still be able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'still be able' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express the continuation or persistence of an ability or action. Here is an example: "I know it's been a tough year for you, but I believe you will still be able to graduate with honors." In this sentence, 'still be able' indicates that despite the challenges faced, the person's ability to graduate with honors has not been affected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She would still be able to conceive.

The New Yorker

People will still be able to work.

The New York Times

Will he still be able to create chaos?

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Bloomberg would still be able to get away quietly.

The New York Times

I'll still be able to attend council meetings.

The Guardian

They would still be able to bring a complaint".

Independent

Newspapers will still be able to publish rumours with impunity.

The Economist

Hopefully, I will still be able to tell you stories.

The New York Times

Would Mariupol still be able to function as a port?

The Guardian

Will they still be able to present the same repertoire?

The Guardian

You will still be able to find them abroad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still be able" to emphasize the continuation of an ability or possibility despite potential obstacles or changes.

Common error

Avoid using "still be able" when a simpler verb like "can" or "will" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the continuation of the ability is noteworthy or surprising.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still be able" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the persistence of an ability or possibility. As shown in Ludwig AI, this phrase is used to convey that even in the face of changing circumstances, the capacity to perform an action remains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "still be able" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates the continuation of an ability or possibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts. When writing, it's important to remember that while "still be able" is useful for emphasizing the persistence of an ability, it should not be overused when a simpler alternative would suffice. Consider alternatives like "remain capable" or "continue to have the capacity" for subtle variations in meaning. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, followed by wiki and science contexts, maintaining a neutral register. Top authoritative sources include "The New York Times", "The Guardian", and "BBC".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain capable

Emphasizes the continuation of having the necessary skills or qualities.

have the sustained ability to

Highlights a long term ability.

continue to have the capacity

Highlights the ongoing possession of the ability to do something.

preserve the capability

Indicates an effort to maintain an ability for future use.

manage to continue

Focuses on successfully persisting in a certain action or state.

endure with the skill

Highlights that the skill is still present after some obstacle.

be yet in a position to

Suggests that the opportunity or situation is still available for someone.

keep the power to

Emphasizes the strength or control associated with the ability.

retain the option

Implies that the possibility remains open, even if not actively pursued.

find oneself still in a condition to

Highlights the fact that a situation is still in place.

FAQs

How can I use "still be able" in a sentence?

Use "still be able" to indicate that someone or something retains the capacity to do something despite a change or challenge. For example, "Even with the new regulations, we will "still be able" to operate efficiently".

What are some alternatives to "still be able"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives like "remain capable", "continue to have the capacity", or "manage to continue" to convey a similar meaning to "still be able".

Is it always necessary to include "still" in "be able"?

No, "still" is not always necessary. It adds emphasis on the continuation of the ability. Without "still", the phrase "be able" simply indicates the presence of an ability. Consider dropping it in scenarios where maintaining the ability is not surprising.

What's the difference between "still be able" and "continue to be able"?

"Still be able" implies a contrast with a previous expectation or potential impediment, while "continue to be able" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the ability. "Continue to be able" is also often viewed as redundant since the verb "continue" already expresses duration.