more able to

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about something that is able to do something with a greater degree of success or capability compared to something else. Example sentence: With more training and experience, she is more able to handle complex challenges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Younger audiences are more able to multitask," she explains.

The New York Times

They're more able to see things in perspective.

The Guardian - Books

"U2 are more able to handle that sort of thing.

The New York Times - Arts

He is stronger now, more able to weather this storm.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm more able to be bold in my statements.

The New York Times - Magazine

Romney would be more able to handle the economy.

The New York Times

Indeed, they are no more able to understand it.

The Economist

Renters are more able to follow the job market.

The New York Times - Magazine

People are more able to pay for goods and services -- and more able to pay taxes -- when they have money, not when the economy is mired in recession.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

β-sheet proteins are generally more able to resist mechanical deformation than α-helical proteins.

Biophysical Journal

More able to organically grow and live within its own means.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more able to" when you want to emphasize an increase in capability or capacity resulting from a specific factor, such as training, experience, or resources. For example, "With the new software, the team is "more able to" analyze data efficiently."

Common error

Avoid using "more able to" interchangeably with phrases that imply likelihood or possibility rather than capability. For example, "more likely to" indicates a higher probability, while "more able to" indicates a greater capacity to perform an action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more able to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It indicates an increased capacity or ability to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase modifies a subject's capability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more able to" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express an enhanced capability or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a comparative adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. Its register is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. Common alternatives include "better equipped to" and "more capable of". When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects an increased potential rather than a mere likelihood or possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more capable of

Highlights inherent or developed competence.

better equipped to

Focuses on possessing superior resources or preparation.

better suited to

Implies a higher degree of compatibility or appropriateness.

better prepared to

Focuses on the act of preparing and its subsequent benefit.

better positioned to

Emphasizes an advantageous situation or state.

in a better position to

Similar to 'better positioned to' but more descriptive.

more apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or readiness.

more inclined to

Highlights a stronger preference or tendency.

more likely to

Shifts the focus to probability or inclination.

more prone to

Indicates a higher susceptibility or vulnerability.

FAQs

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

"More able to" is used to describe an increased capacity or capability to do something. For example, "After the training, employees are "more able to" handle customer complaints effectively."

What are some alternatives to "more able to"?

You can use alternatives like "better equipped to", "more capable of", or "better positioned to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more able at" instead of "more able to"?

While "able at" can be used, "more able to" is generally preferred because it emphasizes the potential or capacity to perform an action. "Able at" typically refers to a skill or talent.

What is the difference between "more able to" and "more likely to"?

"More able to" refers to an enhanced capacity or capability to do something, while "more likely to" refers to an increased probability or tendency. They are not interchangeable; use the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.