who are able

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "who are able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to people who have the ability to do something. For example, "We need to find volunteers who are able to help clean up the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those who are able to be open "flourish".

The Guardian - Opinion

"For those who are able to work, they should work.

The Washington Post

More kids who are able to join a sports team.

The Washington Post

Individuals who are able to adhere to exercise almost always maintain the symptomatic benefits of exercise.

Contemporary Clinical Trials

"There are exceptions, people who are able to hold on to their humanity, who are able to avoid the Robocop syndrome.

The Guardian

Participants who are able to bring laptops to the class are encouraged to do so.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The visiting fellowship is best suited to individuals who are able to work independently.

Harvard University

HCP professional masters candidates who are able to attend classes on campus should also participate regularly.

Stanford University

Adaptability – People who are able to adapt to different situations are more likely to be hired.

Stanford University

"There are scores who are able to do it," ­DuVernay points out.

Independent

elite and families who are able to afford private educational assessments.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more concise alternatives like "who can" in informal contexts for a smoother flow.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "who are able" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "who can" or "that can" in less formal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "who are able" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying a characteristic of ability or capacity. It clarifies which individuals possess the necessary skills or resources. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage, affirming its role in specifying capabilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "who are able" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that serves to specify individuals based on their capacity or ability. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, primarily in news, academic and scientific writing, lending itself to both neutral and formal registers. While "who are able" is correct in most use cases, opting for alternatives such as "who can" in informal contexts can make your writing sound more natural. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase, further solidifying its versatility and correctness in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

who can

Replaces "are able" with the modal verb "can", indicating ability or possibility in a more concise way.

who have the ability to

More explicitly states the possession of an ability, adding emphasis.

who are capable of

Uses "capable" to indicate the inherent capacity or potential to do something.

those that are able

Uses "those" to generalize the group of people being referred to.

who are in a position to

Highlights the circumstances that allow someone to do something, focusing on opportunity.

who are equipped to

Emphasizes preparedness and having the necessary tools or skills.

who are empowered to

Suggests that someone has been given the authority or power to do something.

who are permitted to

Indicates that someone has been granted permission to do something.

who are suited to

Focuses on whether someone's characteristics are a good fit for a particular role or task.

who are entitled to

Suggests a right or claim to do something based on a rule or agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "who are able" in a sentence?

Use "who are able" to specify a group of people with a particular capacity or skill. For example, "The program is designed for students "who are able" to work independently".

What are some alternatives to "who are able"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "who can", "who have the ability to", or "who are capable of".

Is there a difference between "who are able to" and "who can"?

While both express ability, ""who are able"" is generally more formal and explicit, whereas "who can" is more concise and commonly used in informal contexts.

When should I use "who are able" instead of "that are able"?

"Who are able" is used when referring to people, while "that are able" is typically used when referring to things or groups. For example, "employees "who are able" to work remotely" versus "tools "that are able" to withstand high pressure".