I am able vs I was able

Both 'I am able' and 'I was able' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'I am able' is used to express current ability or capability, while 'I was able' is used to talk about past ability or capability.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 463 views

I am able

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express current ability or capability.

Use 'I am able' to talk about your current ability or capability to do something.

Examples:

I am able to speak three languages.
She is able to solve complex math problems.
They are able to run a marathon.
He is able to fix the car.
We are able to finish the project on time.

Show examples from the web [+]

I am able to state that Mr Solana has not visited Cyprus since he took office.
I am able to send anywhere, with traceable package.
I am able to teach slow-learner.
And I am able to accommodate you in that.
I am able to buy anything in a convenience store.
I am able to express my emotions in a healthful, positive way.
I am able to make my own judgments.
When I am able to be ALONE...
What I am able to accomplish daily would be impossible without UMS.
By applying high-frequency electricity, I am able to photograph an organism's coronal discharge.
I am able to reassure the Member on this point.
I am able to make my own judgments.
Gloria Estefan When I am able to be ALONE...
I am able to make the right decisions in my life.
I am able to control situations and get things done.
I am able to have a positive effect on my environment.
I am able to provide food for thought and comparisons.
To the parties I am able you send other photos more detailed.
I am able to combine business with pleasure, which, they tell me, is the secret to a long and happy life.
In as far as I am able to tell, Herr Minister, no.

Alternatives:

I can
I have the ability to
I have the capability to
I am capable of
I possess the skill to

I was able

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about past ability or capability.

Use 'I was able' to refer to a past situation where you had the ability or capability to do something.

Examples:

I was able to finish the project yesterday.
She was able to run a marathon last year.
They were able to solve the problem together.
He was able to fix the car before it broke down.
We were able to meet the deadline.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was able to create living cell tissue.
Fortunately, I was able to reach various levels of the audience.
I was able to work through some things.
As far as I was able to determine, the two were complete strangers.
I was able to find out something else about Cole.
I was able to find a heart surgeon In the Dominican Republic.
I was able to get an earlier plane.
Fortunately, I was able to overpower him.
I was able to run his prints.
I was able to calculate certain patterns using algorithms.
I was able to track that girl.
However, I was able to outfit it.
I was able to extract an undiluted sample from inside the needle shaft.
I was able to draw enough energy to power the island of Manhattan for a week.
I was able to pull the last few seconds of the conversation.
I was able to ping the disposable cell.
I was able to run a GPS triangulation and pinpoint the location of the other walkies.
I was able to use your description of a mole on his chin.
So I was able to get witness statements from the previous incidents.
Now, I was able to partially disrupt the rift field by manipulating these machines.

Alternatives:

I could
I managed to
I succeeded in
I accomplished
I was capable of

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