then able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition or state of being capable of doing something after a certain point in time or after a specific event. Example: "After completing the training, the team will be then able to implement the new software effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mahmud II was then able to concentrate on internal reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One group is then able to get through.

Independent

Having them, he was then able to compute x.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Citizens then able to take visitor to Hotel Brevoort.

The New Yorker

"I was then able to crawl out," he said.

The Guardian

He was then able to record the unexpected results.

The New Yorker

The spider is then able to consume it.

The Guardian

The model was then able to capture strain-stiffening behaviour through the temperature range.

Polymer

The resulting consortium was then able to grow and produce ethanol from different xylan substrates.

Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers

We are then able to compare rival approaches both in a relative and absolute sense.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

The "rejuvenated" iPSs are then able to transform into any other cell of the organism.

Stem Cells Therapeutic Innovations Under Control

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then able to" to clearly indicate a sequential relationship where a specific action or state becomes possible as a direct result of a preceding event or condition. For instance, 'After completing the software installation, users are then able to access the new features'.

Common error

Avoid using "then able to" when the ability isn't a direct consequence of the first action. If the ability exists independently, a simpler phrasing such as "are able to" is more appropriate, or otherwise consider using other sequencing adverbs such as “afterward” or “subsequently” in place of “then”.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then able to" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating a temporal sequence where the ability to perform an action is contingent upon a prior event or condition. Ludwig showcases examples where this phrase clarifies cause-and-effect relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

20%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "then able to" serves as a crucial connector in written English, signifying a sequential relationship where one action enables another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across varied contexts, particularly in scientific, academic, and journalistic writing. While alternatives like "subsequently capable of" exist, "then able to" distinctly emphasizes the cause-and-effect dynamic. Use it thoughtfully to clearly articulate how one action paves the way for another.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently capable of

Focuses on capability achieved after a point in time, emphasizing the timing aspect.

thereafter empowered to

Emphasizes the enabling or authorizing aspect of achieving an ability.

consequently in a position to

Highlights the resulting state or situation that allows an action.

as a result equipped to

Implies preparation or provision of necessary resources or skills.

following that in a state to

Clearly denotes a sequence where a state of readiness is achieved.

becoming eligible to

Focuses on meeting specific criteria to qualify for an action or opportunity.

at that point permitted to

Highlights authorization or consent granted at a particular moment.

thereupon authorized to

Suggests a formal or official approval that enables subsequent actions.

in turn qualified to

Focuses on meeting the necessary standards or requirements to perform an action.

being then in the power to

Stresses the aspect of having the strength or authority to do something.

FAQs

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

Use "then able to" to show that an action or state becomes possible after a previous action. For example, "Once the data is analyzed, we are "then able to" draw conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "then able to"?

You can use alternatives like "subsequently capable of", "thereafter empowered to", or "consequently in a position to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "then" with "able to"?

While "able to" implies capability, "then able to" emphasizes that the ability arises as a direct result of a preceding event or condition. It clarifies the sequence and causality.

What's the difference between "then able to" and "now able to"?

"Then able to" refers to a past or future point in time when the ability will exist, whereas "now able to" indicates a current capability. For example, "After the upgrade, we were "then able to" process data faster," versus "We are "now able to" offer better service."