be able to win

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to win" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capability or potential to achieve victory in a competition or challenge. Example: "With the right strategy and teamwork, we should be able to win the championship this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although he shouldn't be able to win any tournaments.

The New York Times

"You got to be able to win," Trump said.

The New Yorker

"Hopefully, without John Paramor's rules, I'll be able to win.

The New York Times - Sports

To be able to win them all is great".

The New York Times - Sports

"Under those conditions, he might be able to win the governorship and she might be able to win a Senate seat".

The New York Times

"To be able to win against those players in straight sets is incredible".

The New York Times - Sports

"He knows that you have to be able to win people over.

The New York Times - Sports

"We knew that would be the only way we'd be able to win.

The New York Times

In my opinion we should be able to win two or three".

Independent

But they do not seem to be able to win a majority of the votes.

The Economist

Mr Cameron will not be able to win his reform battles by stealth and charm alone.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance readability, avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "capable of winning" or "have the potential to win".

Common error

Avoid using "be able to win" when you want to express absolute certainty. The phrase implies possibility, not inevitability. For absolute certainty, use alternatives like "will win" or "is guaranteed to win".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to win" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the potential or capability to achieve victory. It combines the auxiliary verb "be", the adjective "able", the infinitive marker "to", and the verb "win" to express possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be able to win" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to denote the potential or capability of achieving victory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, consider the level of certainty you wish to convey, and remember to vary your language to avoid repetition. Alternatives such as ""capable of winning"" or ""stand a chance of winning"" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, making it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be capable of winning

Replaces "be able" with a direct synonym, stressing inherent ability.

have the capacity to win

Replaces "be able" with a more formal synonym, focusing on inherent capability.

be in a position to win

Emphasizes the advantageous circumstances required for winning.

stand a chance of winning

Highlights the possibility, though not certainty, of winning.

have what it takes to win

Focuses on possessing the necessary qualities or skills for victory.

be likely to win

Shifts the focus to the probability of winning.

have a good shot at winning

Uses a more informal expression for having a good chance.

be poised to win

Implies readiness and expectation of winning.

be destined to win

Suggests a predetermined outcome of winning.

prove victorious

Uses a more formal and concise way to express achieving victory.

FAQs

How can I use "be able to win" in a sentence?

You can use "be able to win" to describe someone's capability or potential to achieve victory. For example, "With hard work, they will "be able to win" the competition".

What are some alternatives to "be able to win"?

Alternatives include "capable of winning", "have the ability to win", or "stand a chance of winning", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "be able to winning"?

No, the correct form is "be able to win". The infinitive form of the verb (to + base form) should follow "be able to". Using the gerund form "winning" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "be able to win" and "can win"?

"Can win" implies a general ability or possibility, while "be able to win" often refers to a specific situation or condition that enables winning. For example, "He can win" suggests he has the general skill, whereas "He will "be able to win" if he trains harder" specifies a condition for his victory.