Something is able to ...OR must be able to...?

[maoyueh]

Can we use "something" instead of "someone" as the subject of the modal verb "be able to ..."? For example, are the following sentences correct?

1. The ship is able to face the heavy seas.
2. The remark is able to be misunderstood.
3. All carry-on items must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Thank you a lot for your kind help.

[Afit]

"be able to" is not a phrasal verb; it is a modal idiom.

Can we use "something" instead of "someone" as the subject

We surely can.

2. The remark is able to be misunderstood.

This sentence is not idiomatic, is constrained, if (=although) structurally possible.

Try:
The remark is ambiguous/ is phrased equivocally.

[maoyueh]

Hi Afit,

Thanks a lot for your helpful opinions.