has been able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been able" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase "has been able" when describing a past event or action that occurred, typically denoting that the event or action was successfully completed. Example: He has been able to secure an internship at a prestigious law firm.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nobody has been able to slow Florida Gulf Coast.

The New York Times - Sports

Brand has been able to put his ego aside.

The New York Times

"Decormarmi has been able to get it right".

The New York Times

He has been able to keep his products simple".

The New Yorker

And not everybody has been able to make gains.

The New York Times

No one has been able to prove it".

The New Yorker

America has been able to borrow in dollars.

The Economist

"No one has been able to achieve this.

Independent

But none has been able to change them much.

The Economist

"I think Ryan has been able to do that".

The New York Times

"Nobody has been able to resolve the reliability problem".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been able" to describe a sustained ability or a series of successful attempts over a period of time. This phrasing emphasizes ongoing capability rather than a single instance of success.

Common error

Avoid using "has been able" when describing a one-time achievement. For single instances, phrases like "managed to" or "succeeded in" are more appropriate to highlight the specific accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been able" functions as a present perfect construction indicating the ability to perform an action up to the present moment. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase in written English. It describes an ongoing capacity or a series of successful attempts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been able" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to express a sustained ability or a history of successful actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various domains. As shown by the examples, it's particularly common in news and media and science contexts, indicating its relevance in describing ongoing capacities and achievements. While "has been able" is widely accepted, remember to use it appropriately, distinguishing it from similar phrases like "was able to" or "could", ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed to

Focuses on the successful completion of an action, implying effort or difficulty.

succeeded in

Highlights the achievement of a specific goal or objective.

was successful in

Focuses on the positive outcome or accomplishment.

was capable of

Changes the tense to past and uses 'capable of' to emphasize the inherent ability.

had the capacity to

Emphasizes the potential or inherent ability to do something.

proved able to

Highlights the demonstration of ability through action or results.

was in a position to

Indicates the availability of resources or circumstances that allowed for an action.

could

Uses the modal verb 'could' to express past ability or possibility.

had the opportunity to

Highlights the presence of a chance or occasion to do something.

was empowered to

Emphasizes the granting of authority or power to perform an action.

FAQs

How can I use "has been able" in a sentence?

Use "has been able" to indicate a continuing or repeated ability to do something. For example, "The company has been able to increase its profits every quarter" shows a consistent ability over time.

What are some alternatives to "has been able"?

Depending on the context, you could use "managed to", "succeeded in", or "was capable of" as alternatives to "has been able".

Is there a difference between "has been able" and "was able to"?

"Has been able" implies a continuing ability or a series of successes up to the present, while "was able to" refers to a specific instance in the past. "He has been able to run marathons for years" versus "He was able to finish the race despite the injury".

When should I use "has been able" instead of "could"?

"Has been able" emphasizes the actual ability or achievement, whereas "could" indicates potential or possibility. Use "has been able" when you want to highlight that the ability was used and results were achieved. For example, "The team has been able to overcome many challenges" indicates it has actually overcome those challenges, not just that it had the potential to do so.