"been able to" vs "become able to"

Question

"been able to" vs "become able to"

Both "become able to" and "been able to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Become able to" is used when referring to the process of acquiring a new ability or skill, while "been able to" is used to indicate that someone has already acquired the ability or skill in the past.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

Use "been able to" to describe a past ability or skill that someone has acquired. It implies that the person had the capability at a specific point in the past.

Examples:

She has been able to solve complex problems since she was a child.
They have been able to complete the project ahead of schedule.
He has been able to overcome many challenges in his career.

Alternatives:

managed to
succeeded in
accomplished
achieved
handled

Use "become able to" when describing the process of gaining a new ability or skill. It indicates a transition from not having the ability to acquiring it.

Examples:

After months of practice, she finally became able to play the piano.
With hard work and dedication, he became able to speak fluent French.
Through training, the team became able to work together effectively.

Alternatives:

learned to
acquired the ability to
developed the skill to
gained the capacity to
mastered the art of

Answer 1

been able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that someone has already acquired the ability or skill in the past.

Answer 2

become able to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the process of acquiring a new ability or skill.

"been able to" vs "become able to"

been able to

become able to

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