typically able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "typically able to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a general capability or tendency of a subject in various contexts. Example: "Most students are typically able to grasp complex concepts with enough practice and guidance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Fewer patients are typically able to pay their hospital bills in a downturn.

The New York Times

For accounting purposes, banks are typically able to treat their bundling of this debt as a sale.

The New York Times

It's true that a 'quite rich' 85th percentile household was typically able to cushion the blow much better, because more of their spending was discretionary.

The Guardian

If consumers are having trouble paying bills, but they can put spending on a credit card, they are typically able to forgo filing for bankruptcy.

The New York Times

Lifting a provisional suspension does not mean the case is dismissed in full, but athletes are typically able to compete and train as part of their teams until final decisions are issued.

The Guardian - Sport

The museum, which was founded in 1971 and began building a collection in 1986, is typically able to spend $10,000 to $50,000 a year for acquisitions, and it receives donations and bequests of work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Before Andre left to play football at Illinois State, he said, he typically was able to absorb or deflect her outbursts.

The New York Times - Sports

MR. ROMNEY: My experience is the private sector typically is able to provide a better product at a lower cost.

The New York Times

Once governments finally decide to use the enormous resources at their disposal, they have typically been able to shock an economy back to life.

The New York Times - Magazine

The party, which runs on an anti-immigrant, anti-welfare platform, has typically been able to capitalize on voter disillusionment in picking up local government seats.

The New York Times

"What that does is take them into markets where governments are typically less able to adapt to climate change so risks are higher, and much higher for insurers," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "typically able to" to describe a general capability or tendency. For instance, "Students are "typically able to" grasp the basics of algebra after completing the first module."

Common error

Avoid using "typically able to" when describing situations that are not generally true or lack empirical support. Instead, ensure the statement is backed by data or common knowledge to avoid misleading readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typically able to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a verb, indicating a general or common capability. It describes what someone or something is generally or usually capable of doing. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "typically able to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a general or usual capability, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective phrase, often found in neutral to formal contexts such as news articles and scientific papers. While examples from Ludwig show a strong presence in “Science” and “News & Media”, its semantic alternatives include phrases like "usually capable of" and "generally competent to", which offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. When using "typically able to", it's crucial to ensure the statement is adequately supported by evidence to prevent overgeneralizations. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, from usage examples to common errors, ensuring effective and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

usually capable of

Replaces "typically" with "usually" and "able" with "capable", altering the word choice slightly while preserving the core meaning of general capability.

generally competent to

Substitutes "able" with "competent", indicating a level of skill or proficiency in performing a task.

ordinarily equipped for

Replaces "able" with "equipped", shifting the focus to having the necessary resources or tools to perform an action.

commonly in a position to

Emphasizes the common circumstance or situation that allows someone to do something.

normally have the capacity to

Highlights the inherent capacity or potential to perform an action under normal circumstances.

are known to

Indicates a recognized or established ability or behavior.

have a tendency to

Focuses on a pattern or inclination towards a particular action or behavior.

are inclined to

Suggests a predisposition or leaning towards a certain action or behavior.

it is common practice to

Shifts the focus to a common or standard way of doing something.

are prone to

Indicates a susceptibility or vulnerability towards a particular action or outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "typically able to" to describe what someone or something can generally do. For example, "Online banks are "typically able to" offer better interest rates because they have lower overhead costs."

What are some alternatives to "typically able to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "usually able to", "generally capable of", or "commonly in a position to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "typically can" instead of "typically able to"?

While "typically can" might be understood, ""typically able to"" is generally more formal and grammatically precise. "Typically can" is acceptable in informal contexts, but "typically able to" is preferred for formal writing.

How does "typically able to" differ from "always able to"?

"Typically able to" implies a general capability or tendency, whereas "always able to" suggests a constant and unfailing ability. The former allows for exceptions, while the latter does not.