in order to be able

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually indicates purpose or goal. For example, "I am studying hard in order to be able to get into a good college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They dispense vast sums of money in order to be able to control you".

The New Yorker

Many people count on these deductions in order to be able to buy a house.

The New York Times

I needed not to see Diane in order to be able to 'see' her better".

The New Yorker

"In order to be able to enforce or bring court cases, you have to have lawyers.

The New York Times

Mr. Franken, she continued, studied those people in order to be able to dispute them.

The New York Times

Life creed: Only drinking light beer, in order to be able to drink all night.

The Guardian

He resolved to improve his French in order to be able to read it.

The New Yorker

"All Labour people should therefore immediately join in order to be able to vote.

The Guardian

It's very difficult, but it's necessary in order to be able to sing well.

The Guardian - Music

Nevertheless, he needs help in order to be able to assist Bassanio.

Britannica

"You learn tricks in order to be able to walk around and feel comfortable," she said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order to be able", ensure that the sentence clearly establishes the goal or purpose that the ability serves. This clarifies the reason for needing the particular skill or capacity.

Common error

Avoid using "in order to be able to" when a simpler infinitive phrase ("to") will suffice. For example, instead of saying "He studied hard in order to be able to pass the exam", you can simply say "He studied hard to pass the exam".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to be able" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It introduces a clause that explains the reason or aim behind an action, specifically focusing on achieving a certain capability. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order to be able" serves as an adverbial phrase expressing purpose, specifically emphasizing the intent to gain a certain capability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While effective, it's important to be mindful of potential redundancy and consider simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, ensuring clarity in expressing intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

so that one can

Replaces "in order to be able" with a more concise conjunction, focusing on the resulting ability.

to enable one to

Emphasizes the act of making someone capable, shifting from intention to empowerment.

for the purpose of being able to

Adds more emphasis to the purpose, making it more formal and explicit.

with the goal of being able to

Highlights the intention behind the action, focusing on the desired outcome of capability.

so as to be capable of

Uses "so as to" which provides a more concise and somewhat formal alternative.

in such a way as to be able to

Indicates a method or approach that leads to the ability to do something, adding a layer of detail.

to facilitate the ability to

Focuses on easing or promoting the ability to do something, changing the perspective slightly.

for the sake of being able to

Emphasizes the value or reason for wanting the ability, adding a sense of importance.

with a view to being able to

Introduces the idea of considering future possibilities or aims, shifting from direct purpose to foresight.

to have the capacity to

Focuses on possessing the inherent capability, rather than the purpose of gaining it.

FAQs

What is the grammatical function of "in order to be able"?

The phrase "in order to be able" functions as an introductory phrase indicating purpose or intention. It sets the stage for explaining why someone needs a particular ability or skill.

How can I use "in order to be able" in a sentence?

You can use "in order to be able" to connect an action with its intended outcome of achieving a certain capability. For example, "She practiced every day in order to be able to play the piece flawlessly".

Are there alternatives to "in order to be able" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "so that one can", "to enable one to", or "so as to be capable of" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "in order to" and "in order to be able"?

While "in order to" generally indicates a purpose, "in order to be able" specifically highlights the intention to achieve a certain capability or skill. Using "in order to be able" emphasizes the importance of gaining a specific ability as a result of the action.