a capable team

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a capable team" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of individuals who possess the skills and abilities necessary to perform tasks effectively. Example: "Our project was a success thanks to a capable team that worked diligently to meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Many investors were looking for signs that Groupon was being steered by a capable team that had finally grown up.

The New York Times

Most worrying of all for Russia now will be how to form a capable team in time for the World Cup they host in two years time.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, Scunthorpe suffered their first defeat under Brian Laws against Bury in midweek but we're not about to desert a capable team that belongs further up the table on the back of one poor result.

Independent

Having a great idea, spotting an opportunity and creating a plan of action are all well and good, but count for little unless there is a capable team in place to realise it.

The Guardian

With a capable team now running economic policy, a gear-shift towards the kind of sustained performance may lift the most populous Arab country, with its 79m-odd people, into mild prosperity.Yet Egyptians, by and large, are not in a happy mood, not just because new wealth is only slowly trickling down to the country's crowded and grubby streets.

The Economist

And, of course, it had to assemble a capable team.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He has built a great business with a highly capable team that has won clients that a business many times its size would be proud to win (the BBC, NHS, Waitrose to name just a few).

The Guardian

Miami has lost four straight since a 3-0 start but is still a tough, capable team, especially at home after a short week.

The New York Times - Sports

"John has done an awesome job building a world-class finance organization for Microsoft, and leaves behind him a very capable team," Chief Executive Steve Ballmer Steve Ballmer said in a statement.

Forbes

Each of these issues can probably be easily fixed and like I said, the MyAds system is only a few months old and they have a very capable team working on improving this system every single day.

TechCrunch

But this is a very capable team".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When highlighting a team's abilities, specify what makes them capable. For example, mention their specific skills, experience, or training. This adds credibility and depth to your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that a team is "capable" without providing any evidence or examples. This can come across as vague and unconvincing. Instead, offer specific details that illustrate their capabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a capable team" functions as a noun phrase, where "capable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "team". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a capable team" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a group possessing the requisite skills and abilities for effective task performance. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for various contexts but is especially prevalent in news, media, and business environments. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it is essential to ensure you provide contextual information as to why the team is considered capable. Alternatives such as "a competent group", "an efficient workforce", and "a skilled task force" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a competent group

This alternative focuses on the inherent ability and skill set of the team members.

an efficient workforce

This alternative highlights the team's ability to perform tasks quickly and without wasting resources.

a skilled task force

This alternative emphasizes the specialized skills and focused nature of the team.

a proficient unit

This suggests a high degree of skill and expertise within the team.

an effective crew

This focuses on the team's ability to achieve desired results.

a qualified staff

This highlights that the team members have the necessary qualifications and training.

a talented ensemble

This emphasizes the natural abilities and potential of the team members.

a masterful squad

This suggests a high level of expertise and control within the team.

a top-notch crew

This alternative uses a more informal tone to denote a high-quality team.

a first-rate group

This emphasizes the team's high quality and excellent performance.

FAQs

How can I use "a capable team" in a sentence?

You can use "a capable team" to describe a group of individuals who possess the skills and abilities necessary to perform tasks effectively. For instance, "The project's success was largely due to "a capable team" that worked tirelessly to meet deadlines".

What are some alternatives to "a capable team"?

You can use alternatives like "a competent group", "an efficient workforce", or "a skilled task force" depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it better to say "a capable team" or "a competent team"?

Both "a capable team" and "a competent team" are valid and convey similar meanings. "Capable" emphasizes the ability to achieve results, while "competent" focuses on having the necessary skills and knowledge. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What distinguishes "a capable team" from "a successful team"?

"A capable team" refers to a group that possesses the necessary skills and resources to succeed, while "a successful team" has already achieved a specific goal or outcome. A team can be "capable" without necessarily being successful yet.