have been able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been able" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is the past perfect form of the modal verb "to be able," which is often used to express a past ability or possibility. For example: "He had been able to find the lost information quickly and easily."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We have been able to do that.

The New York Times - Sports

We'd have been able to cope.

The Guardian

You wouldn't have been able to breathe".

The New York Times

"Yet purchasers have been able to obtain financing, and unit owners have been able to refinance".

The New York Times

(Anyway, I wouldn't have been able to cram in).

The Guardian - Books

So we have been able to do more early intervention.

The Guardian - Books

Neither have been able to escape Bennett's shadow.

The Guardian - Sport

White might have been able to stop him.

The New York Times - Sports

Some executives have been able to make business contacts.

The New York Times

They wouldn't have been able to get out anyway".

The New York Times

I would not have been able to live with myself".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been able" to clearly indicate a past ability that resulted in a specific action or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "have been able" when simply describing a general ability without reference to a specific past event. Use "can" or "are able" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been able" functions as a past perfect construction expressing ability or possibility that existed over a period of time leading up to the present. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have been able" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a past ability or possibility that has been successfully utilized. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business domains. When writing, ensure you're using it to describe a capability that existed over time, and avoid using it for general abilities. Related phrases like ""have managed to"" or ""have been capable of"" can offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have managed to

Suggests overcoming difficulties or challenges to achieve something.

have been capable of

Highlights the inherent skill or talent to perform something.

have had the capacity to

Emphasizes inherent ability or potential that existed.

have succeeded in

Focuses on the successful completion or achievement of something.

have found it possible to

Emphasizes the realization that something is feasible or achievable.

were in a position to

Implies having the right circumstances or opportunities to do something.

have gained the ability to

Highlights the acquisition of a new skill or capacity.

have been equipped to

Focuses on having the necessary tools, resources, or training.

have been empowered to

Suggests being given the authority or power to do something.

have been permitted to

Indicates that permission or authorization was granted, enabling an action.

FAQs

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

"Have been able" indicates a past ability that was successfully utilized. For example, "We "have been able" to reduce costs this year" shows a successful cost reduction.

What phrases are similar to "have been able"?

Similar phrases include "have managed to", "have succeeded in", or "have been capable of". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "have being able" instead of "have been able"?

No, "have being able" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""have been able"", which uses the past participle "been".

What's the difference between "were able" and "have been able"?

"Were able" indicates a specific instance of successfully doing something in the past, while ""have been able"" refers to an ability or a series of successful actions over a period leading up to the present.