is able to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's capability or skill in utilizing something, often in a formal or descriptive context. Example: "She is able to use advanced software tools to enhance her productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This time, he said, he is able to use his name to give other artists exposure.

The New York Times - Arts

Under his aegis, a hardline faction is able to use every opportunity to undermine the moderates.

Independent

But Belichick is able to use any slight to convince his players that nobody believes in them.

The New York Times - Sports

Somehow, Nutting is able to use this register of exhilarated lovelessness to extract affection from the reader in great quantities.

The New Yorker

"Any advertiser who is able to use a cartoon will," said James Twitchell, the author of "AdCult U.S.A".

The New York Times - Style

"He is able to use his disciplined mind to not get caught up in the emotional swirl".

The New York Times

For example, a blind man who is able to use an iPhone app that has helped him see again.

The New York Times

Democrats have to hope, even pray, that she finds a way to improve her skills and is able to use them to address her weaknesses.

The New Yorker

His purely psychopathic motivation could perhaps, however, have been more interestingly established, and what Ben is able to use in the desert for survival strains credibility.

The Guardian - Film

So the researchers say it seems the insect is able to use its polarization-detection ability to steer its way to safety.

The New York Times

"Playing as the front man, he makes it so hard for defenders to mark him and he is able to use the crosses from both wings so well.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, prefer simpler alternatives like "can use" where appropriate, especially in informal contexts. This keeps your writing concise and direct.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "is able to use" in casual writing or conversation. Simpler alternatives such as "can use" or "may use" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to use" functions as a modal expression indicating capacity, permission, or opportunity. As Ludwig AI highlights, it signifies the subject's competence or authorization to utilize something. It's more formal than simply saying "can use".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is able to use" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase used to indicate capability, permission, or opportunity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and technical domains. While "is able to use" is widely acceptable, remember that simpler alternatives like "can use" may be more appropriate in informal settings to maintain conciseness. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and appropriately employ "is able to use" to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can utilize

This alternative replaces "is able to" with the single word "can" and "use" with "utilize", which is more formal.

is capable of using

This option emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to use something.

has the ability to use

This phrase highlights the possession of an ability related to using something.

is permitted to use

This alternative focuses on the permission or authorization to use something.

is authorized to use

This phrase indicates a formal grant of permission to use something.

is equipped to use

This choice suggests preparedness and the necessary tools or knowledge to use something effectively.

is designed to use

This alternative highlights that something was specifically created or intended to be used.

is suitable for using

Focuses on the appropriateness or fitness of something for a particular use.

knows how to use

This option stresses the knowledge or understanding required to use something properly.

is eligible to use

Highlights the fulfillment of the criteria required to use something.

FAQs

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

A simpler and more direct alternative to "is able to use" is often just "can use". The best choice depends on the context.

When is it better to use "is able to use" instead of "can use"?

"Is able to use" is more formal and emphasizes capability. Use it when you want to highlight someone's specific skill or capacity. In most other cases, "can use" is preferable.

Is "is capable to use" grammatically correct?

No, "is capable to use" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "is capable of using". Alternatively, you can use "is able to use" or simply "can use".

What are some synonyms for "is able to use" that emphasize permission?

If you want to emphasize permission or authorization, you can use phrases like "is permitted to use" or "is authorized to use".