sufficiently able

USAGE SUMMARY

"sufficiently able" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone or something has the capacity or capability for something, or is adequately and effectively capable of doing something. For example, "He is sufficiently able to handle the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

It's clear that the industry is not sufficiently able to police itself on this front.

Harvard University

There is disagreement about whether long-term memories eventually become independent of the hippocampus, with the cortex being sufficiently able to support recall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In my own work, I sought to combine clarity about Nazi doctors' moral responsibility for what they did with nuanced representations of them, including psychological conflicts that, unfortunately, most were sufficiently able to overcome to go on with their killing.

The New York Times

The students were sufficiently able to apply concepts from the instructional unit: the average score was 64%.

International Journal of STEM Education

The renewable energy development actors in Oman have not been sufficiently able to move beyond these learning dimensions.

Energy Transitions

Of course, we've had technological disruption before, and each time mankind has been sufficiently able to adapt to ensure that employment levels remained very high.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

I am both wondrous and anxious about whether we will sufficiently be able to extend the work of the original filmmakers and represent the people they filmed in a way that is accurate and respectful.

Duke University

3) This training will not sufficiently be able to focus on an (individual) appropriate level of difficulty.

BMC Medical Education

"FSB has compromised TRUMP through his activities in Moscow sufficiently to be able to blackmail him," it says.

The Guardian

Creditors are entitled to ensure that borrowers reform their economies sufficiently to be able to pay back what they owe.

Independent

The US leader recovered sufficiently to be able to keep his appointment with Sarkozy, their first one-to-one meeting, later that day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sufficiently able" when you want to convey that someone or something meets the minimum requirements or expectations for a particular task or situation. It suggests adequacy without necessarily implying exceptional skill.

Common error

Avoid using "sufficiently able" when a stronger term like "highly skilled" or "exceptionally talented" is more appropriate. "Sufficiently able" implies adequacy, not superiority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficiently able" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the extent to which someone or something possesses the capacity or skill to perform a task or fulfill a requirement. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sufficiently able" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that someone or something possesses the minimum level of competence or capacity required for a particular task or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment, supported by numerous examples from varied sources such as scientific journals, news outlets, and academic publications.

While "sufficiently able" isn't inherently formal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When writing, ensure that "sufficiently able" accurately reflects the intended level of capability, avoiding its use when stronger terms are more appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively and accurately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable enough

Directly states the presence of capability with a similar sense of adequacy, presenting a more concise alternative.

competent enough

Highlights possession of the required skills or knowledge, focusing on baseline competence.

adequately competent

Focuses on having an acceptable level of skill or knowledge, shifting the emphasis from sufficiency to a basic standard of competence.

appropriately skilled

Emphasizes that the skills match the specific requirement, highlighting relevance and suitability.

proficient enough

Focuses on skill level, suggesting a solid level of expertise rather than just basic ability.

suitably qualified

Highlights the possession of necessary credentials or expertise, differing by emphasizing formal qualifications.

reasonably qualified

Suggests a moderate level of qualification, implying there might be room for improvement.

well-equipped

Implies having the necessary tools or resources (physical or abstract), differing by suggesting preparedness.

up to the task

Expresses readiness and ability to handle a specific challenge, shifting the focus to a particular situation.

equal to the challenge

Conveys the idea of being a match for a demanding situation, differing by using a more figurative expression.

FAQs

How can I use "sufficiently able" in a sentence?

You can use "sufficiently able" to describe someone or something that meets the minimum requirements for a task. For example, "The student was "sufficiently able" to pass the exam".

What are some alternatives to "sufficiently able"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "adequately competent", "capable enough", or "suitably qualified".

Is "sufficiently able" formal or informal?

"Sufficiently able" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Which is correct, "sufficiently able" or "able sufficiently"?

"Sufficiently able" is the correct word order. The adverb "sufficiently" modifies the adjective "able".