it is able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express capability or ability to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The new software is able to process data much faster than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Besides, it is able to assign its transfer targets and to secure against most RFID attacks.

Electronic Commerce Research and Applications

It is able to distinguish malignant from benign tumors.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

Consequently, it is able to provide a more general application.

International Journal of Production Economics

Thereby it is able to achieve full traceability.

Computers in Industry

It is able to survive on dry ground.

The Economist

It is shown that it is able to separate healthy bearings from damaged balls and races.

Measurement

It is demonstrated that it is able to approximate the correct solution in two test problems.

Journal of Computational Physics

Furthermore, it is able to deal with noisy sensors and approximative world models.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

It is able to identify shocks without PDE sensitive parameters to tune.

Journal of Computational Physics

Since, it is able to handle constrained multi-input multi-output optimal control problems.

Mechatronics

It is able to simulate the normal and Huntington's disease stride time intervals.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it can" for a more concise and direct expression of ability, especially in informal contexts. While "it is able to" is perfectly acceptable, "it can" often streamlines your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is able to be done" when a more active construction like "it can be done" is clearer and more engaging. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is able to" functions as a modal phrase expressing the capability or possibility of something to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

83%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is able to" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote capability or possibility. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and frequency. However, while correct, it's essential to consider the context and desired tone. For informal settings, "it can" offers a simpler, more direct alternative. In more formal contexts, "it is capable of" or "it has the ability to" might be suitable. Keep an eye on avoiding passive constructions to maintain clear and impactful writing. Knowing your audience and the intent of your message is fundamental in choosing the best option. The phrase is very common in scientific contexts and fairly common in news media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can

Replaces "is able to" with the simpler and more direct modal verb "can".

it is capable of

Substitutes "able" with the adjective "capable", adding a slightly more formal tone.

it has the ability to

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the possession of the ability to perform an action.

it is in a position to

Indicates that something is in a state or situation that allows it to do something.

it is equipped to

Suggests that something has the necessary tools or resources to do something.

it is designed to

Highlights the intended purpose or function of something.

it is known to

Indicates that something has a proven or established ability to do something.

it is empowered to

Suggests that something has been given the authority or power to do something.

it is permitted to

Implies that something has permission or authorization to do something.

it is authorized to

Emphasizes the official or legal permission to do something.

FAQs

What is a simpler way to say "it is able to"?

A more concise and commonly used alternative is /s/it+can, which conveys the same meaning of capability or possibility.

Is "it is able to" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it is able to" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. However, simpler alternatives might be preferred depending on the context.

When should I use "it is able to" instead of "it can"?

While /s/it+can is often preferred for its brevity, "it is able to" can be used for emphasis or in more formal contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and style of your writing.

What are some formal alternatives to "it is able to"?

Formal alternatives include /s/it+is+capable+of, /s/it+has+the+ability+to or "it is in a position to" which are suitable for professional or academic writing.