liked to be able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liked to be able" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference or enjoyment of having the ability to do something in the past. Example: "She always liked to be able to help her friends whenever they needed support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I liked to be able to see I was getting better at this," she said.

The New York Times

"We would have ideally liked to be able to bid for the west coast sooner".

The Guardian - Business

"I would have so liked to be able to talk to him about world affairs and politics," she writes.

The New York Times - Books

Another law lord, Baroness Hale, said: "I confess that I would have liked to be able to uphold the decision.

The Guardian

Lady Hale I confess I would have liked to be able to uphold the decision... of the divisional court.

The Guardian

This was a pain because he liked to be able to smell a catch before deciding whether or not to purchase it.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

I would like to be able to sustain!

The New York Times

I'd like to be able to shake it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'd like to be able to write clearer.

The New Yorker

"I'd like to be able to support myself.

The New York Times

"I like to be able to move, to feel casual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "liked to be able" when you want to emphasize the enjoyment or preference for having a particular ability in the past. It subtly conveys a sense of satisfaction derived from that capability.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "liked to be able" can sound less formal. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "preferred to be capable" or "desired the ability to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liked to be able" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a past desire or preference for possessing a certain ability or capability. Ludwig examples show it frequently expressing a past enjoyment of being in a position to do something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "liked to be able" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey a past enjoyment or preference for having a specific ability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources, notably News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in formality, it is slightly more informal and might be substituted with phrases such as "preferred to be capable" in more formal contexts. When using this phrase, remember that it emphasizes the positive feeling associated with the ability, not just the desire to have it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Was pleased to be able

Similar to "liked", but replaces it with "was pleased", directly expressing contentment.

Enjoyed being able

Substitutes "liked" with "enjoyed", emphasizing the pleasure derived from having the ability.

Took pleasure in being able

Highlights the enjoyment experienced from being able to do something.

Preferred to be capable

Replaces "liked" with "preferred" and uses the adjective "capable" instead of the infinitive "to be able", slightly altering the focus to general capability rather than a specific instance.

Relished being able

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from the ability.

Was keen to be able

Expresses enthusiasm and eagerness for having the ability.

Found satisfaction in being able

Highlights the satisfaction gained from possessing the ability, adding an emotional dimension.

Had a fondness for being able

Uses "fondness" to express affection for having the ability, adding a sentimental tone.

Appreciated the opportunity to be able

Focuses on appreciating the chance or possibility of having the ability, adding emphasis on gratitude.

Desired the capability to

Uses a more formal tone, replacing "liked" with "desired" and framing the ability as a "capability".

FAQs

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

You can use "liked to be able" to express enjoyment or preference for having a specific ability. For example, "She always "liked to be able" to help her friends."

What are some alternatives to "liked to be able"?

Some alternatives include "preferred to be capable", "enjoyed being able", or "was pleased to be able", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "liked to be able" formal or informal?

"Liked to be able" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, more formal options like "desired the capability to" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "liked to be able" and "wanted to be able"?

"Liked to be able" suggests enjoyment or a positive feeling associated with having a certain ability, while "wanted to be able" simply indicates a desire or wish to possess that ability. "Liked" implies a level of satisfaction not necessarily present with "wanted."