be able to
Possess the capability
Be able to expresses capacity or capability—having the skill, resources, or opportunity to do something.
It often substitutes for can, especially in tenses where can has no form: I want to be able to swim by summer, She's never been able to explain it.
The phrase also conveys possibility: You might be able to catch the last train.
Unlike can, be able to emphasizes achievement of a specific action rather than general ability.
Granted permission to proceed
- permittedGranted leave to proceed
- authorizedGiven official permission
- entitledHaving rightful claim
- eligibleMeeting required conditions
qualified · certified · licensed · cleared · sanctioned · approved · empowered · free
Adequate ability to function
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- capacityMaximum amount containable
- aptitudeInnate capability
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
skill · facility · adeptness · dexterity · know-how · mastery · talent · knack
Likelihood of occurrence
avenue · doorway · entry · prospect · slot · vacancy · scope · latitude
Present but inactive
- dormantInactive but capable
- unrealizedNot made actual
- untappedNot yet utilized
- nascentBeginning to develop
budding · emerging · inherent · undeveloped · promise · capacity · incipient · embryonic
Power to act
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- independenceFreedom from external control
- self-efficacyBelief in one's capabilities
enablement · liberation · authority · control · confidence · assertiveness · strength · influence
allowed
Granted permission to proceed
- permittedGranted leave to proceed
- authorizedGiven official permission
- entitledHaving rightful claim
eligible · qualified · certified · licensed · cleared · sanctioned · approved · empowered · free · at liberty
competence
Adequate ability to function
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- capacityMaximum amount containable
- aptitudeInnate capability
expertise · skill · facility · adeptness · dexterity · know-how · mastery · talent · knack · prowess
chance
Likelihood of occurrence
occasion · avenue · doorway · entry · prospect · slot · vacancy · scope · latitude · leeway
latent
Present but inactive
- dormantInactive but capable
- unrealizedNot made actual
- untappedNot yet utilized
nascent · budding · emerging · inherent · undeveloped · promise · capacity · incipient · embryonic · germinal
agency
Power to act
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-determinationControl over one's fate
- independenceFreedom from external control
self-efficacy · enablement · liberation · authority · control · confidence · assertiveness · strength · influence · voice