is able to do so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to do so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's capability or capacity to perform a specific action or task. Example: "She is confident that she is able to do so, given her extensive experience in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The doubt is whether he is able to do so.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

"He is able to do so many things and create so many plays.

The New York Times - Sports

She said he is able to do so because only a modest share of his patients have it.

The New York Times - Health

He is able to do so because he has ditched all three of the fiscal rules set by his predecessor.

The Guardian - Business

I really hope everyone who is able to do so will donate what they can to his defense fund.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mrs. Sarkozy praised the president as "a man who is able to do so much for France".

The New York Times

Universities should work at creating funds to ensure that anyone who wants to study abroad is able to do so.

The Guardian

If she is able to do so, switching to another product that covers just her basic income would be a far cheaper option.

Independent

But he has made clear that he intends to keep playing, and if he is able to do so, the Yankees will have to keep paying him.

The New York Times - Sports

It is able to do so by tapping the deep vein of Indian suspicion of globalisation in general and of big multinationals in particular.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is able to do so", ensure the context clearly defines what "so" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "is able to do so" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "can do so" or "is capable of doing so" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to do so" functions as a predicate expressing someone or something's capacity or capability to perform a specific action, the nature of which is typically indicated earlier in the sentence or context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

26%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is able to do so" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey capability or capacity. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a wide range of sources, confirms that it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While "is able to do so" is suitable for most situations, varying your language with synonyms such as "can do so" or "is capable of doing so" can enhance your writing style. Remember to always ensure that the referent of "so" is clear to avoid ambiguity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is a standard expression and suitable for professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is capable of doing so

Replaces "able" with "capable", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning of having the capacity to act.

can do so

A more concise and informal alternative using the modal verb "can" to express ability.

has the capacity to do so

Focuses on the inherent potential or ability to perform the action, using more formal language.

is in a position to do so

Emphasizes the circumstances that allow the action, highlighting opportunity rather than inherent ability.

is equipped to do so

Suggests having the necessary resources or tools to perform the action, implying preparedness.

is empowered to do so

Implies having the authority or power to perform the action, often in a legal or organizational context.

is permitted to do so

Highlights that there are no restrictions or prohibitions on the action; ability stems from authorization.

is suited to do so

Highlights the suitability or appropriateness of the subject for performing the action, emphasizing fitness.

is authorized to do so

Similar to "is permitted to do so", emphasizing formal approval or permission.

is eligible to do so

Focuses on meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications to perform the action, stressing compliance.

FAQs

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

Use "is able to do so" to indicate that someone or something has the capacity or capability to perform a specific action. For example, "Because of her training, she is able to do so efficiently."

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

You can use alternatives like "can do so", "is capable of doing so", or "is in a position to do so" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "can" or "is able to"?

Both "can" and "is able to" express ability, but "can" is generally more concise and informal. "Is able to" is often used when emphasizing the process or conditions that make the ability possible.

What is the difference between "is able to do so" and "is willing to do so"?

"Is able to do so" indicates the capacity or capability to perform an action, while "is willing to do so" indicates a readiness or willingness to perform the action. The former focuses on ability, while the latter focuses on intent.