being able to walk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to walk" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the capability or ability to walk, often in contexts discussing mobility or physical health. Example: "After months of rehabilitation, she was finally being able to walk without assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I loved being able to walk everywhere".

The New York Times

I never thought of not being able to walk.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I miss being able to walk along the riverbank.

The Guardian

I had a chance of being able to walk again.

The Washington Post

That includes no longer being able to walk down the street unrecognized.

The New York Times

Being able to walk, run and pedal a bicycle were not the only benefits I received.

The New York Times

Park speaks contentedly of being able to "walk around more easily" in Manchester.

Independent

This is what I had dreamed of since being able to walk myself.

The New York Times

Being able to walk in their footsteps (physically) is a truly special experience.

Princeton University

I'll miss being able to walk down the street and see something new everyday".

The New York Times

I do quite enjoy for example being able to walk down the street and not worry.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In urban planning or community development contexts, use "being able to walk" to highlight the importance of pedestrian-friendly environments.

Common error

Avoid overstating the impact of "being able to walk". While significant, it's crucial to acknowledge that mobility is just one aspect of overall well-being and doesn't necessarily equate to complete recovery or full participation in all activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to walk" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, highlighting its role in describing a state of capability or the act of possessing the ability to ambulate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to walk" is a grammatically sound and versatile gerund phrase, frequently used to express the capacity or ability to ambulate across various contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability. Its frequency in news, media, and academic settings underscores its importance in discussing physical abilities, rehabilitation, and urban planning. While alternatives like "having the capacity to walk" or "capable of walking" exist, "being able to walk" maintains a balance of clarity and accessibility, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to walk

Replaces "being able" with "having the capacity", emphasizing inherent capability.

possessing the ability to walk

Uses "possessing the ability" to highlight the ownership of the walking skill.

capable of walking

Replaces the gerund phrase with a simple adjective phrase.

able to ambulate

Substitutes "walk" with the more formal "ambulate".

in a condition to walk

Highlights the state or condition that allows walking.

with the freedom to walk

Emphasizes the liberty or permission to walk.

having the opportunity to walk

Focuses on the chance or occasion to walk.

in a position to walk

Indicates that circumstances allow for walking.

retaining the power to walk

Highlights the endurance or maintained ability to walk.

maintaining the potential to walk

Focuses on the preservation of the capacity to walk in the future.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "being able to walk" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "having the capacity to walk" or "possessing the ability to walk". These options add a level of sophistication to your writing.

What are some situations where "being able to walk" is particularly important to emphasize?

Emphasize "being able to walk" when discussing recovery from injury, urban planning that promotes pedestrian access, or advancements in assistive technology.

Is there a difference between "being able to walk" and "capable of walking"?

While similar, "being able to walk" often implies a current or recently acquired ability, whereas "capable of walking" suggests a general or inherent capacity.

How can I use "being able to walk" in a sentence about urban development?

You might say, "The city's new infrastructure prioritizes being able to walk safely and conveniently, encouraging a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for its residents."