becoming able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "becoming able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of gaining the ability or capacity to do something. Example: "After months of practice, I am finally becoming able to play the piano fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

This will provide a new access to a quality primary education and will also become embedded in each segment of the operation within the higher institutions, thus becoming able to introduce many new approaches that have not been reached so far.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

By all accounts, her condition is improving, though months into her recovery she still faces daunting challenges, and is only slowly becoming able to socialize.

The New York Times

For the first week or so, they alternated running and walking, with the goal of becoming able to run for 30 uninterrupted minutes.

The New York Times

After receiving the treatment most of the patients regained control of their lives, becoming able to walk, play sport and drive.

The Guardian

After a rocky start – he got deported once for illegal working – he started working his way up the profession, becoming able to work legally when Poland joined the EU in 2004.

The Guardian

In general, with only occasional lapses, I'm becoming able to avoid giving myself an aneurysm fuming about things that rationally shouldn't bother me, especially when I know deep down it's me, not them.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Children are taught a variety of strategies with guidance from a teacher and then they master those strategies while applying them to their friends before finally becoming able master their own behavior and set their own learning goals.

Huffington Post

However, a statement made a little later from the one above said: It is not known exactly why older people tend to develop it, but it is probably due to bodily changes which come with old age, such as the muscles becoming weaker, putting on weight and the body becoming less able to heal itself.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Many Western experts believe the PLA is becoming increasingly able to assert China's territorial claims, despite the corruption.

The Economist

And because more paid tax preparers are applying for agency approval to file electronically, they are becoming increasingly able to file their clients' returns online.

The New York Times - Tech

Industrialisation, long the engine of economic development, is becoming less able to support catch-up growth, he suggested, thanks to the falling labour-intensity of manufacturing, Chinese competition, and a rising mercantilist tide across the rich world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "becoming able to", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific skill, ability, or action is being developed. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "becoming able to" when simpler alternatives like "learning to" or "can" suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becoming able to" functions as a gerund phrase acting as a subject complement, indicating a process of development or change leading to a specific capability. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "becoming able to" effectively conveys the process of acquiring a new skill or capability. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. While slightly more formal than "learning to", its usage spans from neutral news articles to formal scientific papers. Key to using it well is ensuring the context clearly defines the specific ability being developed. Be mindful not to overuse it in situations where simpler alternatives suffice. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times underscores its acceptability and utility in diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining the capacity to

Focuses on acquiring a general ability or power to do something.

developing the skill to

Highlights the process of honing a specific skill.

progressing towards being capable of

Emphasizes gradual advancement and growing competence.

growing in proficiency to

Stresses an increase in skill or expertise.

advancing to a state of capability

Suggests movement towards a fully capable condition.

evolving into a position to

Implies a transformation leading to a new ability.

maturing into the faculty of

Conveys a natural development of an inherent ability.

learning how to

Highlights the aspect of acquiring knowledge or understanding.

getting to the point of

Indicates reaching a specific stage where ability is present.

moving toward the potential for

Emphasizes future possibilities and unrealized ability.

FAQs

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

Use "becoming able to" to describe the process of acquiring a new skill or capacity. For instance, "After therapy, she is "becoming able to" manage her anxiety effectively."

What phrases are similar to "becoming able to"?

Similar phrases include "gaining the ability to", "learning to", or "developing the skill to", all of which suggest the acquisition of a capability.

Is it more formal to say "becoming able to" or "learning to"?

"Becoming able to" can sound slightly more formal than "learning to", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts. The best choice depends on the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "becoming able to" and "able to"?

"Able to" indicates a current state of capability, while ""becoming able to"" describes the process of developing that capability. For instance, "He is able to run a marathon" versus "He is "becoming able to" run further each day".