The Complete Guide to “Is Able to Be” Modal Verbs: Usage, Rules & Examples

Introduction to “Is Able to Be”

The modal construction “is able to be” is a formal expression used to indicate capability, possibility, or feasibility of a subject to undergo an action. While less common than “can be,” this structure emphasizes the potential for something to be done to the subject. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, grammatical rules, usage with Hindi translations, and practice exercises.


Table of Contents

  1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Is Able to Be”
  2. Grammatical Structures & Sentence Patterns
  3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations
  4. “Is Able to Be” vs Similar Constructions
  5. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
  6. Practice Exercises (Test Yourself)
  7. Conclusion & Key Takeaways

1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Is Able to Be”

“Is able to be” expresses:

  • Passive Capability (निष्क्रिय क्षमता)
    Example: This problem is able to be solved. (इस समस्या को हल किया जा सकता है।)
  • Technical Feasibility (तकनीकी संभाव्यता)
    Example: The metal is able to be molded. (धातु को ढाला जा सकता है।)
  • Formal Possibility (औपचारिक संभावना)
    Example: The decision is able to be changed. (निर्णय को बदला जा सकता है।)

2. Grammatical Structures

Sentence Formation Rules

Sentence TypeStructureExampleHindi Translation
AffirmativeSubject + is/are/am able to be + past participleThe system is able to be upgraded.सिस्टम को अपग्रेड किया जा सकता है।
NegativeSubject + is/are/am not able to be + past participleThe data isn’t able to be recovered.डेटा को पुनर्प्राप्त नहीं किया जा सकता।
InterrogativeIs/Are/Am + subject + able to be + past participle?Is this able to be repaired?क्या इसे मरम्मत किया जा सकता है?

3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations

S.NoEnglish ExampleHindi Translation
1The software is able to be customized.सॉफ्टवेयर को अनुकूलित किया जा सकता है।
2These rules are able to be modified.इन नियमों को संशोधित किया जा सकता है।
3The material is able to be recycled.सामग्री को पुनर्चक्रित किया जा सकता है।
4Is the contract able to be terminated?क्या अनुबंध को समाप्त किया जा सकता है?
5The schedule isn’t able to be changed.अनुसूची को बदला नहीं जा सकता।
6The design is able to be improved.डिज़ाइन को सुधारा जा सकता है।
7Are the results able to be verified?क्या परिणामों को सत्यापित किया जा सकता है?
8The procedure is able to be simplified.प्रक्रिया को सरल बनाया जा सकता है।
9The policy isn’t able to be implemented yet.नीति को अभी लागू नहीं किया जा सकता।
10The application is able to be submitted online.आवेदन को ऑनलाइन जमा किया जा सकता है।

4. Key Differences: “Is Able to Be” vs Similar Constructions

ConstructionFormalityUsage ContextExample
Is able to beVery formalTechnical/passive capabilityThe system is able to be updated.
Can beNeutralGeneral possibilityThe system can be updated.
Could beNeutralHypothetical possibilityThe system could be updated.

5. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect: The file is able to be recover.
✅ Correct: The file is able to be recovered.

❌ Incorrect: Is able the document to be edited?
✅ Correct: Is the document able to be edited?

❌ Incorrect: The process isn’t able to be speed up.
✅ Correct: The process isn’t able to be sped up.


6. Practice Exercises

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. The settings __________ able to be adjusted.
  2. __________ the password __________ able to be reset?
  3. The agreement __________ able to be signed digitally.
  4. These files __________ able to be compressed further.
  5. __________ the meeting __________ able to be postponed?

Section 2: Hindi to English Translation

  1. इस मशीन को आसानी से संचालित किया जा सकता है।
  2. क्या नियमों को छूट दी जा सकती है?
  3. यह प्रक्रिया स्वचालित की जा सकती है।
  4. दस्तावेज़ों को ऑनलाइन सत्यापित नहीं किया जा सकता।
  5. समस्या को एक सप्ताह में हल किया जा सकता है।

Section 3: Error Correction

  1. The device is able to be fix.
  2. Is able the software to be installed?
  3. The results aren’t able to be alter.
  4. Are the settings able to be customize?
  5. The system isn’t able to be reboot remotely.

7. Conclusion

“Is able to be” is particularly useful in formal, technical, and professional contexts where passive capability needs emphasis. Remember:

  • Always use past participle after “able to be”
  • Prefer “can be” for everyday speech
  • Ideal for manuals, technical documents, and formal reports

For technical writing or formal documentation, this construction is invaluable!

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