as we are able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we are able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express when something can be done or achieved with the resources or abilities that are currently available. Example: We will work to fix the problem with the website as we are able.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We begin as soon as we are able, and this is that time.

The Guardian - Opinion

We will share further news as soon as we are able to do so on Monday".

The New York Times - Arts

We are hopeful that we will be able to do it as soon as we are able".

The New York Times

And we, the journalists, have to tell the full story, as accurately as we are able, but in context.

The Guardian

We see the messages in real-time and triage the messages accordingly, as we are able throughout the day.

Columbia University

We are investigating the issue and will update you with our plans going forward as we are able to.

University of California, Berkeley

"Given that Shakespeare left no manuscripts behind, the quartos are as close as we are able to get to what he actually wrote".

The New York Times

Our goal at the start of the tournament was to make the quarter-finals and then to progress as far as we are able".

The Guardian - Sport

We see daytime emergencies as we are able but no evening or after-hours emergencies to allow our staff more time for their life outside of work.

Cornell University

This is a plus for our students, as we are able to focus on them as Masters students without other distractions.

Columbia University

"It remains our intention to remove these individuals, whom the home secretary considers pose a threat to national security, as soon as we are able to do so.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we are able" to clearly communicate the contingent nature of an action or decision, emphasizing that it depends on current resources or abilities. For example: We will address the backlog as we are able, prioritizing the most urgent cases.

Common error

Avoid using "as we are able" excessively in highly formal or professional documents. While grammatically sound, it can sometimes sound less polished than alternatives like "to the best of our ability" or "within our capabilities".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we are able" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the extent or limit to which an action can be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, appearing in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as we are able" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that an action is contingent upon current capabilities or available resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across diverse contexts such as news, academic, and scientific domains. While suitable for neutral and professional communication, writers should be mindful of potentially more polished alternatives in highly formal settings. The related phrases and writing guidance provided offer additional insights for effective and nuanced usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to the best of our ability

Emphasizes the effort and capability brought to a task.

to the extent that we can

Highlights the limit of capability.

insofar as it is possible for us

Adds a formal tone to the expression of capability.

as far as lies in our power

Stresses the influence and control one has over a task.

to the degree that we are equipped

Focuses on the resources and equipment necessary for capability.

within our capabilities

Highlights the inherent limits of one's abilities.

as much as is within our capacity

Relates capability to the limits of one's capacity.

given our current resources

Emphasizes the present availability of resources in determining ability.

subject to our limitations

Directly acknowledges that abilities are bounded by limitations.

depending on our aptitude

Shifts the focus to the skill or aptitude one possesses.

FAQs

How can I use "as we are able" in a sentence?

Use "as we are able" to indicate that an action will be performed depending on available resources or current capabilities. For instance: "We will provide updates "as soon as we are able"".

What's a more formal alternative to "as we are able"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "to the best of our ability", "within our capabilities", or "insofar as it is possible for us" instead of "as we are able".

Is "as we are able" interchangeable with "if we can"?

While similar, "as we are able" often implies a continuous or ongoing effort within existing constraints, whereas "if we can" suggests a more conditional or uncertain possibility. Consider the nuance when choosing between them.

What is the difference between "as we are able" and "as soon as we are able"?

"As we are able" describes a current capability, whereas ""as soon as we are able"" implies a future action that will commence when conditions allow.