is he able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is he able to" is a perfectly grammatical and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to ask whether someone has the ability, capacity, or permission to do something. For example: "Is he able to drive a car yet?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

So is he able to answer my questions?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How is he able to inhabit the various cultural universes his book animates?

The Guardian - Books

How is he able to do this when so many CEOs can't?

Harvard Business Review

Why, according to the writer, is he able to do so?

The New York Times

The author is not the best authority on his own book, nor is he able to control its reception.

The Guardian - Books

If so, is he able to curb those who seek Shia hegemony or the reassertion of Sunni power?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

How was he able to do that?

Independent

Was he able to speak?

The Guardian

Not until 1548 was he able to recognize her publicly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Had he settled in O.K.? Was he able to shower?

The New Yorker

Was he able to participate in all the drills?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the subtle differences in meaning when choosing between "is he able to" and alternatives like "is he capable of" or "is he permitted to". The most appropriate choice will depend on whether you want to emphasize inherent capacity, external authorization, or a combination of factors.

Common error

Be mindful not to use "is he able to" when the real question is about willingness. For instance, saying "Is he able to help?" might imply he lacks the skill, when you really mean "Is he willing to help?"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is he able to" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about someone's ability, capacity, or permission to perform a specific action. This usage is supported by Ludwig's examples, which showcase its application in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is he able to" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase for inquiring about someone's ability, capacity, or permission to do something. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reports to scientific discussions, and is generally considered neutral to formal in register. While shorter alternatives like "can he" exist, "is he able to" offers a more explicit emphasis on capability and is often preferred in formal writing. Be mindful to distinguish between ability and willingness when using this phrase. With its clear meaning and versatile application, "is he able to" remains a valuable tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can he

Replaces "is he able to" with a more direct question of ability, losing some of the formality.

is he capable of

Emphasizes inherent capacity or potential, rather than current ability or permission.

does he have the ability to

Highlights the presence of a general skill or competence.

is he permitted to

Focuses specifically on whether someone has been given authorization.

is he allowed to

Similar to 'permitted,' but can also imply a lack of external barriers.

is he in a position to

Indicates whether someone's circumstances enable them to do something.

is he equipped to

Highlights whether someone has the necessary resources or training.

is he qualified to

Emphasizes whether someone meets the official criteria for a task.

will he manage to

Shifts the focus to whether the person will successfully achieve something, implying a degree of difficulty.

is he up to

This is an idiomatic alternative that implies both willingness and competence.

FAQs

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

Use "is he able to" when you want to inquire about someone's capacity, skill, or permission to perform an action. For example, "Is he able to drive?" or "Is he able to attend the meeting?"

What's the difference between "is he able to" and "can he"?

"Is he able to" is often perceived as more formal and emphasizes capability or permission. "Can he" is more direct and generally inquires about ability. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but "is he able to" may be preferred in formal writing.

What can I say instead of "is he able to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is he capable of", "does he have the ability to", or "is he permitted to" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is he able to" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is he able to" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure for forming a question about someone's ability or capacity. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources.