be better able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be better able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an improvement in someone's capacity or ability to do something. Example: "With additional training, employees will be better able to handle customer inquiries effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He'll be better able to cut costs".

The New York Times

And civilians will be better able to reform civilian agencies.

The New York Times

Now you will be better able to appreciate their mastery.

The New Yorker

Regulators will be better able to prosecute unscrupulous fishermen.

The Economist

Administration officials said military tribunals would be better able to protect confidential information.

The New York Times

And Brazil would be better able to absorb the cost, too.

The New York Times

Enraging himself so he'd be better able to fulfill his jihadist destiny?

The Guardian - Opinion

With extra energy, brain cells may be better able to ward off neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

The New York Times - Science

The goal is to be better able to predict an avalanche.

The New York Times - Science

It would be better able to negotiate and compete with global economic powers, too.

The New York Times

At 6, she would now be better able to take it in.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be better able to" when you want to emphasize an increase in someone's ability or capacity to do something, often as a result of a specific action or change.

Common error

Avoid using "be better able to" in sentences where a simpler phrasing like "can" or "will be able to" is more direct and effective. Overcomplicating simple statements can reduce clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be better able to" is to express an enhanced capacity or ability. It indicates that someone or something has improved in its capability to perform a certain action, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase ""be better able to"" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression indicating an enhanced capacity or ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed in news, scientific, and business contexts to explain improvements or justify actions. When using this phrase, ensure it adds value by emphasizing a real increase in capability, and consider simpler alternatives if they provide more directness. While generally neutral in tone, its frequency in professional settings suggests a leaning towards a professional register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more capable of

Emphasizes capability rather than direct ability.

be better equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary resources or tools.

be in a better position to

Highlights the advantageous circumstances for action.

be more likely to

Indicates an increased probability of something happening.

have an improved capacity to

Stresses the enhanced potential or volume of something.

be more adept at

Highlights skill or proficiency in a particular area.

be more skilled at

Emphasizes enhanced expertise or competence.

be more proficient in

Highlights advanced skill and expertise.

be more apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination.

be better placed to

Highlights the enhanced setting to reach the goals.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "be better able to"?

You can use alternatives like "be more capable of", "be better equipped to", or "be in a better position to" depending on the context.

How do I use "be better able to" in a sentence?

Use "be better able to" to indicate an improved capacity or ability to perform a task. For example: "With additional training, employees will "be better able to" handle customer inquiries."

Is "be better able to" formal or informal?

The phrase ""be better able to"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

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

"Be able to" indicates a general capability. "Be better able to" suggests an improvement in that capability, either through training, resources, or a change in circumstances.