being able to try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to try" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or opportunity to attempt something. Example: "I appreciate being able to try new things, as it helps me grow and learn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I miss being able to try cases.

The New York Times

Being able to try out robot software in real time this way, says DARPA's Mr Pratt, is a big deal.

The Economist

Working online gives users the advantage of being able to try out a program to see how they like it.

The New York Times

I had the privilege of growing up in a war-free reality, the privilege of being able to try to take my fate in my own hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Referring to women as "dossiers", he is said to have boasted of being able to "try them out" for free himself.

The Guardian

It's not so much the act of composition that is nullified, but the fact that one's confidence is fractured by not being able to try out what it is you hear in your head.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I've been able to try everything.

The New York Times

We're able to try things as footballers.

Independent

Maybe someday I'll be able to try again.

The New York Times

"I like to be able to try and send a message to people through my photographs".

Independent

If it's not working, you've got to be able to try something else.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to try" to emphasize the enablement or the provision of an opportunity to attempt something, particularly when that enablement is noteworthy or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "being able to try" in situations where a simpler phrasing like "trying" or "attempting" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to try" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state or condition of having the opportunity or capacity to attempt something. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being able to try" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that describes the state of having the opportunity or capacity to attempt something. According to Ludwig, this expression is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to avoid overuse in simple scenarios where more concise phrasing would suffice. Remember that "being able to try" emphasizes enablement, opportunity, or permission, rather than just the act of trying itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the opportunity to attempt

Emphasizes the availability of a chance or occasion.

having the capacity to try

Focuses on possessing the inherent ability or skill.

being permitted to attempt

Highlights the aspect of permission or authorization.

having the option to try

Stresses the availability of a choice.

possessing the skill to try

Underscores the required skill or expertise.

having the freedom to experiment

Highlights the liberty to explore different approaches.

being in a position to attempt

Focuses on the situational readiness or suitability.

having resources to try

Emphasizes access to the necessary resources for attempting.

being equipped to try

Focuses on having the proper equipment or tools.

having authority to attempt

Highlights the legitimate power or right to try.

FAQs

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

Use "being able to try" to describe the state of having the opportunity or capability to attempt something. For example, "The graduate scheme was brilliant because it was a way of "being able to try" out management and see different areas of the sector".

What phrases are similar to "being able to try"?

Similar phrases include "having the opportunity to attempt", "having the capacity to try", or "being permitted to attempt", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of capability or permission.

Is it correct to say "being able to trying"?

No, "being able to trying" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""being able to try"", where "try" is the base form of the verb.

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

"Being able to try" emphasizes the opportunity or capability to make an attempt, while "trying" simply refers to the act of making an attempt. The former implies enablement, whereas the latter focuses on the action itself.