is able to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's capability or capacity to perform a specific action or task. Example: "She is able to do complex calculations quickly and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Joseph is able to do 8st 12lb.

The Guardian - Sport

No single numerical method is able to do all efficiently.

International Journal of Impact Engineering

The doubt is whether he is able to do so.

The Economist

It appears he is able to do as he pleases.

The Guardian

Not everyone is able to do so, obesity researchers say.

The New York Times

Ultimately, of course, he is able to do just that.

The Guardian - Books

He is able to do that," he said.

The Guardian

What border patrol is able to do is incredible.

The Guardian

This is their taking pride in what their generation is able to do".

The New York Times

If a person is able to do the thing he chooses, then he is free.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"If the Senate is able to do that, we could do it too," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider whether a simpler alternative like "can do" would be more appropriate, especially in informal contexts. While "is able to do" is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "is able to do" to create overly passive sentences. Instead of saying "The problem is able to be solved by the team", a more direct and active construction would be "The team can solve the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to do" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the ability, capacity, or competence to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is able to do" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate capability or capacity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. While versatile, consider opting for the simpler "can do" in informal settings. The phrase finds prominence across diverse sources, including news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian, as well as scientific journals and encyclopedias, making it a reliable choice for expressing ability in various writing contexts. This phrase can be helpful in stating what someone or something has the capacity to accomplish.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can do

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same ability.

is capable of doing

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to perform an action.

has the ability to do

Highlights the possession of a specific skill or talent.

is in a position to do

Indicates that someone has the necessary resources or authority.

is equipped to do

Suggests preparedness or having the necessary tools or knowledge.

is qualified to do

Implies meeting specific requirements or possessing the necessary credentials.

is permitted to do

Focuses on having the authorization or permission to perform an action.

is allowed to do

Similar to "is permitted to do", but can also imply a lack of restriction.

has what it takes to do

Expresses confidence in someone's ability to succeed at a task.

is fit to do

Indicates suitability or appropriateness for a particular task or role.

FAQs

How can I use "is able to do" in a sentence?

Use "is able to do" to express someone's capacity or capability to perform a specific action or task. For example, "She "is able to do" complex calculations quickly and accurately."

What are some alternatives to "is able to do"?

You can use alternatives like "can do", "is capable of doing", or "has the ability to do" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is able to do" or "can do"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "can do" is generally more concise and less formal. Use ""is able to do"" when you want to emphasize the ability or capacity.

What's the difference between "is able to do" and "is going to do"?

"Is able to do" refers to capability, while "is going to do" refers to a future action or intention. For example, "He "is able to do" the job" means he has the skills, whereas "He is going to do the job" means he will perform it.