even able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize someone's capability or ability to do something, often in a surprising or unexpected context. Example: "She was so exhausted that she was not even able to finish her meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Barely even able to get a drink.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I wasn't even able to come upstairs.

The New Yorker

We were even able to hack into the police's systems.

Independent

The audience was even able to toast them back.

The New York Times

Duveen was even able to rejuvenate some of his pictures.

The New Yorker

We're not even able to shoot a video!

The Guardian - Music

After a while, I wasn't even able to do that".

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, with mathematical modeling the researchers were even able to predict the degree of susceptibility.

The New York Times - Health

He was not even able to tell his own daughter the good news.

Independent

"And because of this he is more human, even able to be moved and to cry".

The New York Times

He wasn't even able to cover the cost of his bus fare from Chennai.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even able to" to emphasize a surprising or unexpected ability, or to highlight a contrast with a previous lack of ability. For example: "After months of therapy, she was even able to walk again."

Common error

Avoid overusing "even able to" in contexts where the ability is expected or unremarkable. This can weaken the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even able to" functions as an intensifier modifying the adjective phrase "able to", emphasizing capability or possibility. Ludwig AI's examples show it used across various contexts to highlight surprising or unexpected abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even able to" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize capability, particularly when it's surprising or unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently found in news, science, and formal writing. While generally neutral in tone, context dictates its overall formality. To enhance your writing, use it to highlight notable abilities, but avoid overuse in commonplace situations. Remember, the goal is to create impact by drawing attention to an unexpected capacity or opportunity. A great alternative to this phrase might be "capable of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of

This alternative replaces "even able to" with a more direct expression of capability.

competent to

This describes having the necessary skill or knowledge.

in a position to

This phrase indicates the necessary circumstances or resources exist to do something.

with the capacity to

This alternative highlights the inherent ability or potential.

equipped to

This suggests having the necessary tools or skills for a task.

in a state to

This suggests being in a condition where something is possible

empowered to

This conveys having the authority or power to do something.

sufficiently able to

This conveys possessing an adequate level of ability.

entitled to

This indicates having a right or justification to do something.

so as to be able to

This emphasizes the purpose or intention behind having the ability.

FAQs

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

Use "even able to" to emphasize someone's unexpected capability or ability. For example: "Despite the severe injury, he was "even able to" complete the race."

What phrases are similar to "even able to"?

Similar phrases include "capable of", "in a position to", or "equipped to", which convey similar ideas of capability and possibility.

Is it always necessary to include "even" when talking about ability?

No, "even" adds emphasis or surprise. If you want to simply state someone is able to do something, "able to" is sufficient. For example, instead of "He was "even able to" lift the heavy box", you can say "He was able to lift the heavy box".

What's the difference between "even able to" and "still able to"?

"Even able to" suggests surprise or overcoming an obstacle, while "still able to" indicates continuation of an ability despite circumstances that might suggest otherwise. For example: "Despite his age, he was "still able to" run marathons" implies his age might hinder him, while "He was "even able to" run after the injury" implies surprise at his recovery.