was then able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was then able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone gained the ability to do something after a certain point in time or after a specific event. Example: "After months of training, she was then able to complete the marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

He was then able to record the unexpected results.

The New Yorker

Mahmud II was then able to concentrate on internal reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Having them, he was then able to compute x.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was then able to write queries about the set of prize recipients.

Yale University

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

The AI was then able to find its way around the maze with unprecedented skill.

MIT Technology Review

Pfeffer was then able to measure the size of giant molecules.

Britannica

She was then able to begin a process of learning that led her to the Maudsley.

The Guardian

So that's a tip I was then able to pass on to patients.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was then able to", ensure that the sequence of events is clear to the reader. Providing context about the preceding actions or conditions will enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was then able to" without explicitly stating or implying what event preceded and enabled the ability. Without this context, the phrase can feel disconnected and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was then able to" functions as a transitional connector, indicating a sequential relationship where a prior event or condition enables a subsequent action. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing someone's physical recovery to explaining the steps in a scientific process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was then able to" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that serves as a transitional connector, indicating a sequential ability resulting from a preceding event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, from formal academic papers to informal news articles. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the temporal relationship between the events is clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subsequently managed to

Replaces "was then" with "subsequently", emphasizing the time sequence, and "able to" with "managed to", indicating successful achievement.

following that, was capable of

Emphasizes the sequence with "following that" and substitutes "able to" with "capable of", indicating a potential to perform.

thereafter succeeded in

Uses "thereafter" for a more formal indication of sequence and replaces "able to" with "succeeded in", highlighting the accomplishment.

because of that, was empowered to

Emphasizes the enabling factor with "because of that" and replaces "able to" with "was empowered to", suggesting authorization or permission.

afterward, had the capacity to

Replaces "then" with "afterward" and "able to" with "had the capacity to", suggesting the availability of resources or skills.

due to this, was equipped to

Highlights the preparatory aspect using "due to this" and replaces "able to" with "was equipped to", indicating readiness or preparedness.

at that point could

Simplifies the phrase, replacing "was then able to" with "at that point could", focusing on the moment the ability was present.

with that, was authorized to

Emphasizes the permission aspect replacing "able to" with "was authorized to", indicating formal approval.

consequently, was in a position to

Uses "consequently" to highlight the result of a prior action and replaces "able to" with "was in a position to", focusing on the circumstances enabling the action.

as a result, could

Shortens the phrase using "as a result" to show causation and "could" to indicate the ability.

FAQs

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

Use "was then able to" to show that someone or something gained the ability to do something after a specific event or point in time. For instance, "After completing the training, she "was then able to" perform the task efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "was then able to"?

You can use alternatives such as "subsequently managed to", "thereafter succeeded in", or "at that point could" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "was then able to" or "was subsequently able to"?

Both "was then able to" and "was subsequently able to" are grammatically correct. "Subsequently" adds more emphasis on the time sequence, but the choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

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

"Was able to" simply indicates a past ability, whereas "was then able to" implies that the ability was acquired or became possible at a specific time after a preceding event.