was able enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was able enough" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in informal contexts to imply that someone had sufficient ability to do something, but it is not commonly used. Example: "Despite the challenges, she was able enough to complete the project on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"[But] I felt that she was able enough to handle the support while she was manipulating and ruining things.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were able enough to not just compete with Argentina, the reigning champions, but to defeat them.

The Guardian - Sport

The performances have been able enough, but the lack of a clinical edge was increasingly debilitating.

BBC

A comparison of various clustering methodologies indicates that 2d topological fingerprints are able enough to differentiate the molecules according to their binding to various conformations.

Chemistry Central Journal

I feel thankful that my body is able enough to hike on the Appalachian Trail, do a downward dog, and enjoy an occasional Zumba class.

Huffington Post

Patients who reported that they often had to ask for a home visit (12%; n = 28) also reported lower levels of satisfaction with the appointment process compared with patients who were able enough to get to the Health Centre (p < 0.05).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Which ensemble is able enough?

WikiHow

Once people know that you're looking out for their interests, and are able enough to look out for their interests, you will no longer need to command.

WikiHow

Eventually Hewetson was able to get enough give in the rope to yank the hook free.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the end, however, neither side was able to sway enough jurors to win the case.

The New York Times

Neither side was able to create enough to find a late winner.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and grammatically accepted alternatives such as "sufficiently able" or "capable enough" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "was able enough" in formal writing. It may sound unnatural. Choose stronger phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was able enough" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing the subject's capacity or competence. According to Ludwig, the phrase's grammatical acceptance is debatable, which may affect clarity and formality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "was able enough" attempts to convey sufficient capability, it is not a standard or universally accepted construction in English. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically questionable, leading to potential awkwardness or misinterpretations. Its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news media, science, and wiki content. For clarity and formality, it is generally advisable to opt for alternatives like "sufficiently able" or "capable enough". When aiming for professional, academic, or scientific writing, avoiding "was able enough" will enhance the precision and credibility of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was capable enough

A more standard construction that combines "capable" with "enough" to indicate sufficient ability.

was sufficiently capable

Replaces "able enough" with a more formal and common adverb-adjective combination emphasizing capability.

was competent enough

Suggests a level of skill that meets the requirements but can be a substitute to "able" if you mean competent.

was skilled enough

Focuses more specifically on the level of skill required, which can be contextually interchangeable with 'able'.

had the capacity to

Replaces "able enough" with a focus on inherent or potential ability.

was qualified enough

Emphasizes the possession of necessary qualifications to perform a task adequately.

was in a position to

Shifts the focus from ability to the circumstances allowing action, a subtle but relevant distinction.

was equal to the task

This idiom focuses on adequately meeting the demands of a specific challenge.

managed to

Indicates successful achievement, often implying some level of effort or overcoming obstacles, and the emphasis here is on achievement.

was fit to

Suggests suitability or preparedness, rather than just ability, for a certain purpose.

FAQs

Is "was able enough" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "was able enough" is not a standard or commonly used phrase in English. It's generally better to use alternatives like "sufficiently able" or "capable enough".

What does "was able enough" mean?

The phrase suggests that someone had sufficient ability or competence to handle a situation or task. However, its non-standard usage can sometimes lead to ambiguity.

Which is a better alternative: "was able enough" or "was sufficiently able"?

"Was sufficiently able" is generally preferred over "was able enough". It is considered grammatically correct and more common in both formal and informal contexts. The search results from Ludwig AI also confirm the higher quality of the form "sufficiently able".

In what contexts might I use "was able enough"?

While "was able enough" could appear in informal speech or writing, it's best to avoid it in professional or academic settings. Opt for clearer and more accepted phrases like "was capable enough" or "was sufficiently able" for better clarity.