an individual capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an individual capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has the ability or skill to perform a certain action or task. Example: "She is an individual capable of leading complex projects with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The pipeline for data transfers requires an individual capable of downloading and decrypting data sets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But they suggest a provocative diagnostic tool for assessing mental health: to what extent is an individual capable of empathy?

The New York Times - Books

This idea of an individual capable of an act of terrible violence yet also able to write articulately about what they have done fascinates me, and was the initial spur for His Bloody Project.

The Guardian - Books

Here the lack of a face on plants becomes important, too, faces being requisite to humans as proof not only that one is dealing with an actual individual being, but that it is an individual capable of suffering.

The New York Times - Science

Steve Cardownie, Edinburgh city council deputy leader, said: "Our attention now turns to finding a high calibre replacement, an individual capable of building upon the platform laid by Sue during her years in post while taking on the undoubted challenges we face as a council in the years ahead".

BBC

"An important measure of the success of the postdoctoral experience is not only useful research results," the report states, "but also the development of an individual capable of functioning as an independent professional," whether in academe or another career that uses scientific expertise.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

To put some weight behind its claims of unmatched security, in April last year Tresorit offered a $25,000 bounty to any individual capable of breaking into its service.

TechCrunch

The major task of adolescence is to become an independent individual capable of functioning as a contributing adult within culturally expected norms.

Journal of Pediatric Health Care

Teachout — who, in a list of thirty "key" recordings, includes twenty that came after the Hot Five and Seven — takes a more reasonable line, arguing that Armstrong could not have had such influence in American music had he not been "a soloist of genius with a personality to match, a charismatic individual capable of meeting the untutored listener halfway".

The New Yorker

Butterworth himself comes across as both a team player and a gifted individual, capable of doing first-class research; he is also a first-rate populariser.

The Guardian - Books

Butterworth himself comes across as both a team player and a gifted individual, capable of doing first-class research; he is also a first-rate populariser.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an individual capable of" to highlight someone's potential or demonstrated ability to handle specific responsibilities or tasks, especially in formal contexts. For instance, 'We need an individual capable of managing complex projects'.

Common error

Avoid using "an individual capable of" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "someone who can" or "a person able to" are more appropriate for less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an individual capable of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a person who possesses the necessary skills, qualities, or abilities to perform a particular action or fulfill a specific role. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an individual capable of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone with the necessary abilities for a specific task. As Ludwig AI also indicates, it is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While effective in formal settings, remember that simpler alternatives are preferable for casual communication. The authoritative sources and usage examples highlight its reliability and widespread acceptance, ensuring its appropriateness in professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a person able to

Replaces "individual" with "person" and uses "able" instead of "capable", creating a simpler, more direct phrasing.

someone who can

Simplifies the structure to a subject and verb, making it more informal and straightforward.

a person equipped to

Emphasizes preparedness and resources rather than inherent ability.

an individual with the ability to

Breaks down "capable" into "with the ability", highlighting the inherent skill.

a qualified person to

Focuses on formal qualifications or training, implying suitability for a specific role.

an expert in

Highlights expertise and proficiency in a particular area.

an adept at

Suggests skillfulness and dexterity, often implying a natural talent.

a master of

Indicates exceptional skill and control over a subject or activity.

someone skilled in

Emphasizes acquired skill and competence through practice or learning.

a competent individual for

Highlights adequacy and suitability for a task, focusing on meeting requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "an individual capable of" in a sentence?

Use "an individual capable of" to describe someone who possesses the necessary skills or abilities to perform a specific task or fulfill a role. For example, "The company seeks "an individual capable of" leading the team through the transition".

What are some alternatives to "an individual capable of"?

You can use alternatives such as "a person who can", "someone able to", or "a qualified individual" depending on the specific context. Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in meaning and formality.

Is it more formal to say "an individual capable of" or "someone who can"?

"An individual capable of" is generally considered more formal than "someone who can". The former is suitable for professional or academic writing, while the latter is more appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "an individual capable of" and "an individual with the ability to"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "an individual capable of" is more concise and direct. "An individual with the ability to" places more emphasis on the inherent skill or ability itself. As a result the first is preferred over the second.