partially able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partially able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has limited capability or capacity to perform a task or function. Example: "The device is partially able to connect to the network, but it struggles with maintaining a stable connection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He recorded a view from his workroom window on paper sensitized with silver chloride but was only partially able to fix the image.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More often than not, these women report strong feelings of denial about their pregnancies, saying that they were not aware — or only partially able to comprehend — that they were carrying.

The New Yorker

However, in general, HYDRUS-1D is only partially able to capture the hydrologic behavior of extensive green roofs across the different rooftop scales examined during this study.

Ecological Engineering

On the other hand, double surface treatments are at least partially able to mitigate the surface damage produced by a first high intensity peening treatment.

Surface and Coatings Technology

We show that these surrogate networks reproduce some features of the real data but are only partially able to identify the most central nodes of the face-to-face network.

EPJ Data Science

Koduri and Tien (1995) showed that the substrate guaiacol or the phenoxyl radical were only partially able to transform Compound III to the initial state and are considerably less efficient at this process than veratryl alcohol.

AMB Express

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

And that you might, partially, be able to do it yourself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In other words, 24 neonates (88%), completely or partially, were able to obtain age-related indices within 18 months of age.

Health Economics Review

He was restless and confused, only partially collaborative, able to answer just simple questions and presenting left hypostenia, mild left hypoestesia and left hyporeflexia.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

However, according to the Barthel Index only two patients were independent, one was partially dependent, able to walk without assistance, and more than one-half of the patients bedridden at 12 months after SAH.

Critical Care

Two-thirds of the banks surveyed said they were only "partially" able (in other words, unable) to aggregate their credit risks.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "partially able to", clarify the specific limitations. Being specific makes your writing more precise and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "partially able to" when the subject has no capability at all. In such cases, use phrases like "unable to" or "not equipped to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partially able to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a limited or incomplete capacity to perform an action. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing limitations in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "partially able to" effectively communicates a limited capacity or capability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's best practice to clearly specify the limitations. Avoid overstating capabilities and consider alternatives like "somewhat capable of" or "limited in ability to" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat capable of

Replaces "able" with "capable", emphasizing a degree of competence.

limited in ability to

Focuses on the restriction of ability rather than the positive aspect of being able.

not fully equipped to

Highlights the lack of complete resources or preparedness.

partly competent to

Emphasizes the incomplete state of competence.

not entirely capable of

Similar to "somewhat capable of", but with a slightly stronger negation.

partially equipped for

Emphasizes the possession of some, but not all, necessary equipment or skills.

to a limited extent

Shifts the focus to the degree or scope of the ability.

not wholly suited to

Highlights the fact that something is not completely appropriate or fitting for a purpose.

inadequately prepared to

Stresses the lack of sufficient preparation.

restricted in capacity to

Focuses on the constraints or limitations of one's capacity.

FAQs

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

Use "partially able to" to describe a situation where someone or something has a limited capability. For example: "The software is "partially able to" process the data, but it struggles with larger files".

What can I say instead of "partially able to"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat capable of", "limited in ability to", or "not fully equipped to depending on the specific context".

Which is correct, "partially able to" or "completely able to"?

"Partially able to" indicates a limited capacity, while "completely able to" signifies full capability. The choice depends on the actual extent of the ability.

What's the difference between "partially able to" and "marginally able to"?

"Partially able to" suggests some degree of capability, whereas "marginally able to" implies the capability is very slight or almost non-existent.