But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong effort for it, was able to assure with tolerable firmness that the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished her all imaginable happiness.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Instead of receiving any such letter of excuse from his friend, as Elizabeth half expected Mr. Bingley to do, he was able to bring Darcy with him to Longbourn before many days had passed after Lady Catherine’s visit.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
He had been some days in town, before he was able to discover them; but he had something to direct his search, which was more than we had; and the consciousness of this was another reason for his resolving to follow us.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
“I was able to do the commissioner a favour once, and he sends me a Christmas card every year.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
I was able to establish the identity of the man and the woman and knew at last exactly how I stood.
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of Baskervilles
It was not until later, when Sir Henry had gone to his room, that I was able to follow the trend of his thoughts.
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of Baskervilles
Incredible as it may appear to you, Mr. Holmes, he was honestly convinced that a dreadful fate overhung his family, and certainly the records which he was able to give of his ancestors were not encouraging.
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of Baskervilles
My friend was in excellent spirits over the success which had attended a succession of difficult and important cases, so that I was able to induce him to discuss the details of the Baskerville mystery.
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of Baskervilles
Elizabeth’s mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight; and, after half an hour’s quiet reflection in her own room, she was able to join the others with tolerable composure.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
When I was watching Stapleton, Cartwright was frequently watching you, so that I was able to keep my hand upon all the strings.
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of Baskervilles
On the night of Sir Charles’s death Barrymore the butler, who made the discovery, sent Perkins the groom on horseback to me, and as I was sitting up late I was able to reach Baskerville Hall within an hour of the event.
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of Baskervilles
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Dictionary
Collins
— If you are able to do something, you have skills or qualities which make it possible for you to do it.
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Usage
5 uses of ‘was able to’ in Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
1 use of ‘was able to’ in The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
6 uses of ‘was able to’ in The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Arthur Conan Doyle