able to do both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to do both" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone or something that has the capability to perform two different tasks or functions simultaneously. Example: "She is able to do both the marketing and the sales for the company, which makes her an invaluable asset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My aim was to be able to do both.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beyoncé, of course, was able to do both.

The New Yorker

And he's going to be able to do both".

The New York Times - Sports

On occasion he was able to do both at once.

The New York Times

Being able to do both of those was an important part of the package".

The New York Times

It's definitely a challenge but it's a wonderful challenge to be able to do both".

The Guardian - Film

Unlike silver, silicon nitride seems to be able to do both at the same time.

The Guardian

And the conference space is one of those places where we are able to do both.

University of California, Berkeley

With a bit of planning and forethought, you'll be able to do both.

The Washington Post

But the judge held that it should be able to do both at the same time.

The New York Times

But now he's able to do both, and that's pretty impressive".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "able to do both" when you want to emphasize someone's capacity to handle two distinct responsibilities or tasks effectively. It highlights versatility and competence.

Common error

Avoid using "able to do both" in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives might be clearer. Sometimes, breaking down the sentence into two separate statements can improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to do both" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the capacity or capability of someone or something to perform two distinct actions or fulfill two separate requirements. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment, showcasing the phrase's descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to do both" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to emphasize the capacity to handle multiple responsibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its usage across various contexts, especially in news and academic writing. Alternatives such as "capable of doing both" or "equipped to handle both" can be used to add nuance. However, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase in complex sentences for clarity. Ultimately, mastering "able to do both" empowers writers to convey competence and versatility effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of doing both

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or skill to perform both actions.

equipped to handle both

Highlights the preparation and resources necessary to manage both aspects.

in a position to do both

Focuses on the favorable circumstances allowing both actions.

has the ability to do both

Directly states the possession of the required skills for both.

able to manage both

Highlights the competence in overseeing and controlling both tasks.

competent to perform both

Implies a high level of skill and suitability for both activities.

can accomplish both

Emphasizes the successful completion of both tasks.

fit to undertake both

Suggests suitability and readiness to engage in both endeavors.

prepared to execute both

Focuses on the readiness and planning involved in carrying out both actions.

suited to achieve both

Implies a natural aptitude and alignment for accomplishing both goals.

FAQs

How can I use "able to do both" in a sentence?

You can use "able to do both" to describe someone's capacity to handle two different tasks or roles effectively. For example, "She is "able to do both" the marketing and sales for the company".

What are some alternatives to "able to do both"?

Alternatives include "capable of doing both", "equipped to handle both", or "in a position to do both", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "able to do both"?

Yes, "able to do both" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to indicate the ability to perform two actions or fulfill two roles.

What's the difference between "able to do both" and "able to do either"?

"Able to do both" implies the capacity to perform two specific actions or fulfill two distinct requirements, whereas "able to do either" suggests the ability to perform one of two options, but not necessarily both.