it is able to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is able to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the capability or possibility of something being done or achieved. Example: "The software is designed in such a way that it is able to be customized according to user preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

According to its developmental concept, it is able to be applied not only in acrylonitrile synthesis via propylene ammoxidation but also in most of olefins selective ammoxidation and oxidation reactions.

Chemical Engineering Science

"The more the EU reflects on its internal debate, the less it is able to be unified," he said.

BBC

Give a treat to your dog after it is able to be massaged on its ears.

WikiHow

Whether and how the virus is translated from the respiratory tract to skin cells, if it is able to be transported systemically, and its role in the malignant transformation of Merkel cells are all questions worthy of further investigation.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It is able to be accurate to fingertip level to place a piece on the board.

Cornell University

I loved that old building and hope it is able to be preserved.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's not selling anything, so it's able to be what it is.

The New Yorker

"It's just that it's able to be much, much more local".

The New Yorker

It was able to be rolled and twisted as shown in Fig. 1c.

Nanoscale Research Letters

It's able to be resistant to viruses as well… It's utterly serverless.

TechCrunch

The important thing to note here is that it was able to be done without interrupting the viewing process.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Ambiguous references can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it is able to be" in informal contexts. It can sound stilted or overly formal where a more direct expression like "it can be" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is able to be" functions as part of a clause indicating the potential or capability of something to exist in a certain state or undergo a specific process. It describes a possibility, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is able to be" expresses the capability or possibility of something. While grammatically sound and common across diverse contexts like science, news, and academia, simpler alternatives such as "it can be" are often preferable for conciseness. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness of this phrase, advising awareness of tone to avoid excessive formality. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news media sources, suggesting its broad applicability in informative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be

Simplifies the phrase by using the modal verb "can" to indicate ability or possibility, reducing wordiness.

it is possible to be

Replaces "able" with "possible" offering a more formal alternative that emphasizes potential.

it is capable of being

Uses "capable of being" to highlight the inherent capacity for something to be in a certain state.

it has the ability to be

Emphasizes the inherent "ability" rather than the possibility, slightly shifting the focus.

it is designed to be

Focuses on the intended purpose or design of something allowing it to be in a specified condition.

it is meant to be

Indicates a predetermined destiny or intended outcome, adding a sense of inevitability.

it's in a position to be

Highlights the current status or circumstances which enable a certain outcome.

it is eligible to be

Specifies that the subject meets the necessary requirements or conditions to be something.

it is qualified to be

Suggests the subject has the appropriate skills, knowledge, or credentials.

it is fit to be

Indicates suitability or appropriateness for a particular role or purpose.

FAQs

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

Use "it is able to be" to describe the capability or potential of something undergoing a certain process or state. For example, "The software is designed so "it is able to be" customized easily".

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

You can use alternatives such as "it can be", "it is possible to be", or "it is capable of being" depending on the context.

Is "it is able to be" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is able to be" is grammatically correct, although it can sometimes sound a bit wordy. Consider using a more concise option like "it can be" if appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "it is able to be" instead of "it can be"?

While "it can be" is often sufficient, "it is able to be" may be preferred when you want to emphasize the capability or possibility more explicitly. However, always consider conciseness in your writing.