should be able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'should be able to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are suggesting something may be possible or when giving advice. For example, "You should be able to find the information you need on the company website."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

NOVA should be able to discover which.

The Economist

We should be able to handle this.

The New Yorker

— — — — — Leaders should be able to "ignore things".

The New York Times

They should be able to stop it.

The New Yorker

You should be able to read them".

The New Yorker

Lance should be able to compete.

The New York Times - Sports

We should be able to manage it.

The New York Times

Your doctor should be able to help.

The New York Times - Health

should be able to issue such limits.

The New Yorker

"We should be able to arrange it".

The Economist

We should be able to use it.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "should be able to" when indicating an expected capability or a reasonable possibility, rather than a guaranteed outcome. It's often used for giving advice or making predictions.

Common error

Avoid using "should be able to" when certainty is required. Instead, opt for "will be able to" or "is guaranteed to" if the outcome is assured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be able to" primarily functions as a modal construction indicating possibility or expectation. It combines the modal verb 'should' with the ability verb 'be able to', suggesting a reasonable likelihood or a recommended course of action. Ludwig's examples highlight its versatility in expressing capabilities and expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

21%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be able to" is a versatile modal construction that expresses expectation, possibility, or capability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. It's crucial to differentiate "should be able to" from expressions implying certainty and to select appropriate alternatives like "ought to be able to" or "should be in a position to" based on the intended nuance. To maximize clarity and impact, writers must consider the context and choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the degree of certainty or expectation. Be sure that "should be able to" is a tool for suggesting possibility, expectation, or a reasonable action to be undertaken, rather than a statement of guaranteed outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be able to

Similar in meaning, but carries a slightly stronger sense of obligation or moral imperative.

should have the capacity to

More formal and emphasizes inherent potential or ability.

should be in a position to

Implies having the necessary resources or circumstances to perform an action.

should be equipped to

Focuses on having the required tools, knowledge, or training.

can reasonably expect to

Highlights a justified expectation of a particular outcome or action.

should be likely to

Focuses more on the probability of something occurring rather than the ability to do it.

should be permitted to

Emphasizes that there is an allowance for some action to be performed.

should be allowed to

Focuses on permission being granted, rather than capability.

can be expected to

Similar to 'should be likely to', suggesting anticipation rather than ability.

should manage to

Implies an effort and potential success in accomplishing something, differing from simple ability.

FAQs

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

Use "should be able to" to express an expectation or capability. For example, "With proper training, you "should be able to" complete the task efficiently."

What's the difference between "should be able to" and "could be able to"?

"Should be able to" implies a higher degree of certainty or expectation than "could be able to." "Should" suggests a reasonable expectation, while "could" indicates mere possibility.

What can I say instead of "should be able to"?

Alternatives include "ought to be able to", "should be in a position to", or "should have the capacity to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "should be able to" formal or informal?

"Should be able to" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "ought to be able to" or "should be equipped to" to convey a more professional tone.