which is able to

USAGE SUMMARY

'which is able to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has the capability or potential to do something. For example: "We have developed a new type of robot, which is able to perform complex tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a company here called Vibers which is able to make plastic from elephant grass.

Columbia University

The result is an eighty-minute drama which is able to make artifice seem completely natural.

The New Yorker

Numerical simulations reveals a very rich dynamics, which is able to produce chaos.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Metallographic and stereophotogrammetric studies lead to a model which is able to explain these curves.

Acta Materialia

A mathematical model is developed which is able to describe the main process phenomena observed.

Chemical Engineering Science

A robust control is designed, which is able to take into consideration both disturbances and uncertainties.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The PCs are connected by RS232, which is able to transfer command data to each system.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Parallelization is based on the Schur complement method which is able to deal with nonsymmetric systems.

Advances in Engineering Software

MARVIN is a model-helicopter based flying robot, which is able to operate completely autonomously.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

This paper presents a model which is able to capture both geometrical and material nonlinearity.

Engineering Fracture Mechanics

Shortly thereafter, they read about an investigational drug, known as LP533401, which is able to inhibit serotonin in the gut.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "which is able to" to clearly define a capability or function, especially in technical or descriptive writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "which is able to" in very simple sentences where "can" would be more concise and effective. Overusing the longer phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which is able to" functions as a relative clause, specifically a nonrestrictive (or non-defining) relative clause. This clause provides additional, but not essential, information about the noun it modifies. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

Academia

32%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which is able to" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a nonrestrictive relative clause that describes a capability or function. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, particularly in science, academia, and news media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in simple sentences where "can" would be more appropriate. Consider the context and desired level of formality when deciding whether to use "which is able to" or a more concise alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is capable of

Changes the structure to use "capable of" instead of "able to", maintaining the same meaning.

that can

A more concise and direct way of expressing the same capability.

which has the capacity to

Replaces "is able" with "has the capacity to", indicating potential or capability.

that is equipped to

Suggests a specific readiness or preparation for a task or function.

that is designed to

Indicates that something was specifically created or intended for a particular purpose.

which is in a position to

Implies that something is suitably placed or prepared to perform a certain action.

that is fit for

Highlights the suitability or appropriateness for a particular task or purpose.

that is qualified to

Indicates that something meets the necessary requirements or standards.

that has what it takes to

Expresses that something possesses the qualities or resources needed for a specific action.

that is prone to

Shifts the meaning slightly to suggest a tendency or likelihood, rather than a guaranteed ability.

FAQs

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

Use "which is able to" to describe a specific capability or function of a noun. For example, "The new software, "which is able to" process large datasets, will improve our analysis."

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

Alternatives include "that can", "that is capable of", or "which has the ability to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "which is able to" or simply "can"?

"Can" is often more concise and suitable for informal contexts. "Which is able to" is more formal and can be useful when you want to emphasize a specific capability or feature, especially in technical or descriptive writing.

What is the difference between "that is able to" and "which is able to"?

"Which" introduces nonrestrictive clauses, adding extra information, while "that" introduces restrictive clauses, essential for defining the noun. Therefore, "which is able to" provides additional (but not essential) information, whereas "that is able to" is essential to the meaning of the sentence.