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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I were also able to

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I were also able to" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "I was also able to," which is used to express past ability or capability. Example: "When I was younger, I was also able to run a mile in under six minutes."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Yet for the first time, Drew and I were also able to imagine what it would be like to have a child who had genetic roots in both family trees.

News & Media

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was also able to go on a safari beforehand.

I was also able to travel through much of Southeast Asia.

I was also able to let go of the kickboard.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was also able to return, humbled, to a life of caring for patients.

"I'm also able to focus on what I like, which is music".

News & Media

The New York Times

I was also able to meet a lot of wonderfully interesting customers and other vendors.

I was also able to sing at the Survivor's Day celebration at the VA.

I was also able to spend some time in a preproduction 2010-model GXP.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was also able to substitute fresh fruit for the chef's outrageously fattening desserts.

I am also able to receive electronic files from home that include photographs, videos and music.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure correct subject-verb agreement. With the first-person singular pronoun "I", use the verb "was" instead of "were" in the past tense.

Common error

Avoid using "were" with the pronoun "I". This is a common mistake stemming from confusion with plural subjects or subjunctive mood. Remember that "I" takes "was" in the simple past tense.

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

1.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I were also able to" is intended to express past ability or capability in the first person. However, it incorrectly uses the plural form of the past tense of the verb "to be" with a singular subject. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct form is "I was also able to."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I were also able to" is a grammatically incorrect construction. The correct form is "I was also able to". According to Ludwig AI, the error stems from incorrect subject-verb agreement; the singular pronoun "I" requires the singular verb form "was". While the intention is to express an additional capability or action, this phrasing is unsuitable for formal or professional contexts. Always prioritize correct grammar, and consider alternatives like "I could also" or "I was also capable of" to ensure clear and accurate communication.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "I were also able to"?

The correct phrasing is "I was also able to". The verb "were" is used with plural subjects, while "was" is used with singular subjects like "I".

Can I use "I were also able to" in any context?

No, "I were also able to" is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Always use "I was also able to".

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

Alternatives include "I could also", "I was also capable of", or "I managed to", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Why is "I were also able to" considered incorrect?

The phrase violates basic subject-verb agreement rules in English grammar. The first-person singular pronoun "I" requires the singular form of the verb "to be" in the past tense, which is "was", not "were".

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Source & Trust

88%

Authority and reliability

1.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: