usually able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "usually able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a general capability or tendency of someone or something to perform a certain action or task under normal circumstances. Example: "She is usually able to complete her assignments on time, even when she has a heavy workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's usually able to see us together.

The New York Times - Magazine

"After a loss, you're usually able to come back.

The New York Times - Sports

After about 10 supervised sessions, one is usually able to practise AT alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he said he was usually able to sell the produce to another buyer.

The Guardian

She liked to do it more than once, and he was usually able to comply.

The Guardian - Books

"You're usually able to write rules for the future, not for the present".

The New York Times - Arts

Murphy had a passion for off-road driving, which he was not usually able to indulge.

The New Yorker

Even where there is an element of environmental fluctuation, people are usually able to cope.

The Guardian

Evidence also showed the Met were usually able to police the ride without difficulty.

The Guardian

Students taking advantage of this option are usually able to complete their M.Eng.

Cornell University

Larger animals are usually able to run fast enough to escape the fire.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "usually able to" to describe a typical capability or action, reserving stronger terms for guaranteed outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "usually able to" when describing situations where the ability is absolute or guaranteed. Instead, opt for phrases like "always able to" or "certain to" for those scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "usually able to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a general capability or tendency. Ludwig examples confirm its role in expressing common, but not absolute, abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "usually able to" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a typical capability or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral, it is crucial to avoid overstating certainty and use more definitive terms when appropriate. Alternatives such as "generally capable of" or "typically capable of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally capable of

Emphasizes broad capability rather than typical performance.

typically capable of

Highlights typical ability, similar to "usually", but with a slightly different emphasis.

ordinarily capable of

Stresses capability under normal conditions.

commonly capable of

Focuses on common ability or occurrence.

generally equipped to

Implies preparedness and resources for a task.

frequently competent to

Highlights repeated competence or skill.

often in a position to

Highlights the circumstances that enable an action.

as a rule is competent to

Indicates a consistent level of competence under normal circumstances.

tends to be skilled at

Focuses on the skill and tendency, slightly less direct than "able to".

is wont to be skilled in

Archaic phrasing that sounds more formal than the original.

FAQs

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

The phrase "usually able to" describes a common capability or tendency. For example: "She is "usually able to" complete her assignments on time."

What are some alternatives to "usually able to"?

You can use alternatives like "generally capable of", "typically capable of", or "ordinarily capable of".

When is it not appropriate to use "usually able to"?

Avoid using "usually able to" when describing situations where the ability is certain or guaranteed. In those cases, use "always able to" or "certain to" instead.

What's the difference between "usually able to" and "always able to"?

"Usually able to" implies a typical capability, while "always able to" suggests a constant, guaranteed ability.