Is able is a phrasal verb that is used to express the ability or capacity to do something. It is composed of the verb is, the adjective able, and the preposition to. Is able is often used in formal writing and in academic contexts. It can be used in a variety of tenses, including the present, past, and future.
Knowing When to Use “Is Able”
“Is able” is a prepositional phrase that means “has the ability to do something.” It is typically used to describe a person or thing’s ability to perform a specific task or action.
Structure of “Is Able”
The prepositional phrase “is able” consists of the following elements:
- Preposition: “is”
- Object: “able”
The object of the preposition “is” is always a noun or pronoun that refers to a person, place, or thing that has the ability to do something. For example, in the sentence “The student is able to read,” the object of the preposition is “student.”
Correct Usage
“Is able” should be used when the subject of the sentence has the ability to perform a specific task or action. For example:
- The student is able to read.
- The car is able to drive.
- The dog is able to bark.
Incorrect Usage
“Is able” should not be used when the subject of the sentence does not have the ability to perform a specific task or action. For example:
- The rock is not able to fly.
- The tree is not able to talk.
- The chair is not able to walk.
Alternatives to “Is Able”
There are several other ways to express the idea of “having the ability to do something.” Some common alternatives to “is able” include:
- Can
- Could
- May
- Might
- Should
- Would
The best alternative to “is able” will depend on the context of the sentence.
Table Summarizing Correct and Incorrect Usage
The following table summarizes the correct and incorrect usage of “is able”:
Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage |
---|---|
The student is able to read. | The rock is not able to fly. |
The car is able to drive. | The tree is not able to talk. |
The dog is able to bark. | The chair is not able to walk. |
Question 1:
Is “able” a preposition?
Answer:
No, “able” is not a preposition. It is an adjective that means “having the power, skill, or knowledge to do something.”
Question 2:
What part of speech is “able”?
Answer:
Adjective
Question 3:
What does the adjective “able” mean?
Answer:
Having the power, skill, or knowledge to do something
And there you have it, folks! The verdict on “able” as a preposition is in—it’s a bit of a gray area. But hey, language is a living, breathing thing, and sometimes the rules get bent a little. So next time you’re wondering whether “able” is a preposition or not, just remember: language is all about communication, and as long as you’re getting your point across, you’re doing it right. Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back later for more language-nerdiness and other fun stuff.