was able to feed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was able to feed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone had the capability or opportunity to provide food or nourishment in a specific situation. Example: "Despite the challenges, she was able to feed her family during the difficult times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I was able to feed my children".

The New York Times

"I was able to feed off it".

The New York Times - Sports

I was able to feed off that energy and channel that energy into a positive direction.

The New York Times - Sports

He was really upset when Bill Cosby came down on him for his life's work, on which he was able to feed his family.

The New York Times

Cheap tickets meant Hornby was able to feed his addiction, but now he questions whether this weekly football fix is still possible.

The Guardian - Books

Piñera was able to feed into Pinochet's circle the latest orthodoxy from Washington with its aim of reducing legal constraints on business.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Africa may once again be able to feed itself.

The Guardian

Visitors to my exhibition will be able to feed goldfish with it".

The New York Times - Arts

It is poor, and ravaged by Aids, but Malawi has always been able to feed itself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stage actors have the advantage of being able to feed off a living, breathing, receptive audience.

The Guardian

I wonder how long I will be able to feed my children".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the ability to provide food in challenging circumstances, use "was able to feed" to convey resilience and resourcefulness. This phrase is particularly effective in narratives about overcoming adversity or scarcity.

Common error

Avoid using "was able to feed" when the context is about general support or care, rather than specifically providing food. Opt for broader terms like "was able to support" or "was able to provide for" if the situation involves more than just nourishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was able to feed" functions as a verb phrase expressing the ability or capacity to provide nourishment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, indicating its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was able to feed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies the capacity or ability to provide nourishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also surfaces in scientific and formal contexts, making it versatile for different communication styles. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the specific act of providing food, and consider alternatives like "managed to provide sustenance" or "could provide for" when a broader meaning is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed to provide sustenance

Emphasizes the successful effort in supplying what is needed for survival, with a stronger focus on long-term needs.

had the capacity to nourish

Highlights the inherent ability to nourish, focusing on the nurturing aspect.

could provide for

A more general phrase indicating the ability to supply necessities, not just food.

was capable of sustaining

Focuses on the power to maintain or support something over time.

found a way to nourish

Highlights resourcefulness in finding a solution to provide nourishment.

was in a position to nurture

Suggests a favorable situation that allowed for the act of nurturing and providing care.

was equipped to sustain

Implies having the necessary resources or tools to maintain or support.

succeeded in nourishing

Emphasizes the successful outcome of providing nourishment, overcoming challenges.

was empowered to provide

Highlights being given the authority or power to supply what is needed.

had the means to supply

Focuses on possessing the resources or instruments necessary for providing.

FAQs

How can I use "was able to feed" in a sentence?

Use "was able to feed" to indicate the capability or possibility of providing nourishment. For example, "Despite the drought, the community "was able to feed" its members through careful rationing".

What can I say instead of "was able to feed"?

Alternatives include "managed to provide sustenance", "had the capacity to nourish", or "could provide for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "was able to feed" or "managed to feed"?

"Was able to feed" indicates a general capacity, while "managed to feed" implies overcoming a challenge or difficulty. Choose the phrase that best reflects the context.

What's the difference between "was able to feed" and "was able to provide for"?

"Was able to feed" specifically refers to providing food or nourishment. "Was able to provide for", on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses providing all necessary resources, including food, shelter, and other needs.