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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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are then able to

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are then able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has the capability or opportunity to do something after a certain condition is met. Example: "Once the training is complete, the employees are then able to implement the new software effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Unknown

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most people are then able to resume activities like bicycling, walking, swimming and golf.

Computer systems are then able to use this 'knowledge' to suggest search terms.

News & Media

The Guardian

These programs are then able to copy and forward specific data — like passwords — to remote locations.

News & Media

The New York Times

Clients are then able to understand and change dysfunctional thought patterns.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Some patients have strokes and are then able to recognize everything perfectly well except for faces," Dr. Tsao said.

Political parties are then able to amend their donations with the AEC, and rarely face penalties for such omissions.

News & Media

The Guardian

You are then able to vote "yay" or "nay".

News & Media

TechCrunch

The "rejuvenated" iPSs are then able to transform into any other cell of the organism.

We are then able to compare rival approaches both in a relative and absolute sense.

We are then able to think about these forms at will.

Science

SEP
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The clients are then able to select a model for VCT that best fits their characteristics.

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor using "are then able to" over simple "can" when you want to underline that ability is the result of a process.

Common error

Avoid using "are then able to" when a simpler construction like "can" or "will be able to" suffices. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnecessarily formal. For instance, prefer "After practice, you can play the piano" over "After practice, you are then able to play the piano."

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

82%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are then able to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a sequential action or consequence. It expresses that a capability or possibility arises after a specific condition has been met. This is evident in Ludwig's examples, where the phrase connects a prior event to a subsequent ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

55%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are then able to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that serves to indicate a sequential cause-and-effect relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses that a capability or opportunity arises as a direct consequence of a preceding action or condition. It's versatile, fitting into neutral writing styles, and prevalent in both news and scientific contexts. While "are then able to" is very common, simpler alternatives like "can subsequently" or "can therefore" might sometimes provide a more concise and fluid expression. Remember to favor "are then able to" when it is important to stress the cause-and-effect relationship.

FAQs

What does "are then able to" mean?

The phrase "are then able to" indicates that after a specific condition is met or a particular action is completed, someone or something gains the capability or opportunity to perform a subsequent action. It implies a sequential relationship between two events.

How can I use "are then able to" in a sentence?

Use "are then able to" to show that a capability arises as a consequence of a previous event. For example, "Once the software is installed, users "are then able to" access the new features."

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

Alternatives include "can subsequently", "are subsequently capable of", or "can therefore". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more correct to say "are then able to" or "will then be able to"?

Both "are then able to" and "will then be able to" are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "Are then able to" implies a present ability as a result of a prior action, while "will then be able to" refers to a future ability. The choice depends on whether you're describing a current or future state.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: