able to read

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Having the skill or ability to look at and understand written words.

   Grammar: Used after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', 'seem'. It describes a state, not an action happening right now.

   Patterns

   • be able to read
   • become able to read
   • able to read something

   By the age of five, most children are able to read simple stories.

   After the accident, he was still able to read, but he had trouble writing.

   She is able to read three languages, including Arabic and French.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Having the opportunity or permission to read something.

   Grammar: Often used in negative sentences or questions about access: 'not able to read' means not allowed or not possible to read.

   Patterns

   • not be able to read something
   • be able to read something

   I'm sorry, but you aren't able to read these files without permission.

   Were you able to read the message I sent yesterday?

   The students were not able to read the exam paper before the teacher said so.

Common combinations

be able to read

He is able to read music as well as play it.

become able to read

With practice, she became able to read faster.

able to read and write

The program helps adults become able to read and write.

not able to read

The child was not able to read the small print.

Synonyms and how they differ

literate

Describes a person who can read and write; 'able to read' focuses only on reading and is more specific.

can read

More common in everyday speech, but 'can' cannot be used after 'will' or 'to'; 'able to' fills those gaps.

Opposites

Word family

ability noun

The power or skill to do something.

able adjective

Having the skill or strength to do something.

ably adverb

In a skillful way.

Commonly confused: able to read or can read?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “able to read”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words