became able to

USAGE SUMMARY

"became able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a change in ability or opportunity that occurred over time. For example, "He worked hard throughout the year and eventually became able to achieve his goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Palestinian thieves became able to disappear into Palestinian-ruled land.

The New York Times

Hviezdoslav was a lawyer until he became able to devote himself to literature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She became able to joke and laugh; before that, she said, she barely spoke above a whisper.

The New Yorker

Penny and Liz's fears began to be assuaged once they became able to shape the project and its potential benefits.

The Guardian

When people heard memorable language sung from platforms, they became able to hear poems recited in auditoriums.

The New Yorker

Until about 500BC, when Greek scientists became able to predict an eclipse of the sun, people couldn't know when or why exactly they would happen.

Independent

In the early and mid-19th century, physicians became able to successfully perform a limited variety of surgical operations on the ovaries and uterus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The modern system — he calls it moral judgment — came after language, when people became able to articulate why something was right or wrong.

The New York Times - Science

Ultimately, though, for reasons that her doctors do not fully understand, she became able to eat small amounts, and the reversal was not necessary.

The New York Times - Science

As Pryor began to recall his relatives' voices, he became able to see them from the outside, not without a certain degree of fondness.

The New Yorker

This was undoubtedly what made him the glorious character actor he became, able to impersonate Truman Capote's fey presence as effectively as he portrayed the prototypical American con man in "The Master".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became able to" to clearly indicate a change in ability that occurred over time, particularly when describing a process of learning or adaptation.

Common error

Avoid using "became able to" when a simpler verb like "could" or "managed" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became able to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the acquisition of a capability or skill. It modifies a verb, expressing the transition into a state of being capable. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "became able to" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the acquisition of an ability or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's important to use it thoughtfully, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. As shown by Ludwig's examples, the phrase is prevalent in diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for a wide range of writing styles. Remember to use this phrase when you specifically want to emphasize the process of acquiring a new ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquired the ability to

Specifically points to the gaining of a new skill or capacity.

gained the capacity to

Similar to 'acquired the ability to', but often used in more formal contexts.

managed to

Focuses on the successful completion of something, implying effort or difficulty.

developed the skill to

Emphasizes the gradual growth and refinement of a particular skill.

succeeded in

Emphasizes the achievement of a goal, suggesting a positive outcome.

found it possible to

Highlights the realization that something is now feasible.

was capable of

Highlights the inherent ability to do something, rather than the act of becoming able.

learnt how to

Focuses on the process of learning and acquiring a new skill.

was empowered to

Implies that someone or something granted the ability or authority.

achieved the power to

Suggests gaining control or influence, implying a position of strength.

FAQs

How can I use "became able to" in a sentence?

Use "became able to" to describe a situation where someone or something gained the ability to perform a specific action. For example, "After years of practice, she "became able to" play the piano beautifully".

What are some alternatives to "became able to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "managed to", "succeeded in", or "acquired the ability to".

Is there a difference between "became able to" and "was able to"?

"Became able to" emphasizes the process of gaining the ability, while "was able to" simply states the ability existed at a certain point. "She "became able to" speak French after taking classes" highlights her learning process, while "She "was able to" speak French during her trip" just notes her proficiency.

When is it more appropriate to use "became able to" over "could"?

Use "became able to" when you want to emphasize the development or acquisition of an ability over time. "Could" simply indicates a past ability, whereas ""became able to"" suggests a transformation or progression.