not as able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare someone's ability to do something with another person's ability, indicating a lesser capability. Example: "She is not as able to complete the project on time as her colleague."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Maybe [Ed] is not as able to connect [with people] as strongly as David [Miliband] can.

The Guardian

"Maybe [Ed] is not as able to connect as strongly as David can," he told the New Statesman.

The Guardian

"Maybe [Ed] is not as able to connect [with people] as strongly as David can," he told the New Statesman.

The Guardian

However, these days doctors they are not as able to pass along the rising cost of insurance.

The New York Times

we're not as able to see it". If you know someone caring for a family member, check in.

The Washington Post

It seems that minorities who fit certain stereotypes are not as able to choose their own identity as those whose appearance is more general.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

We can hypothesize other types of situations that would happen what if women weren't as able to get loans or mortgages or insurance?

MIT Technology Review

Bounding pulses might indicate stiffer arteries, as the blood vessels will not be as able to accommodate the increase in blood with the heart's pumping.

WikiHow

And red lines about corruption have been pushed back too, so people are not as easily able to pull strings and favors as they used to.

The New Yorker

However, think of karate not as being able to move a large object, but being able to move a small object quickly and with detailed precision.

WikiHow

It's not as simple as not being able to read a book.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not as able to", ensure the comparison is clear. Specify what the subject is not as able to do, and, if relevant, what they are being compared to. For instance, "He is not as able to run as he used to."

Common error

Avoid using "not as able to" without making the comparison explicit or implicit. For example, instead of saying "He is not as able to", clarify by stating "He is not as able to handle complex tasks as his colleague".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as able to" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by indicating a diminished capacity or skill relative to another entity or a previous state. Ludwig provides examples supporting this function, demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not as able to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used construction for expressing a comparative lack of ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and business, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide a clear comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "less capable of" or "less proficient in" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "not as able to" in your writing to convey nuanced comparisons of ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less capable of

Focuses on capability rather than general ability.

not as proficient at

Highlights a lack of skill or expertise in a specific area.

less skilled in

Emphasizes a deficiency in a learned skill.

not as competent to

Suggests a lack of the necessary qualities or abilities.

not as equipped to

Highlights a lack of necessary resources or qualifications.

less adept at

Indicates a lower level of dexterity or skill.

not quite up to

Implies a shortfall in meeting a required standard or level.

struggling to

Focuses on the difficulty experienced in performing an action.

having difficulty in

Directly states the presence of problems or challenges.

finding it hard to

Personalizes the experience of difficulty.

FAQs

How can I use "not as able to" in a sentence?

Use "not as able to" to indicate a reduced capacity or ability compared to someone or something else. For example, "She is "not as able to focus" as she was before the illness".

What are some alternatives to "not as able to"?

You can use alternatives like "less capable of", "less proficient in", or "not as equipped to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not as able to"?

Yes, "not as able to" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a comparison in ability. Ludwig AI confirms this usage in various contexts.

What is the difference between "not as able to" and "unable to"?

"Not as able to" implies a comparison or a degree of reduced ability, while "unable to" suggests a complete lack of ability. For instance, "He is not as able to run" means he can run, but not as well, while "He is unable to run" means he cannot run at all.