is able to work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is able to work" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate someone's capability or capacity to perform a task or job. Example: "Despite the challenges, she is able to work effectively under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He has basic conservative principles and is able to work with everybody".

The New York Times

He is able to work the farm with help on the weekends.

The New York Times

Certainly the mother is the only one who knows whether she is able to work nights.

The New York Times

Mr. Mayorga insists that he is able to work, provided he can find employment.

The New York Times

As a director, do you ever feel jealous of a novelist, who is able to work with no interference?

The New York Times - Magazine

settlement, who, though he no longer is able to work loves New York & dreads going back to the reservation.

The New Yorker

If the G-20 is able to work out a common purpose, then a more sustainable market rally is possible".

The New York Times

He gives many and varied reasons why he is able to work at such a pace, then pauses.

The Guardian

The Education Centre team is able to work with groups to adapt workshops to the needs of learners.

The Guardian

As the juiced player continues his off-season cycle, he is able to work out longer and more often.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am truly thankful it is able to work in me," Mr. Quinn said of the device, the AbioCor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is able to work" to clearly express someone's capacity or potential to perform a job or task. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "is able to work" when a more active voice would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "The system is able to work with the new software", try "The system works with the new software."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is able to work" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, indicating capability or capacity. It describes the subject's potential to perform a specific action. As Ludwig examples show, it's used to express someone's ability to function, whether it's a person, a system, or a device.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is able to work" is a versatile expression used to indicate the capability or capacity to perform a task or function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "can work" offer brevity, "is able to work" provides a clear and understandable way to express someone's or something's ability. When using this phrase, remember to avoid overuse of the passive voice for clearer communication. The phrase enjoys very common frequency and is frequently found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can work

This is a shorter, more direct synonym.

is capable of working

This alternative emphasizes capability using a different grammatical structure.

has the ability to work

This phrase explicitly mentions ability, adding a slight emphasis.

is equipped to work

This implies preparedness and resources, suggesting readiness.

is fit to work

This suggests suitability and condition for working.

is in a position to work

This emphasizes the circumstances that allow working.

is authorized to work

This means that someone has permission to work.

is permitted to work

This implies formal approval or allowance.

is eligible to work

This refers to meeting the requirements or qualifications to work.

is entitled to work

This suggests a right or claim to work.

FAQs

What does "is able to work" mean?

The phrase "is able to work" means someone has the capacity, skill, or opportunity to perform a job or task. It indicates capability and possibility.

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

Alternatives include "can work", "is capable of working", or "has the ability to work". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

You can use "is able to work" to describe a person's skills or a system's functionality. For example, "Despite her injury, she is able to work efficiently" or "The new software is able to work with existing databases".

Is "is able to work" formal or informal?

The phrase "is able to work" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very informal situations, "can work" might be preferred for its brevity.