Becomes capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Becomes capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process or transformation where someone or something gains the ability to do something. Example: "With practice, she becomes capable of solving complex mathematical problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The stress concentration is so high that it becomes capable of initiating or triggering a new earthquake.

University of California, Berkeley

The very means by which the European Union increasingly becomes capable of effectuating its goals paradoxically also may undermine the ideals it seeks to promote.

Columbia University

And if a team can make the playoffs, he said, then it becomes capable of winning the Cup, or at least making the Stanley Cup finals.

The New York Times - Sports

Once a helper T cell has been activated by an antigen, it becomes capable of activating a B cell that has already encountered the same antigen.

Britannica

Silica gel bombarded by gamma rays from cobalt-60 turns purplish in colour and becomes capable of inducing the reaction H2 + D2→ 2HD at liquid-nitrogen temperatures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If the large and small gears are replaced with large- and small-diameter drums that are wrapped with ropes, the wheel and axle becomes capable of raising weights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

We have to become capable of it.

The Guardian - Tech

You become capable of creating imaginary pictures on the go.

Stanford University

That's what Eastwood had become capable of.

The New Yorker

Over time I've become capable of engaging and talking about my work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thus, the monkey became capable of moving a robot arm with its thoughts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "becomes capable of" when you want to emphasize a transformation or the acquisition of a new ability as a result of a process or event. For example, "After extensive training, the athlete becomes capable of competing at a professional level."

Common error

Avoid overuse. While grammatically correct, excessive use of passive constructions with "becomes capable of" can make your writing sound indirect. Instead of "The system becomes capable of being upgraded by the user", try "The user can upgrade the system" for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "becomes capable of" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the attainment of a new ability or capacity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes a transformation resulting in a new skill, power, or potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "becomes capable of" is a versatile expression used to describe the acquisition of a new ability or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It functions as a verb phrase, commonly found in scientific, news, and academic writing. Alternative phrases like "gains the ability to" or "becomes able to" offer similar meanings. While generally neutral to formal, it's important to avoid overusing passive voice constructions. Using "becomes capable of" effectively communicates transformation and the development of new skills or capacities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Becomes able to

A more direct and simpler alternative.

Acquires the ability to

Emphasizes the act of gaining the ability.

Gains the capacity to

Focuses on gaining the inherent potential.

Is enabled to

Highlights the act of being empowered or permitted.

Attains the power to

Focuses on achieving the ability to exert influence or control.

Develops the skill to

Focuses on the development of a specific skill.

Is empowered to

Stresses the act of giving power or authority.

Cultivates the potential to

Highlights the careful nurturing of potential.

Is qualified to

Highlights meeting the necessary criteria or standards.

Is fitted to

Indicates suitability or preparation for a specific purpose.

FAQs

What does "becomes capable of" mean?

The phrase "becomes capable of" indicates that someone or something has acquired the ability or capacity to perform a specific action or task. It suggests a change or transformation that results in a new ability.

How can I use "becomes capable of" in a sentence?

You can use "becomes capable of" to describe a process where someone or something gains a new skill or ability. For example, "With practice, she becomes capable of solving complex mathematical problems."

What are some alternatives to "becomes capable of"?

Alternatives include "gains the ability to", "becomes able to", or "acquires the capacity to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "becomes capable of" and "becomes able to"?

While similar, "becomes capable of" often implies a more significant or complex development of ability compared to the simpler "becomes able to". The first emphasizes the potential and capacity, while the second indicates basic ability.