being able to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the capability or capacity to perform a specific action or task. Example: "Being able to do complex calculations quickly is a valuable skill in data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started being able to do things.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Credit to him for being able to do that".

The New York Times

It's more the latter: not being able to do more.

The New York Times

Being able to do it tonight definitely gives me confidence".

The New York Times - Sports

"Just judging distances, being able to do geometry.

Independent

Being able to do this tonight, it feels good".

The New York Times - Sports

We couldn't imagine being able to do that.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The media like being able to do a live feed".

The New York Times

"Over time, we anticipate being able to do so.

The Guardian - Tech

"Not being able to do that is a challenge.

The Guardian - Sport

"Being able to do what L.A. does is rare".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to do" to emphasize a current capacity or possibility. It works well when contrasting a past inability or a future goal.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to do" in overly passive constructions. Reframe the sentence to highlight the actor or agent, making the writing more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to do" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a subject or part of a subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability. Examples show it expressing capability or possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

24%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being able to do" is a grammatically correct and very common gerund phrase used to express the capacity, capability, or opportunity to perform an action. Ludwig AI validates its usage across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While its register is generally neutral, it is advisable to avoid overuse in passive constructions to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "having the capacity to" or "capable of doing" can provide subtle variations in emphasis. Its high frequency and consistent application in authoritative sources affirm its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to

Focuses on possessing the inherent ability or power to perform an action.

capable of doing

Highlights the inherent skill or competence in performing a task.

with the ability to

Emphasizes the possession of a specific skill that enables action.

in a position to

Indicates having the necessary circumstances or authority to act.

having the option to

Stresses the availability of a choice or opportunity to act.

free to do

Implies liberty or lack of constraint in performing an action.

able to undertake

Highlights the readiness and capacity to begin or pursue a task.

empowered to execute

Suggests having been given the power and resources to carry out a task.

authorized to perform

Indicates formal permission or approval to carry out a task.

equipped for doing

Highlights possession of the necessary tools, knowledge, or resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "being able to do" to express the capacity or capability to perform an action. For example, "Being able to do this tonight, it feels good".

What are some alternatives to "being able to do"?

Alternatives include "having the capacity to", "capable of doing", or "with the ability to", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "being able to do"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "being able to do", especially when used as a gerund phrase acting as the subject of the sentence. For instance, "Being able to do a very difficult job is life affirming".

What is the difference between "being able to do" and "able to do"?

"Being able to do" emphasizes the state or condition of having the ability, while "able to do" simply states the ability. The former often implies a process or ongoing state, while the latter is a more general statement of capability. For example, "In the space of one evening she'd gone from being able to do whatever she wanted to not being able to do that ever again" versus "He is able to do it".