are so able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are so able to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used to emphasize someone's capability or ability to do something, but it is often better to use simpler constructions. Example: "They are so able to complete the project on time, given their experience and skills."

Teaching and Teacher Education

News & Media

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In the present study, we investigated what resources teachers acquired during these interventions that explained why they are so able to successfully upgrade the quality of their motivating style.

Teaching and Teacher Education

"Babies brains are so able to compensate even when they're substantially damaged, they're able to reroute neurons," he said.

Vice

We are so able to "push through," to "handle" and to "make it work" that it can be hard to recognize the destructive momentum building internally until it "knocks your house down".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Luckily Dixie met a man who lived right above the robbers and was so able to help Dixie and Percy to become heroes.

The Guardian

He was so able to see a question's many sides that he found it difficult to chisel a tidy position.

The New York Times - Arts

Municipalities and governments need to have effective assessment tools, to implement their policies/actions, being so able to make informed choices in order to change the citizens' behavior.

European Transport Research Review

How is she so able to enter these extreme emotional states, so expressively?

Huffington Post

Other factors they were not so able to influence could prevent women from moving on.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"This is why batterers are so often able to fool the system," Dunne told me.

The New Yorker

But "news is inherently live, so being able to cover live events is important," he said.

The New York Times

"The economy is so far able to manage this slowdown".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are so able", ensure the context clearly benefits from the emphasis. Often, simpler alternatives like "are capable" are more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "are so able" in formal writing where it may sound awkward or less professional. Opt for alternatives that convey capability more directly such as using "are very capable".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are so able" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, emphasizing a subject's capacity or skill. As Ludwig indicates, it's grammatical but can sound less natural than alternatives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are so able" is grammatically correct, but less common and can sound slightly awkward in modern English. As Ludwig's analysis indicates, it functions to emphasize someone's capacity, but simpler alternatives like "are very capable" or "are highly competent" often provide a clearer and more natural tone. It's best to use "are so able" sparingly and consider the context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended emphasis. The relatively low frequency and the AI's suggestion to use alternatives, underscore the importance of considering stylistic preferences when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are very capable

Emphasizes capability using a more common adjective.

are highly competent

Focuses on the level of skill and proficiency.

are extremely adept

Highlights exceptional skill in a particular area.

are remarkably skilled

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of their skills.

are particularly gifted

Suggests a natural talent or ability.

are well-equipped

Focuses on having the necessary resources or qualities.

are sufficiently qualified

Indicates meeting the requirements or standards.

are powerful enough

Implies they have enough power, strength or ability to do something.

are strong enough

Implies they have enough power, strength or ability to do something.

possess the ability

A more formal way of stating they have the capability.

FAQs

What does "are so able" mean?

The phrase "are so able" emphasizes someone's capacity or skill to do something, but it isn't a common way to express ability in English. Alternatives like "are very capable" or "are highly competent" often sound more natural.

How can I use "are so able" in a sentence?

You can use "are so able" to emphasize someone's capacity. Example: "They "are so able" to complete the project on time." However, consider whether simpler alternatives such as "are capable" would be more effective.

What are some alternatives to "are so able"?

Alternatives include "are very capable", "are highly competent", or "possess the ability". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "are so able" grammatically correct?

Yes, "are so able" is grammatically correct, but it is not frequently used and can sometimes sound awkward. Ludwig's AI suggests it is better to use simpler and more direct expressions.