be well able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be well able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's capability or readiness to do something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "After months of training, she is now well able to complete the marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

If May goes ahead and extends the range of simple cases dealt with by police, I'm sure they will be well able to cope with summary-only offences.

The Guardian

But friends and former colleagues said that he would be "well able" to deal with the pressure from enraged Jackson fans and possible legal action.

The Guardian

Even a small puncture to the shell, which a pointed tooth would be well able to deliver, would let the water in and cause that control to vanish.

The Economist

"By December 2014, the Afghan National Security Forces will be well able to take on the task of executing an ongoing counterinsurgency campaign," a senior NATO official said at a news conference called under standing ground rules of anonymity.

The New York Times

Many commiserations to those of you who are also still staggering along in the grip of the season's available viruses – you will be well able to imagine how much serious work I've actually managed to get done whilst feeling that I am trapped on a ship in high seas with someone who is trying to insert a migraine into my face using a dulled Black and Decker router.

The Guardian - Books

This finding suggests firms to be well able to balance the costs and benefits of inter-departmental collaboration across their innovation project portfolio.

Research Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But, he said, they are well able to grasp the idea of mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness.

The New York Times

Financially, they are well able to pay for this one.

The New York Times

He was well able to bend over and the rest of it.

The New Yorker

(Given the vast sums they make, they are well able to afford such a rise).

The New Yorker

And surely a chancellor, even one in waiting, is well able to speak for himself.Times change.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be well able to" in situations where you want to convey a sense of confidence and capability, particularly in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be well able to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can" or "be able to" in such situations for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be well able to" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating capability or competence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests a heightened ability to perform a task. Examples show it used in contexts where readiness and capacity are being emphasized.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be well able to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a strong sense of capability and readiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often favored in formal and professional settings, as well as in news, media, and scientific contexts. While it effectively communicates competence, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Top sources such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Economist use it regularly, reflecting its widespread acceptance in authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be perfectly capable of

Emphasizes the full extent of one's abilities, suggesting a higher degree of competence.

be thoroughly competent to

Highlights competence with a sense of completeness and reliability.

be entirely equipped to

Focuses on having all necessary resources and preparation for a task.

be fully prepared to

Stresses readiness and anticipation in taking on a specific action or challenge.

be amply qualified to

Stresses that someone is sufficiently or more than adequately qualified.

be more than equal to

Emphasizes that someone's abilities exceed what is required for a specific task.

be ideally suited to

Highlights the perfect alignment between someone's abilities and a specific role or task.

be eminently fitted to

Suggests a distinguished level of suitability for a particular purpose.

be favorably positioned to

Highlights that someone is in an advantageous position to achieve something.

be comfortably able to

Indicates ease and confidence in one's ability to perform a task.

FAQs

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

Use "be well able to" when you want to emphasize someone's capability or readiness to perform a task, often in formal contexts. For example: "The team is well able to handle the increased workload."

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

Alternatives include "be capable of", "be equipped to", or "be prepared to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be well able to" more formal than "be able to"?

Yes, "be well able to" generally carries a more formal tone compared to the simpler phrase "be able to". It suggests a higher degree of competence or readiness.

When should I use "be well able to" instead of just "can"?

Use "be well able to" when you want to emphasize a strong level of capability or competence, especially in situations where simple ability isn't sufficient. "Can" is more general, while "be well able to" is more emphatic.