is able to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the capability or possibility of something happening or being done. Example: "The software is able to be updated remotely, allowing for easier maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Only Ramzan is able to be a national leader.

The New York Times

He is able to be the father to Frannie's child.

The Guardian - Books

James is able to be happy in Ireland.

The New York Times - Books

This simple approach is able to be used for any polymer powder without any solvents.

Composites Part B: Engineering

The perturbation about Fornberg's pattern is able to be unstable for both physical and computational modes.

Journal of Computational Physics

In his novels of course he is able to be both a writer and an archaeologist.

The New York Times - Books

Here the poet-translators' engagement with the originals is able to be more robust.

The Guardian - Books

At last, the writer is able to be kind to his wounded former selves".

The Guardian - Books

He is able to be at once clever and very stupid".

The Guardian

"No airport is able to be silent," he declared in a rare display of confidence.

The Guardian

If the array is able to be operated on, the stage operates on it.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be" as a more concise and frequently preferred alternative to "is able to be" in most contexts. This maintains clarity while streamlining your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is able to be" in situations where "can be" or a simpler verb form is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily wordy or formal. For example, instead of saying "The report is able to be submitted online", say "The report can be submitted online."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to be" functions as a modal verb construction, indicating possibility, capacity, or permission. It combines the auxiliary verb "is", the adjective "able", the infinitive marker "to", and the verb "be" to express the capacity for something to happen or exist. As Ludwig AI says, it expresses the capability or possibility of something happening or being done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is able to be" is a grammatically sound construction used to express capability or possibility. While correct, simpler alternatives such as "can be" often provide greater concision. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. The phrase sees prevalent use in science, news media, and academic writing. When aiming for a more streamlined expression, remember that context dictates whether "is able to be" or its shorter counterparts best serve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be

This is a more concise and common way to express the same ability or possibility. It replaces the longer phrase with a simple modal verb.

is capable of being

This alternative emphasizes capability and often implies a potential that may or may not be realized. It's slightly more formal.

has the ability to be

This phrase highlights the inherent capacity or potential for something to exist or occur, focusing on the inherent ability rather than just possibility.

is in a position to be

This suggests that the subject has reached a state or condition that allows for a certain outcome or action, implying readiness or preparedness.

is designed to be

This indicates that something was intentionally created or planned to function or exist in a particular way, emphasizing the purpose behind its construction.

is meant to be

This implies a sense of destiny or inevitability, suggesting that something is predestined or intended to happen in a certain way.

is eligible to be

This specifies that the subject meets certain requirements or qualifications necessary for a particular status or outcome, focusing on meeting criteria.

is qualified to be

Similar to "eligible to be", this suggests that the subject possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, or experience to fulfill a specific role or function.

is permitted to be

This denotes that something is allowed or authorized to occur, often implying permission or legal approval.

is authorized to be

Similar to "is permitted to be", this emphasizes the official sanction or approval required for something to exist or happen.

FAQs

How can I rewrite sentences using "is able to be" to sound more concise?

In most cases, you can replace "is able to be" with the modal verb "can be". For instance, "The problem is able to be solved" can be simplified to "The problem "can be solved"".

What are some formal alternatives to "is able to be"?

Formal alternatives include phrases like "is capable of being", "is equipped to be", or "is in a position to be". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference in meaning between "is able to be" and "can be"?

While the phrases are often interchangeable, "is able to be" can sometimes suggest a greater degree of effort or preparation required compared to the more straightforward "can be". However, this distinction is often subtle.

When is it best to use "is able to be" instead of "can be"?

Use "is able to be" when you want to emphasize the capability or potential for something to happen, especially if that capability is the result of specific conditions or preparations. However, in most everyday contexts, "can be" is perfectly acceptable and often preferred.