is able to start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate someone's capability or permission to begin an action or process. Example: "The software is able to start automatically when the computer boots up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

known as the E.F.S.F., is able to start making purchases.

The New York Times

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is able to start highly exothermic reactions at relatively low temperatures.

Combustion and Flame

But it will take months before the rescue fund is able to start making purchases.

The New York Times

Eventually, I'd like to be a successful producer who is able to start signing talent and make sure my parents are in a comfortable situation.

The Guardian - Music

The fatigue life prediction model is able to start from multiple clad-toe surface cracks propagating from the clad-toe region which coalesce into a dominant surface crack or edge crack before final failure.

International Journal of Fatigue

"The second-generation virus enters a cell with its own few copies of the polymerase protein and is able to start transcribing its genes, including the transgene that we put into it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"I am lucky I was able to start selling newspapers.

The New York Times

Pretty instantly, I was able to start making stuff".

The New York Times - Sports

There's no doubt I should be able to start".

The New York Times - Sports

You've got to be able to start somewhere".

The New York Times

You'll be able to start posting questions from Monday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is able to start", ensure that the context clearly indicates what action or process is being initiated. For example, "The program is able to start automatically after installation."

Common error

Avoid using "is able to start" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "The project is able to start next week", consider "The project starts next week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to start" functions as a verb phrase expressing the capacity or permission to initiate an action or process. It is used to indicate that someone or something has the necessary skills, resources, or authorization to begin something. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is able to start" is a versatile phrase that denotes the capacity or authorization to begin an action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. While suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider whether a more direct and active voice might be preferable. Alternatives like "can commence" or "can initiate" offer subtle differences in formality and emphasis. Remember to tailor your choice based on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can initiate

A more concise and direct alternative, using "initiate" to convey the act of starting.

can commence

This alternative uses a more formal verb ("commence") to express the ability to begin, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

is permitted to begin

This phrase emphasizes permission or authorization to start, adding a layer of approval or consent.

has the go-ahead to start

This phrase suggests that permission has been granted, and there are no further obstacles to beginning.

is capable of beginning

This phrase uses "capable" to emphasize the inherent ability to initiate something, adding a nuance of potential.

is authorized to commence

Similar to 'is permitted to begin', but carries a stronger sense of formal approval or official authorization.

is ready to launch

This implies a state of preparedness and eagerness to begin, often used for new products or campaigns.

is in a position to initiate

This alternative highlights the circumstances that allow for initiation, implying readiness and opportunity.

is eligible to start

This alternative highlights that the ability to start depends on satisfying pre-conditions.

has the capacity to launch

This option implies readiness to "launch" or initiate, often used in the context of projects or initiatives.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is able to start" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "can commence" or "is authorized to commence". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

What's a simpler way to say "is able to start"?

A simpler and more direct alternative is "can initiate". This conveys the same meaning with fewer words.

When should I use "is eligible to start" instead of "is able to start"?

Use "is eligible to start" when the ability to begin depends on meeting certain conditions or qualifications. For example, "The candidate is eligible to start the program after completing the prerequisites."

How does "is ready to launch" differ from "is able to start"?

"Is ready to launch" implies a state of preparedness and anticipation, often used for new products, campaigns, or initiatives. It suggests not only the ability but also the eagerness to begin, while "is able to start" simply indicates the capacity to begin.