be best able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be best able to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It conveys the idea of being especially suited and able to do something. For example: The experienced hikers will be best able to navigate the treacherous terrain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

He says he would be best able to negotiate with the mainland.

The New York Times

At this stage, federal prosecutors may be best able to deliver that result.

The New York Times

That way he will be best able to blame the Legislature for failing to deliver on promises of a transit bailout.

The New York Times

Each is trying to show that he would be best able to slug it out in what primary voters assume will be a very rough campaign.

The New York Times

Her campaign will also take solace in the fact that, although Sanders scored higher marks on the economy and climate change, Clinton was perceived to be best able to handle foreign policy, terrorism, health care, and guns.

The New Yorker

— MICHAEL D. SHEAR Mr. Gingrich has spent most of the last 10 days arguing that he will offer the best contrast with President Obama — and be best able to beat him — in the fall.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I am best able to project Mullah Omar's ideas.

The Guardian

Which governments and central banks are best able to stimulate domestic demand?

The Economist

"People are turning to whatever communities they think are best able to serve them".

The New York Times

Which candidate is best able to lead to us victory in November?

The New York Times

It was a matter of who was best able to exploit resources.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be best able to" when you want to emphasize a particular advantage or capability in achieving a specific goal. For instance, "Experienced project managers will "be best able to" handle complex projects efficiently".

Common error

Avoid using "be best able to" in sentences where a simpler construction suffices. Instead of saying "This tool will "be best able to" solve the problem", consider "This tool will solve the problem best".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be best able to" functions as a modal construction indicating the highest degree of capability or suitability for a particular task or situation. It highlights an optimal choice or method. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

38%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0.2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be best able to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the highest degree of capability or suitability, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it signifies an optimal choice for achieving a specific outcome. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "be ideally suited to" or "be uniquely qualified to" for nuanced expression. Avoid overuse in simple sentences and focus on highlighting specific advantages. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "be best able to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be ideally suited to

Emphasizes suitability and perfect fit for a specific purpose, rather than general ability.

be optimally positioned to

Highlights being in the most advantageous situation to achieve something, focusing on circumstance.

be uniquely qualified to

Stresses having exclusive skills or experience, emphasizing distinctiveness.

be supremely capable of

Emphasizes a high degree of competence and skill, suggesting exceptional ability.

be particularly well-equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary tools and resources, highlighting preparedness.

be most competent to

Highlights skill and knowledge, implying a high level of professional ability.

be in the strongest position to

Focuses on having an advantage over others, stressing a competitive edge.

be preeminently suited for

Suggests unparalleled fitness for a specific role or task, emphasizing superiority.

be excellently placed to

Highlights being in a favorable situation, implying a strategic advantage.

be singularly empowered to

Emphasizes having unique authority or capacity, stressing a special enablement.

FAQs

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

Use "be best able to" to highlight the optimal choice or method for achieving a specific outcome. For example, "The candidate's experience makes them "be best able to" address the company's challenges".

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

Alternatives include "be ideally suited to", "be optimally positioned to", or "be uniquely qualified to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "be best able to" or "can best"?

Both "be best able to" and "can best" are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. "Be best able to" emphasizes potential and suitability, while "can best" focuses more on current capability. For instance, "She is best able to manage the team" emphasizes her inherent skills; "She can best manage the team" highlights her current capacity.

What's the difference between "be best able to" and "be better able to"?

"Be best able to" implies the highest degree of capability or suitability, suggesting an optimal choice. "Be better able to", on the other hand, indicates an improvement or advantage over another option, but not necessarily the best overall. For example, "This software will "be best able to" solve the complex equation" signifies it's the optimal solution, while "This software will "be better able to" solve the problem after the upgrade" simply means it will perform improved after the update.