he is able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's capability or capacity to do something. Example: "He is able to complete the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is able to obtain medical care.

The Economist

"He is able to respond vocally".

The New York Times

"He is able to listen.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, he is able to walk out.

The Guardian - Film

He is able to earn his living.

The New Yorker

The doubt is whether he is able to do so.

The Economist

It appears he is able to do as he pleases.

The Guardian

He is able to get precisely what he wants.

The New York Times

At first he is able to shave them off.

The New York Times

If he is able to land his 140-m.p.h.

The New York Times

And he is able to self-finance his photo projects.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is able to" when you want to emphasize the capacity or potential to perform an action, especially in formal contexts or when specifying a condition that enables the action.

Common error

In casual conversation or less formal writing, consider using the simpler "he can" instead of "he is able to". The latter can sometimes sound overly formal or stilted in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is able to" functions as a modal construction indicating the subject's capacity or capability to perform an action. It suggests that the subject possesses the necessary skills, resources, or circumstances to achieve a specific outcome, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is able to" is a versatile phrase used to express capability, potential, or permission. According to Ludwig, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted. While it can often be replaced with the simpler "he can", using "he is able to" adds a degree of formality, making it particularly suitable for professional, scientific, or journalistic contexts. Remember to reserve "he can" for casual settings. Also, consider alternatives like "he is capable of" to emphasize inherent skill or "he is permitted to" to highlight permission. With a wide range of examples, Ludwig provides ample context to refine your understanding and usage of this common phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he can

This is a shorter, more direct way of saying "he is able to", indicating ability or possibility.

he is capable of

This alternative emphasizes inherent ability or skill in performing an action.

he has the ability to

This phrase highlights the possession of the necessary skills or qualities.

he is in a position to

This suggests that circumstances allow him to do something, rather than inherent ability.

he is permitted to

This indicates that he has been granted permission or authorization.

he is allowed to

Similar to 'permitted to', this indicates authorization to perform an action.

he is entitled to

This suggests a right or justified claim to do something.

he is authorized to

Implies formal approval or delegation of power to perform an action.

he is fit to

Focuses on the person's suitability or readiness to undertake a task or role.

he is qualified to

Emphasizes that he meets the required standards or possesses the necessary credentials.

FAQs

When is it more appropriate to use "he can" instead of "he is able to"?

The phrase "he can" is generally preferred in informal contexts and everyday conversation. "He is able to" is suitable for more formal writing or when emphasizing capability or the conditions that allow the action.

What are some alternatives to "he is able to" that still sound formal?

Formal alternatives include "he is capable of", "he has the ability to", or "he is in a position to depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference in meaning between "he is able to" and "he is capable of"?

While similar, "he is capable of" emphasizes inherent skill or talent, while "he is able to" more broadly indicates the possession of the means or opportunity to do something.

Can "he is able to" be used to express permission, and if not, what is a better alternative?

While "he is able to" primarily indicates capability, using it for permission can be ambiguous. To express permission, use phrases like "he is allowed to" or "he is permitted to" for clarity.