been able to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been able to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express the capability or opportunity to perform an action in the past or present. Example: "I have been able to do my work efficiently since I started using this new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They've been able to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

We've not been able to do that.

Harvard University

"He's never been able to do that.

The New York Times

I haven't been able to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

We have been able to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

We haven't been able to do that".

The Guardian - Sport

"And we've been able to do it".

The New York Times - Tech

Dortmund haven't been able to do that.

The Guardian - Sport

Because nobody's been able to do it.

The New York Times

We wouldn't have been able to do it without you!

Yale University

And yet, that's just what they've been able to do.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been able to do" to indicate a past or present capability resulting from a specific situation or effort. For instance, "I've been able to complete the project thanks to the new software."

Common error

Avoid using "been able to do" when simply stating a general ability. Instead of "I'm been able to do it", use "I am able to do it" or "I can do it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been able to do" functions as a verbal phrase indicating capability or possibility. It combines an auxiliary verb ("been") with an adjective ("able") and an infinitive ("to do"). As shown in Ludwig, it illustrates a past ability that continues to have relevance. It shows the capacity to execute tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been able to do" is a grammatically correct and very common verbal phrase used to express capability or opportunity maintained over a period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media, academic, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the continuity or recent acquisition of an ability, avoiding confusion with simple statements of general ability. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively communicate the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed to do

Implies overcoming difficulty or successfully completing something.

succeeded in doing

Highlights the successful completion of an action, often after effort.

were able to accomplish

Highlights a successfully completed task or goal.

was capable of doing

Focuses on inherent ability or potential rather than actual accomplishment.

proved able to do

Focuses on demonstrating the capacity or skill to perform an action.

had the opportunity to do

Emphasizes the availability of a chance or occasion to perform an action.

was in a position to do

Indicates having the necessary resources or authority to act.

attained the ability to do

Emphasizes the achievement of acquiring the skill to do something.

could do

Expresses a general possibility or ability to perform an action.

knew how to do

Indicates knowledge or skill in performing an action.

FAQs

How do I use "been able to do" in a sentence?

Use "been able to do" to describe an ability that has been acquired or maintained over a period. For example, "I have "been able to do" my job effectively because of the training I received".

What's a more formal alternative to "been able to do"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "managed to accomplish" or "succeeded in achieving". These alternatives convey a sense of accomplishment and effort.

Is there a difference between "could do" and "been able to do"?

"Could do" suggests a general possibility or past ability, while "been able to do" implies that the ability has been realized or maintained over time. For example, "I could play the piano as a child" vs. "I have "been able to do" play the piano throughout my life".

What can I say instead of "I haven't been able to do that"?

Alternatives include "I haven't managed to do that", "I haven't had the opportunity to do that", or "I haven't "succeeded in doing" that", depending on the specific context.