must be able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"must be able to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that someone is required to possess a certain skill or be equipped with a certain ability in order to fulfill a specified task. Example: To be considered for the position, you must be able to read and understand technical documents.

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Formal Communication

Technical Documentation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Women must be able to defend themselves.

Independent

But they must be able to hit.

The New York Times - Sports

Journalists must be able to report freely.

The New York Times

We must be able to reach consensus.

The Guardian

They must be able to justify themselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must be able to speak freely".

The New York Times

Must be able to choose immigrants".

The Guardian

"Everyone must be able to live here".

The New York Times

"You must be able to remember".

The New Yorker

All boaters must be able to swim.

The New York Times

We must be able to fight indefinitely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be able to" to clearly state a requirement or essential capability. For softer suggestions, you can use "should be able to".

Common error

Avoid using "must be able to" in casual conversation. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "can" or "need to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be able to" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing obligation coupled with the potential or capacity to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a required ability. This is evident in the examples where it's used to specify necessary skills or qualifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be able to" is a modal verb phrase used to express a necessary skill or capability. It's grammatically correct and highly versatile, appearing in various contexts ranging from news articles to scientific publications. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely recognized and correctly used in written English. While it's appropriate for both formal and neutral registers, alternatives like "can" or "should be able to" may be more suitable for informal settings. The phrase is used to establish a clear expectation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has to be able to

Indicates an obligation or requirement, similar in strength to "must".

needs to be able to

Emphasizes a necessity, making it slightly stronger than the original phrase.

is required to be able to

Adds formality, emphasizing the compulsory nature of the ability.

should be able to

Expresses a recommendation or expectation rather than a strict requirement.

is competent to

Highlights the required level of skill or expertise.

is qualified to

Specifies that someone meets the necessary criteria or standards.

is capable of

Focuses on the inherent ability or capacity to do something.

have the capacity to

Emphasizes the inherent potential or capability.

can

A simpler, more direct way of expressing ability.

is in a position to

Indicates the availability of opportunity and ability to act.

FAQs

How do I use "must be able to" in a sentence?

Use "must be able to" to indicate a necessary skill or requirement. For example, "All applicants "must be able to" speak English fluently".

What are some alternatives to "must be able to"?

You can use phrases like "should be able to", "needs to be able to", or "is required to be able to" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "must be able to" or "can"?

"Must be able to" implies a requirement or necessity, while "can" simply indicates ability. Use ""must be able to"" when the ability is essential, and "can" when it is simply a possibility.

When is it appropriate to use "must be able to"?

It's appropriate in formal contexts, such as job descriptions, legal documents, or instructions, where it's crucial to specify required skills or capabilities.