entirely able

USAGE SUMMARY

"entirely able" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means fully capable or completely able to do something. Example: Despite her young age, she was entirely able to handle the complex tasks assigned to her at work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Mr. Wang, a soft-spoken man, was not entirely able to articulate why he was so wantonly defying the authorities.

The New York Times

Pedro Feliciano, another candidate from the coalition of the willing but not entirely able, had already pitched two innings.

The New York Times - Sports

On the other hand, I was never entirely able to identify with her or Mr. Rush's characters, as I could with Ms. Mulligan's and Ms. Richardson's.

The New York Times

There should be no question that American women are entirely able to serve closer to the frontlines – and even on them.

The Guardian - Opinion

And Bill Clinton's machinations to avoid military service led to accusations that he was a draft-dodging product of the 1960's, a label he was never entirely able to shake.

The New York Times

They were not entirely able to explain why diabetes and prediabetes rates had continued to rise while obesity held steady, but they said it may have taken time for the disease to "catch up" with teenagers who were overweight or sedentary as children.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It takes energy, planning, patience and persistence to travel with any passenger who is not entirely able-bodied.

The New York Times - Travel

I closed myself down entirely, and was only able to come out of that when I was 23.

Huffington Post

While on the battlefield, players may choose to move their characters to attack the enemy, retreat into a corner, stand their ground, or flee the battle entirely, with characters only able to strike enemies if they are close enough to their target or use a ranged attack.

Wikipedia

Using such a large substrate under these electrophoresis conditions, however, meant that it was not possible to determine whether p.N478D was entirely inactive or only able to oligoadenylate, as could be seen for mt-mRNA in the mutant cell lines (Fig.  1A).

Human Molecular Genetics

They wished to avoid an image of which they would never entirely be able to rid themselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely able" to express complete capability or capacity. It adds a stronger emphasis compared to simply saying "able".

Common error

While "entirely able" is correct, avoid overusing the adverb "entirely" in very formal writing, as it can sometimes sound redundant. Consider if the meaning is already clear with just "able".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely able" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of complete capability. The adverb "entirely" intensifies the adjective "able", emphasizing the completeness of the ability. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "entirely able" is a grammatically correct and neutrally registered phrase used to express complete capability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it is used across a variety of contexts, including news media and scientific publications. For increased impact, use it to emphasize a high degree of capability. If you wish to use a similar expression, consider alternatives such as "fully capable" or "completely competent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully capable

Emphasizes the completeness of the ability.

completely competent

Highlights the individual's proficiency.

perfectly equipped

Focuses on having all necessary resources and skills.

entirely qualified

Stresses meeting all the necessary qualifications.

thoroughly proficient

Underlines the depth and extent of the skill.

amply prepared

Focuses on the state of readiness.

wholly empowered

Highlights the complete delegation of power and authority.

altogether ready

Indicates full preparation and willingness.

absolutely equal

Highlights the level of equality.

sufficiently adept

Emphasizes a satisfactory level of skill and expertise.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely able" in a sentence?

"Entirely able" is used to describe someone or something that is fully capable of performing a task or fulfilling a requirement. For example, "She is "entirely able" to manage the project on her own."

What are some alternatives to "entirely able"?

You can use alternatives such as "fully capable", "completely competent", or "perfectly equipped" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "entirely able" or just "able"?

"Entirely able" emphasizes the completeness of the capability, while "able" simply indicates the presence of the capability. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

In what situations is "entirely able" most appropriate?

"Entirely able" is suitable when you want to strongly assert someone's or something's capability, particularly in situations where there might be doubt or when the capability is especially important. For example, "The software is "entirely able" to handle large datasets."