contained facilities, and they consider the prospect of their fish being able to breed in the wild as negligible.

BBC

"These chickens are multiplying on an ongoing basis, so there's no investment that has a return anything like being able to breed chickens," Gates said.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

At very low densities, all females were able to breed but after the saturation of breeding territories the breeding rate dropped, and breeding of excess animals was suppressed (Point S in Figure 1A, parameterised for our empirical system in Figure 1B at ~3 females per enclosure).

BMC Ecology

Emperor penguins are able to breed at around three years of age, and usually commence breeding around one to three years later.

Wikipedia

Most sheep have a breeding season (tupping) in the autumn, though some are able to breed year-round.

Wikipedia

It could also be that during the better food year in 2006/07, poorer quality or less experienced birds may have been able to breed than in 2005/06, when low food availability precluded all but the best individuals from breeding.

Plosone

The fish would be bred female and sterile, though a very small percentage might still be able to breed.

The Guardian

If you can't find another member of your species, it's handy to be able to breed with yourself.

The New York Times - Magazine

The project will take two years, Dr. Lerche said, but in the end Davis will be able to breed enough monkeys to share with other centers.

The New York Times - Science

Reproducing only with each other, scientists will soon become so genetically isolated that they'll no longer be able to breed with other humans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fabian social reformers such as Sidney and Beatrice Webb were delighted to think that they would be able to breed a better working class.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the reproductive capabilities of a species or specific organisms, use "being able to breed" to clearly indicate the capacity to reproduce naturally.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to breed" when the context refers to cultivation or development that does not involve biological reproduction. For example, don't use it to describe developing a skill; instead, use phrases like "being able to master" or "being capable of perfecting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to breed" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the capacity or ability to reproduce. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to breed" is a grammatically correct and usable gerund phrase that describes the capacity to reproduce. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness in various contexts. While it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and wiki-based sources, its register is generally neutral. To enhance clarity and precision, consider context-specific alternatives like "being able to reproduce" or "capable of breeding". Remember to avoid using it in contexts unrelated to biological reproduction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of breeding

Focuses on inherent capability rather than the action.

able to reproduce

Uses "reproduce" instead of "breed", implying a biological function.

fertile enough to breed

Adds the condition of fertility as a prerequisite for breeding.

having the capacity to breed

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or potential.

in a condition to breed

Highlights the state or condition that allows breeding.

fit to reproduce

Implies a level of fitness or suitability for reproduction.

with the ability to breed

Directly states the ability as a characteristic.

breeding proficiency

Shifts focus to the skill or proficiency in breeding.

genetically capable of breeding

Specifies the genetic component of breeding capability.

reproductively viable

Uses a more technical term to describe breeding ability.

FAQs

What does "being able to breed" mean?

The phrase "being able to breed" refers to the capacity or capability of an organism to reproduce offspring, typically through sexual reproduction. It's often used in biological and agricultural contexts.

How can I use "being able to breed" in a sentence?

You can use "being able to breed" to describe the reproductive capabilities of animals, plants, or even, in some contexts, microorganisms. For example: "The success of the species depends on "being able to reproduce" in diverse environments."

What are some alternatives to "being able to breed"?

Alternatives include "being able to reproduce", "capable of breeding", "fertile enough to breed", or "having the capacity to breed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "being able to breed" formal or informal language?

"Being able to breed" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, although more technical or scientific writing might prefer "being able to reproduce".