being able for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able for" is not a correct and usable phrase in written English.
Instead, you might use the phrase "being able to." For example, you could say: "I am confident in being able to finish the project by the deadline."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Conflict and Health

The New Yorker

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The informants said that they lived a good life, being able, for example, to go on vacation to the seaside every year.

Conflict and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

She said she was able for the first time to be emotionally naked with a man.

The New Yorker

Following the election, Cameron was able, for the first time, to run a Conservative-only administration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lebanese society was able for a long time to give a semblance of relative economic stability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We may no longer be able, for example, to grow wheat in Kansas.

The New York Times

They will also be able, for example, to ask to examine the prosecution evidence.

Independent

That night when James went to bed he was able, for the first time, to remember his parents without pain.

The New Yorker

Obama was able, for example, to give a reasonably complete description of his tax and health-care proposals.

The New Yorker

In this report, we are able for the first time to show the carbon footprint of our digital media operations.

The Guardian

He was able, for example, to campaign for and win a seat in the Palestinian parliament in January's election.

The Economist

So millions of Indonesians are able, for the first time, to see their compatriots demanding Mr Suharto's downfall.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the construction "being able to" followed by a verb to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. For instance, instead of "being able for managing the project", use "being able to manage the project".

Common error

Avoid using "for" after "able" when expressing capability. The correct preposition to use with "able" is "to". Using "for" can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences and confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able for" aims to express capability or the potential to perform an action. However, it's important to note that the standard English construction prefers "being able to" followed by a verb. Ludwig highlights this grammatical preference.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "being able for" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Standard English prefers the construction "being able to" followed by a verb. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, recommending the use of "being able to" or alternative phrases like "being capable of" for improved clarity and correctness. When writing, ensure you use the correct preposition "to" instead of "for" to avoid grammatical errors. Always aim for grammatical precision, especially in formal and professional contexts. Remember, though Ludwig provides examples, it is best to follow standard grammar rules for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being capable of

Replaces "able for" with the more standard "capable of", indicating the possession of qualities that allow doing something.

being equipped for

Suggests having the necessary resources or skills for a particular task or situation.

being qualified for

Implies having the necessary qualifications, skills, or experience for something.

being prepared for

Emphasizes readiness and anticipation for something that might happen.

being fit for

Highlights suitability and appropriateness for a specific purpose or role.

being suitable for

Similar to "being fit for", this emphasizes the appropriateness of something or someone for a particular situation.

being ready for

Indicates a state of preparedness and willingness to face something.

being equal to

Highlights the ability to meet the demands or challenges of a situation.

being up to

Suggests possessing the required strength, energy, or competence for something.

being adequate for

Indicates that something or someone is sufficient or satisfactory for a particular purpose.

FAQs

How to properly use the phrase "being able to" in a sentence?

Use "being able to" followed by a verb to indicate capability or possibility. For example, "She is being able to complete the task on time" is incorrect. A better construction is "She is "able to" complete the task on time".

What are common mistakes to avoid when using "being able to"?

A common mistake is using the incorrect preposition after "able". Always use "to" after "able" when expressing capability. Avoid using other prepositions like "for" or "at". For example, use "being "able to" understand" instead of "being able for understand".

What can I say instead of "being able for"?

Since "being able for" is grammatically incorrect, use alternatives such as "being capable of", "being equipped for", or simply "being able to" followed by a verb.

Is "being able for" grammatically correct?

No, "being able for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct construction is "being able to" followed by a verb. Use "being able to" to express the capability of performing an action.