being able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use "being able to" when you want to express the capability of doing something or the fact that someone has the capacity to do something. For example: "The importance of being able to communicate effectively in our daily lives cannot be overstated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I liked being able to spread out.

The New York Times

They include being able to borrow cheaply.

The Economist

"I love being able to say that".

The New York Times

What about being able to find work?

The New York Times

I enjoyed being able to coach him".

The New York Times - Sports

I miss being able to try cases.

The New York Times

I loved being able to walk everywhere".

The New York Times

Being able to fly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Being able to help people.

The New York Times

SPEAKER 5: Being able to deliver.

Cornell University

Being able to describe that experience.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to" to clearly indicate the capacity or capability of someone or something. For example, "Being able to adapt to change is essential for success."

Common error

Avoid using "being able to" immediately after words like "ability" or "capability" as it can create redundancy. For example, instead of "the ability of being able to adapt", use "the ability to adapt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to" functions as a gerund phrase, typically acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject of a sentence or follows a preposition, indicating a state or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to" is a versatile and grammatically sound gerund phrase widely used to express capability or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia, and is considered neutral in register. To avoid redundancy, be mindful of using it directly after terms like "ability". Alternatives such as "capable of" or "having the ability to" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Ultimately, "being able to" is a reliable and effective way to communicate the capacity to perform an action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of

A more concise way to express the ability to perform an action.

having the ability to

Emphasizes possession of the capacity to do something, rather than the act of doing it.

with the capacity to

Highlights the inherent potential or capability for a particular action.

in a position to

Focuses on the circumstances that allow someone to do something.

having what it takes to

Suggests possessing the necessary qualities or resources for success.

competent to

Implies having the required skill or knowledge to perform a task adequately.

empowered to

Highlights that someone has been given the authority or power to act.

authorized to

Suggests formal permission or approval to perform a specific action.

eligible to

Focuses on meeting the necessary requirements or qualifications.

in a state to

Indicates being in the appropriate condition or situation for something.

FAQs

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

"Being able to" is used to express capability or possibility. For example, "The key to success is "being able to adapt" to new situations".

What are some alternatives to "being able to"?

Alternatives include "capable of", "having the ability to", or "in a position to", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "ability of being able to"?

Yes, saying "ability of being able to" is generally considered redundant. It's better to simply say "ability to".

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

"Being able to" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a subject or after a preposition. "Able to" is an adjective phrase. For example, "Being able to swim is important for safety" versus "He is "able to swim"".