it is only able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is only able to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is limited to an ability or capability. Example: This device is only able to detect objects within a 5 meter radius.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

In M. smegmatis, the pyruvate kinase has been shown to interact with NDK and manipulate its activity such that it is only able to generate GTP [55].

Plosone

There is a primary school, too, but its numbers are dwindling, and it is only able to sustain one class for all ages.

The Guardian - Travel

But because the tracks it runs on are curvy, and are shared with many other trains, it is only able to reach its top speed of 150 m.p.h. on about 35 miles of track in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The New York Times

It is only able to do so because of new IMF loans bailing out the reckless lenders once again.

The Guardian

SOC, Manchester Crystal explains that due to the smallness of Chambéry airport, baggage is limited and because the company only charts part of the aircraft, it is only able to take 25% of the hold capacity.

The Guardian - Money

June Barnes, chief executive of East Thames Group housing organisation, in the midst of the east London regeneration spree that is part of the run-up to the 2012 Olympics, says it is only able to also focus on support because it is big enough and financially robust enough.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Key Findings and Conclusions The review determined that while the Youth at Risk Program was able to accomplish its five stated objectives, it was only able to reach one of its three stated goals.

Unicef

Yet with the ephemeral social apps losing users, as well as over $300 million per quarter, it was only able to secure new and unknown docu-series like Endless Summer and Growing Up Is a Drag.

TechCrunch

Until now, it was only able to support a crew of three.

The Guardian

A recent study found it was only able to meet 75% of payments over the next 40 to 50 years.

The Guardian

The study was limited because it was only able to count birth defects that were obvious upon delivery, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is only able to", ensure the limitation is clearly defined. This makes the statement more informative and prevents ambiguity. For example, "The software is only able to process JPEG files, not PNG or TIFF."

Common error

Avoid using "it is only able to" when the subject has other capabilities. Overstating limitations can undermine credibility. Ensure you accurately represent the full range of abilities or functions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is only able to" primarily functions as a qualifier, specifically indicating a limitation or restricted capability. It modifies a subject, clarifying what that subject is capable of doing, and highlighting the boundaries of its abilities. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is only able to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction to express limitations or restricted capabilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is appropriate across a wide range of contexts including scientific, journalistic, and formal business environments. When using this phrase, be specific about the constraints being described and avoid overstating them. Alternatives include "it is limited to" or "it can only", and it maintains a consistent, neutral tone suitable for various communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can only

Uses a more concise verb phrase "can only" instead of "is only able to."

it is restricted to

Emphasizes the limitation as a restriction rather than a capability.

it is limited to

Focuses on the finite extent of its capacity or ability.

it is capable of only

Rearranges the order to emphasize the capability but maintains the limitation.

its capability is limited to

Nominalizes the capability and then restricts it.

it exclusively can

Uses "exclusively" to highlight that it can only perform certain actions.

it is just able to

Suggests a minimal level of ability, implying it barely meets the requirement.

it is solely equipped to

Implies that the sole purpose of something is to be equipped with only one function.

it has the capacity to only

Highlights the capacity aspect of the limited capability.

it is designed to only

Emphasizes that the limitation is by design, not by accident.

FAQs

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

Use "it is only able to" to specify a restriction or limited functionality. For example, "This version of the software "it is only able to" perform basic edits".

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

You can use phrases like "it is limited to", "it can only", or "it is restricted to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it is only able to" formal or informal?

"It is only able to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase that's widely understood.

Can I start a sentence with "it is only able to"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with ""it is only able to"" might sound awkward. It's generally better to include a dependent clause. For example, "Because of its limited memory, it is only able to process small files."