"Been Able To" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers
"Been able to" is a phrase used to express the ability or capacity to do something in the past, present, or future. It usually follows the modal verb "have" or "has" and indicates that a certain action has been, is, or will be within someone's power or capability. For example:
- I've been able to speak Spanish fluently since I was a teenager.
- She hasn't been able to visit her family due to the pandemic.
- By next year, they will have been able to complete the project.
1. I've been able to finish the project ahead of schedule due to the extra help I received from my colleague.
2. Despite the challenging weather, she's been able to maintain her daily exercise routine.
3. The old man has been able to learn a new language in his retirement, which is truly remarkable.
4. Thanks to modern technology, businesses have been able to connect with customers globally.
5. After many attempts, the student finally was able to solve the complex math problem.
"Be sure to" means to make certain or ensure that you do something. It is an encouragement or reminder to not forget or neglect a particular action. For example, "Be sure to submit your assignment before the deadline" means you should double-check and make sure you have completed and submitted the assignment on time.
"Be that as it may" is an expression used to acknowledge a statement or fact, often followed by a contrasting or unrelated point. It implies that despite what has been said previously, the following statement still holds true. It can be seen as a way to connect two ideas, even if they seem to contradict or not directly relate to each other.
The phrase "bear in mind" means to remember or keep something important in your thoughts or consideration. It's a reminder to have a particular fact, idea, or instruction at the forefront of your awareness.
"Bear with me" means to ask someone to be patient and tolerate a situation, often when the speaker is about to explain something complex or take some time to finish a task. It's a request for understanding and patience.
The phrase "beat around the bush" means to avoid giving a direct answer or topic when speaking, instead speaking in a vague or indirect manner. It suggests that someone is not being straightforward or honest about what they really want to say.
Beche de mer, also known as sea cucumber, is a type of marine echinoderm found in tropical and subtropical waters. It is a soft-bodied animal with a tube-like body that feeds on tiny marine organisms by filtering the water through its skin. In culinary terms, it is a delicacy in some cultures and is used in various dishes for its gelatinous texture and supposed health benefits.
"Beck and call" means to be available at someone's request or command, ready to serve or attend to their needs immediately. It often implies a sense of being at one's disposal. For example, "The butler was always at the lady's beck and call, attending to her every need."
"Bed and breakfast" (often abbreviated as B&B) is a type of accommodation where guests are offered a room for the night and breakfast in the morning, typically in a private home or a small establishment. It is usually more personal and intimate than a hotel, and prices may vary depending on the facilities and location.
"Been there, done that" is an idiomatic expression used to convey that someone has already experienced a particular situation or event and is familiar with it. It implies that they have lived through it and possibly learned from it.
"Beg to differ" is an expression used when someone respectfully disagrees with another person's opinion or statement. It indicates that the speaker wishes to assert their own viewpoint, politely disagreeing with what has been previously said.
"Beg your pardon" is an expression used to politely ask someone to repeat what they said or to apologize for misunderstanding or interrupting them. It's a way to show respect and seek clarification.
"Believe it or not" is an expression used to introduce a statement or fact that may be surprising, astonishing, or hard to believe. It suggests that the listener might find it difficult to accept what is being said, but regardless of their skepticism, it is indeed true.
"Bend over backwards" is an idiomatic expression that means to make a great effort or go to great lengths to do something, often to please someone or to achieve a particular goal. It suggests going beyond what is normally expected or reasonable.
Benson and Hedges is a brand of premium cigarettes, known for their distinctive yellow packaging with a curved filter. The name refers to two fictional characters created by British advertising agency J. Walter Thompson for an advertising campaign in the 1950s. The brand is associated with luxury and sophistication, although smoking is not considered a healthy habit.
"Best of all" means the most excellent or favorable among all options or aspects. It highlights something that stands out as exceptional compared to others.