it would be able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the potential capability of something in a hypothetical situation. Example: "If we invest in new technology, it would be able to improve our efficiency significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

If Amazon won its case, however, it would be able to seek monetary damages.

The New York Times

Singapore Telecommunications said it would be able to list its stock on the Australian Stock Exchange.

The New York Times

Under the proposals, the UKBA says it would be able to reduce its annual £2.45bn budget by £346m.

Independent

BP said it was hopeful that it would be able to resurrect its plan to explore the Arctic.

The Guardian - Business

And with its more efficient electric propulsion system, it would be able to stay at sea longer without refueling.

The New York Times

In a conference call with analysts, the company said it believed it would be able to maintain its growth rate.

The New York Times

But the network said it would be able to stanch any potential ratings losses with its own original series.

The New York Times - Arts

The company said it would be able to travel 225 miles between charges to its electric engine.

Los Angeles Times

It would be able to switch itself on and off.

The New Yorker

First, it would be able to dive far deeper, because concrete is particularly strong under pressure.

The Economist

It would be able to perform any calculation set before it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be sure to follow "it would be able to" with a verb expressing the action that the subject is capable of performing.

Common error

Avoid using "it will be able to" when referring to a past hypothetical situation. Instead, use "it would have been able to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be able" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing potential capability or possibility in a hypothetical or conditional context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and wide applicability, as demonstrated by the numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be able" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote potential or hypothetical capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and general discourse. While alternatives like "it could be capable" or "it might be able" offer subtle nuances, "it would be able" remains a reliable choice for conveying conditional abilities. Ensure correct tense usage (avoiding confusion with "it will be able") and consult the provided guidance to maximize clarity and precision in your writing. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its legitimacy and practical value.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be capable

Changes the modal verb from "would" to "could", suggesting a lower degree of certainty or possibility.

it might be able

Replaces "would" with "might", indicating a more tentative possibility.

it would have the capacity

Substitutes "able" with "have the capacity", emphasizing the inherent potential or capability.

it would be in a position to

Replaces "able" with "in a position to", highlighting the state or circumstances that enable the action.

it would be equipped to

Emphasizes preparedness and resources available for a specific task.

it would be empowered to

Focuses on the authority or permission granted to perform an action.

it would be suited to

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose.

it would be designed to

Indicates that the ability is an intentional feature or purpose.

it could potentially

Uses "potentially" to express that something has a possibility to happen or be done.

it can accomplish

Uses the verb "accomplish" to express the act of succeeding in doing something, implying capability.

FAQs

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

Use "it would be able" to describe a hypothetical capability or potential. For example, "If the new software were installed, it "would be able" to process data more efficiently."

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

Alternatives include "it could be capable", "it might be able", or "it would have the capacity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it will be able" instead of "it would be able"?

While "it will be able" is grammatically correct, "it would be able" is typically used in conditional sentences or when discussing hypothetical situations. "It will be able" implies a future certainty, while "it would be able" suggests a potential or conditional ability.

When should I use "it would have been able" instead of "it would be able"?

"It would have been able" is used to describe a past hypothetical capability. For example, "If the team had more resources, it "would have been able" to complete the project on time."