that is able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the capability or capacity to perform a specific action or function. Example: "The new software is that is able to process data more efficiently than the previous version."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The person that is able to do that is able to have a lot of empathy for others.

The New York Times

With the Magic Cursor we've created a digital technology that is able to really "hear" music.

The Guardian

"We don't have anybody that is able to look at the entire picture," she said.

The New York Times

What taxpayers want is a financial system that is able to withstand unforeseen shocks.

The Guardian - Business

It is programmed with special software that is able to learn from its mistakes.

The Economist

A democracy cannot function without an informed public that is able to separate propaganda from fact.

The New York Times

This is a technology that is able to detect specific DNA from biological samples.

The Guardian

We also introduce a new numerical flux that is able to deal with nonconservative products.

Journal of Computational Physics

Today biochar is considered a stable-carbon source that is able to improve soil quality.

Geoderma

Regarding v7, Wasapy is the only scanner that is able to detect it.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

We also implement an evaluation methodology that is able to deal with usage data streams.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, consider replacing "that is able to" with shorter alternatives like "able to" or "capable of" without sacrificing clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "that is able to" in simple sentences where "can" would suffice. For example, instead of "A child that is able to read can access more information", write "A child who can read can access more information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is able to" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun. It specifies a particular attribute or capability of the noun it modifies. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in diverse contexts, from describing technologies to human attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that is able to" serves as a relative clause, defining a quality or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility, appearing frequently across diverse contexts like science, news, and general writing. While acceptable in various settings, conciseness is key; alternatives like "able to" or "capable of" might be preferable in simpler sentences. Use "that is able to" to emphasize a specific capability or differentiate qualities explicitly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to

A shorter version of the original phrase, omitting "that is".

can

Simplifies the expression to a basic modal verb.

capable of

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise adjective.

has the ability to

Rephrases the concept using the noun "ability".

which can

Replaces "that is able to" with a relative pronoun and modal verb, changing the sentence structure slightly.

with the capacity to

Substitutes "that is able to" with a more formal expression emphasizing potential.

empowered to

Suggests authorization or enablement to perform an action.

in a position to

Indicates readiness or preparedness rather than inherent ability.

in a condition to

Emphasizes the state or circumstance allowing the action.

equipped to

Focuses on the provision of necessary resources or skills.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "that is able to"?

You can use alternatives like "able to", "capable of", or "which can" depending on the context.

When is it best to use "that is able to" instead of "can"?

While "can" is often a simpler choice, "that is able to" can be useful when you want to add emphasis or specify the condition or capability more explicitly. Also, it helps avoid consecutive "can" uses.

Is "that is able to" formal or informal?

The phrase "that is able to" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it can occasionally sound more formal depending on the surrounding vocabulary. A shorter version like "able to" may be preferred in informal settings.

How can I make my writing more concise when using "that is able to"?

Consider restructuring your sentence or using a more concise alternative. For example, instead of "a system that is able to predict the arrival of an epileptic seizure", try "a system which can predict epileptic seizures".