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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I was however able

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was however able" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that despite challenges or obstacles, you were still able to achieve something. Example: "The project faced numerous setbacks; I was however able to complete it on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I was, however, able to get student loans at good rates.

I was, however, able to consistently tune in the Voice of America and the BBC with both of them, if not some more obscure broadcasters.

I was, however, able to stop carrying my iPod and simply using the NV3 for music.

News & Media

TechCrunch

I was, however, able to glean an understanding of the rule and its application by asking around.

News & Media

TechCrunch

I was, however, able to force it to move out of tight spots as necessary and it never hung up irretrievably.

News & Media

TechCrunch

I was, however, able to leave the house and go about 400 feet away from my access point and still maintain a strong connection.

News & Media

TechCrunch
Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I am, however, able to cheer her courage today.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I am, however, able to create an entire world through one captured moment of time".

News & Media

Huffington Post

She was, however, able to continue working in a television soap opera, "The Guiding Light".

News & Media

The New York Times

Wenceslas was, however, able to retain the title of German king for the rest of his life.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

He was, however, able to gain support.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was however able" to clearly indicate that despite a challenge or obstacle, you still achieved a specific outcome. It adds a layer of nuance by acknowledging the difficulty while highlighting your success.

Common error

Avoid placing "however" at the very end of the sentence. While grammatically permissible in some contexts, it can sound awkward and less impactful. For example, instead of "I completed the task, I was able however", use "I was, however, able to complete the task".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

85%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was however able" functions as a connector and qualifier, linking a previous statement (often indicating a difficulty or obstacle) with a subsequent statement highlighting the ability to overcome that difficulty. As Ludwig AI's "aiResponseStatus" indicates, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was however able" is a grammatically sound and useful construction to express success despite facing challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts, but it also appears in academic and scientific writing. While "however" can sometimes be misplaced, using it correctly after "was" adds a nuanced layer of meaning. Consider alternatives such as "nevertheless I could" or "yet I managed to" for variety. With a neutral tone, this phrase is suitable for professional communication and effectively conveys resilience and competence.

FAQs

How can I use "I was however able" in a sentence?

Use "I was however able" to show that you managed to do something despite a challenge or difficulty. For example: "The project faced many delays; I was however able to deliver it on time." This indicates that despite the delays, you still succeeded in delivering the project on schedule.

What are some alternatives to "I was however able"?

You can use alternatives such as "nevertheless I could", "yet I managed to", or "despite this I was able to" depending on the context. These phrases all convey a similar meaning of overcoming a challenge.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I was however able"?

Yes, "I was however able" is grammatically correct. The word "however" is used as a conjunctive adverb to show contrast or concession. It indicates that despite what was previously stated, you were still able to achieve something.

Where should "however" be placed in the sentence "I was however able"?

The placement of "however" in the sentence "I was however able" is flexible but commonly appears after "was". Other valid options include placing it between the auxiliary verb and the main verb: "I was, however, able to...". These variations are all grammatically sound and convey the same meaning.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: