she was able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was able to" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe someone's ability to do something in the past. Example: Despite her fear of heights, she was able to climb to the top of the mountain and take in the breathtaking view.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was able to wrestle free.

The New York Times

"She was able to look after herself".

Independent

She was able to help.

The New York Times

She was able to read "sun".

The New York Times - Health

She was able to understand me.

The Guardian

She was able to walk away.

The New York Times - Sports

She was able to save a third.

The New York Times

"She was able to sort them out.

The New York Times

"She was able to laugh at it".

The New York Times

But she was able to do that.

The Guardian

She was able to unleash them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was able to" to emphasize a specific instance where someone overcame an obstacle or achieved a particular outcome. For general abilities, consider alternatives like "she could".

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "she was able to" in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "she managed to" or "she succeeded in" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was able to" functions as a verbal phrase indicating past capability or successful execution of an action. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was able to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys past capability or successful accomplishment. According to Ludwig, it appears most often in news and media contexts, with notable presence in scientific and formal writing as well. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of potential redundancy and to vary language using synonyms like "she managed to" or "she succeeded in" where appropriate. Understanding the nuances between "she was able to" and alternatives like "she could" can further enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she could

A more concise and versatile way to express past ability or possibility.

she managed to

Highlights effort and overcoming difficulty to achieve something.

she had the ability to

Emphasizes inherent capacity rather than a specific instance of achievement.

she succeeded in

Focuses on the successful outcome of an attempt.

she found a way to

Implies resourcefulness and determination in achieving something.

she was capable of

Indicates a general potential or aptitude.

she was in a position to

Highlights the circumstances that allowed her to act.

she had the opportunity to

Highlights that the situation allowed her to do something, focusing on circumstance.

it was possible for her to

Emphasizes the possibility aspect from an external viewpoint.

she was permitted to

Indicates she had permission or authorization to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "she was able to" in a sentence?

"She was able to" indicates that someone had the capability or opportunity to do something. For example: "She was able to finish the project on time despite the challenges."

What can I say instead of "she was able to"?

You can use alternatives like "she managed to", "she succeeded in", or "she could", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "she was able to" or "she could"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "she could" implies a general ability, while "she was able to" often emphasizes a specific instance or accomplishment. For example, "She could speak French" versus "She was able to order dinner in French."

What's the difference between "she was able to" and "she had the ability to"?

"She was able to" typically refers to a specific event or situation, whereas "she had the ability to" describes a general capability or potential. The former is more focused on a concrete action, while the latter is more abstract.