I was able to answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was able to answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you successfully provided a response or solution to a question or problem. Example: "After reviewing the material, I was able to answer all the questions on the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

When it did come up, I found I was able to answer simply, without embellishment or artifice.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"From around four months in, my HTC Sensation started to power down at random intervals, often – extremely annoyingly – before I was able to answer incoming calls.

The Guardian - Tech

The counsellor asked me if there was anything else I wished to talk about in my life and for the first time I was able to answer with an honest "no".

The Guardian

Over the past week, four friends and colleagues have asked which film they should go to see, and in each case, I was able to answer immediately and with a full heart: 12 Years a Slave.

The Guardian - Film

The reader, who approached me on the subway with a copy of "Barbarians at the Gate" in hand, asked, "If you wanted to get smart about business by reading your way through the summer, what would your master reading list look like?" I had to get off the subway before I was able to answer the question.

The New York Times

I was able to answer questions from the audience, but I couldn't see anyone," she says.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I am able to answer in the affirmative".

The Guardian - Books

I think about that often; that's why I'm able to answer so quickly.

The New York Times

"I look forward to the day when I'm able to answer everyone's questions and explain what really happened in this matter," Khawam said on Tuesday.

Huffington Post

All questions I never thought I'd be able to answer, until I came up with an idea: find the harshest, most unreasonable characters on TripAdvisor, invite them out to dinner, and review them as humans.

Vice

I wish if they did ask this question I would be able to answer it without feeling like I was punched in the heart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was able to answer" when you want to emphasize that you successfully provided a response, often after some effort or a specific circumstance allowed it.

Common error

Avoid using "I am able to answered" as it mixes present tense with past participle. Stick to "I was able to answer" for past events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was able to answer" functions as a statement of past ability or successful action. Ludwig examples show it used to express the capacity to respond to questions, provide information, or resolve inquiries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was able to answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the ability to provide a response or solution in the past. Ludwig examples show it functions to inform, explain, or resolve queries. While versatile, it tends to lean towards neutral and professional contexts as it occurs frequently in science and news media. Consider alternatives like "I could answer" or "I managed to answer" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I could answer

Replaces "was able" with the simpler past ability modal verb "could".

I managed to answer

Substitutes "was able to" with "managed to", indicating successful effort.

I succeeded in answering

Replaces "was able to" with "succeeded in", emphasizing accomplishment.

I had the ability to answer

Emphasizes the inherent ability to answer.

I was capable of answering

Indicates capability or competence in answering.

I found myself able to answer

Highlights the discovery or realization of being able to answer.

I had the opportunity to answer

Focuses on the occasion or chance to provide an answer.

Answering was within my capabilities

Shifts the focus to the action of answering and its relation to one's capabilities.

I was in a position to answer

Indicates that circumstances allowed for answering.

I had it in me to answer

Expresses an inner resource or willingness to answer.

FAQs

How can I use "I was able to answer" in a sentence?

Use "I was able to answer" to indicate you successfully provided a response. For instance, "After studying the material, I was able to answer all the questions."

What phrases are similar to "I was able to answer"?

Similar phrases include "I could answer", "I managed to answer", or "I succeeded in answering", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "I was able to answer" formal or informal?

"I was able to answer" is generally neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The context of the surrounding text often dictates the overall formality.

Which is correct: "I was able to answer" or "I could answer"?

Both "I was able to answer" and "I could answer" are correct, but "I was able to answer" often implies a specific situation or effort made, whereas "I could answer" indicates a general ability.