I was then able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was then able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that after a certain point in time or after a specific event, you gained the ability to do something. Example: "After weeks of practice, I was then able to play the piano piece flawlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"I was then able to crawl out," he said.

The Guardian

I was then able to create a four-day intensive training course for volunteer teachers.

The Guardian

"And to get those outs was big because I was then able to pass it on to the rest of the pen".

The New York Times - Sports

I was then able to get more funding for the team at Cardiff University and am now a director of one of the new centres.

The Guardian

Only once did I have a tenant vacate a stabilized apartment, but I was then able to raise the rent on his fifth-floor walkup studio from $784 to $1,277.

The New York Times

I was then able to have a successful stem cell transplant.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It would be a richer experience and give me more options, and I am then able to invite other people in to view this data as well as access it from anywhere.

TechCrunch

With this focus I am then able to discover who best fits into my life.

Huffington Post

I selected one and was then able to add a command into the loop so that the sprite continually checked for contact with the tennis ball.

The Guardian - Tech

"I passed Shane and Tommy and was then able to pull away - we've put the doldrums of the early rounds behind us and are right back in contention now".

BBC

This GPI-anchored protein was transferred to MHC-class-I-negative cells, which were then able to activate specific T-cells.

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure that the context clearly establishes what changed to allow you to do something. Vague antecedents weaken the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "I was then able" if the ability wasn't a direct result of a preceding action. Ensure a clear cause-and-effect relationship is established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was then able" functions as an independent clause within a sentence. It typically follows a dependent clause or another independent clause, indicating that the ability to perform an action was a direct consequence of a preceding event or situation. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was then able" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a subsequent capability resulting from a previous action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered correct and usable in written English, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While maintaining a neutral register, it effectively communicates a cause-and-effect relationship, highlighting that a specific ability was attained following a specific circumstance. Alternatives such as "Subsequently, I could" or "Thereafter, I had the capacity to" can be used to introduce subtle variations in tone or emphasis. To ensure correct usage, writers should confirm that the intended meaning highlights a clear chronological order and a genuine cause-and-effect relationship. This ensures clarity and precision when conveying how and why an ability was gained.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subsequently, I could

Emphasizes the temporal sequence and resulting possibility.

Following that, I gained the ability to

Highlights the gaining of an ability after a specific event.

Thereafter, I had the capacity to

A more formal way of expressing a later capability.

Afterward, I was in a position to

Indicates that a specific situation allowed for a subsequent action.

From that point on, I could

Focuses on a turning point that enabled a new action.

Then I had the opportunity to

Highlights the availability of an opportunity.

At that time, I was empowered to

Emphasizes the empowerment aspect of gaining capability.

As a result, I managed to

Focuses on achieving a goal due to prior circumstances.

In due course, I was permitted to

Implies permission was granted, leading to capability.

In turn, I became capable of

Highlights the consequential nature of gaining a capability.

FAQs

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

Use "I was then able" to connect a previous action with a subsequent capability, for example, "After completing the training, "I was then able" to perform the task independently".

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

Alternatives include "Subsequently, I could", "Thereafter, I had the capacity to", or "Following that, I gained the ability to depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "I was then able" and "I was later able"?

"I was then able" implies a more direct and immediate consequence of a previous action, while "I was later able" suggests a less immediate or more delayed consequence.

Is "I was then able" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was then able" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "Subsequently, I could" exist for professional writing.