always been able

USAGE SUMMARY

"always been able" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you are noting that someone has been able to do something for a long period of time. For example, "He has always been able to make people laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I've always been able to have that".

The New York Times - Sports

I've always been able to differentiate.

The Guardian

I've always been able to make decisions.

The New York Times

The evidence has always been able to go either way.

The New York Times - Magazine

High earners have always been able to afford amusement.

The Economist

He's always been able to decipher my ramblings.

The New York Times

I have always been able to imagine being unjustifiably hated".

The New York Times - Books

That, Reed has always been able to do.

The New York Times - Sports

But we've always been able to overcome that".

The New York Times - Sports

Yeah, I've always been able to just ignore it.

The Guardian - Arts

And he had always been able to attract great talent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always been able" to emphasize a consistent capability or opportunity throughout a specific period. For instance: "She has "always been able" to adapt to new technologies quickly, making her a valuable asset to the team."

Common error

While "always been able" emphasizes consistency, overuse can weaken your writing. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "consistently", "habitually", or "traditionally" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always been able" primarily functions as part of a verb phrase, indicating a consistent or continuous capacity to perform an action or achieve a result. As Ludwig AI points out, this grammatical structure emphasizes the ongoing nature of the ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "always been able" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a consistent capability or opportunity over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is widespread across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's generally neutral in register, remember to vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "consistently been capable of" to avoid repetition. Remember to emphasize continuous ability over a period of time to best utilize this phrase. With 57 real-world examples, Ludwig showcases the versatility of "always been able" in illustrating sustained skills and capacities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consistently been capable of

Replaces "able" with "capable" and adds "consistently" for emphasis, suggesting a sustained ability.

invariably been equipped to

Emphasizes being prepared or furnished with what's necessary, suggesting readiness rather than just ability.

habitually had the capacity to

Highlights the habitual nature of the ability, implying a routine or pattern.

traditionally been positioned to

Suggests that circumstances or resources have consistently allowed for something to happen.

historically been empowered to

Focuses on the source of the ability being external, suggesting authority or permission.

regularly possessed the means to

Stresses having the necessary resources or tools, rather than inherent ability.

without exception been entitled to

Highlights the right or privilege to do something, rather than the skill or capability.

never lacked the potential to

Focuses on the potential or possibility, rather than the demonstrated ability.

recurrently found it feasible to

Emphasizes the practicality and achievability of something, highlighting ease and convenience.

customarily been in a position to

Stresses that the circumstances and conditions facilitate the possibility to.

FAQs

How can I use "always been able" in a sentence?

You can use "always been able" to describe a consistent capability or opportunity. For example: "He has "always been able" to find creative solutions to complex problems."

What phrases are similar to "always been able"?

Similar phrases include "consistently been capable of", "invariably been equipped to", or "habitually had the capacity to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "always been able to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "always been able" is commonly used in English to indicate a consistent ability or opportunity throughout a period of time.

What is the difference between "always been able" and "always able"?

"Always been able" implies a continuous ability over a period, while "always able" suggests a general characteristic. For example, "She has "always been able" to adapt" focuses on her history, while "She is always able to adapt" speaks to her inherent nature.