is able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"able to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you are speaking about somebody's ability to do something. Example: He is able to solve the problem quickly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

God is able to survive".

The New York Times

Happily the blogosphere is able to provide.

The Economist

"He is able to respond vocally".

The New York Times

Ron physically is able to do things.

The New York Times - Sports

He is able to obtain medical care.

The Economist

"He is able to listen.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not everybody is able to recognize it".

The New York Times

Ms. Dulaney is able to have both.

The New York Times

Again, he is able to walk out.

The Guardian - Film

"Joseph is able to do 8st 12lb.

The Guardian - Sport

Not everybody is able to say that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is able to" when you want to emphasize capability, permission, or the resources available to perform an action.

Common error

Avoid using "is able to" in simple sentences where "can" is more concise and natural. Overusing "is able to" can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating the ability, capacity, or permission to perform an action. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is able to" is a versatile expression used to denote capability, capacity, or permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in written English. While similar to "can", "is able to" often carries a more formal tone and can emphasize effort or specific circumstances. It's especially prevalent in scientific and news contexts. However, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where "can" would be more appropriate. Considering alternatives like "is capable of" or "has the ability to" can also enrich your writing. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "is able to" to convey the precise meaning you intend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can

This is a more concise and often preferred alternative to "is able to".

is capable of

This alternative emphasizes inherent capacity or potential.

has the ability to

This phrase explicitly highlights the possession of a skill or capacity.

is in a position to

This suggests the presence of favorable circumstances to do something.

is equipped to

Implies having the necessary resources or tools.

is empowered to

Highlights that someone has been given the authority or power to act.

is permitted to

Indicates that something is allowed or authorized.

is allowed to

Similar to "is permitted to", but with a slightly less formal tone.

manages to

Emphasizes successfully accomplishing something, often despite difficulty.

is apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

FAQs

When should I use "is able to" instead of "can"?

"Is able to" can emphasize effort, capability under specific circumstances, or formal permission, while "can" is a more general statement of ability. For example, "He "can" speak French" states a general ability, whereas "He is able to speak French after intensive study" emphasizes the effort and achievement.

What are some alternatives to "is able to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "can", "is capable of", "has the ability to", or "is in a position to".

Is "is able to" more formal than "can"?

Yes, "is able to" generally carries a more formal tone than the more common and versatile "can". It's suitable for professional or academic writing where a slightly elevated style is appropriate.

What is the difference between "is able to" and "is going to be able to"?

"Is able to" refers to a current ability or capability. "Is going to be able to" refers to a future ability, indicating that someone will possess the capacity to do something at a later time.