appears capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appears capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone or something that seems to have the ability or potential to do something. Example: "The new software update appears capable of improving system performance significantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Sehorn also had a strong camp and appears capable of repeating his standout 1997 season.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Islamic State nevertheless appears capable of recruiting more men.

The New Yorker

And for now, only one man appears capable of playing this game.

The New York Times - Sports

Like many of his rivals, Mr Maliki appears capable of such a move.

The Economist

Every opponent knows what they do for a living, but none appears capable of stopping them.

The New York Times - Sports

Each rosette appears capable of "spinning" a microfibril into the cell wall.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ultimately, however, Dell appears capable of weathering these challenges — and the wobbly economy — about as well as its peers.

The New York Times - Tech

It appears capable of all the essential functions, including reproduction, but it is already "en route to extinction," Koonin said.

The New Yorker

The Syrian military, while strained, still appears capable of making rational decisions about how and where to deploy forces.

The New York Times

On the face of it he appears capable of addressing many of the key creative questions left unanswered by his predecessor Charles Allen.

The Guardian - Opinion

With one game left here and a game at Virginia Tech before the Big East tournament, Rutgers appears capable of an N.C.A.A. bid.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appears capable of" to express a reasoned assessment based on available evidence, rather than a definitive statement of ability. This adds a layer of nuance and acknowledges that the capability is not yet fully proven.

Common error

Avoid using "appears capable of" when you have concrete evidence of the ability. Reserve it for situations where the capability is inferred or based on preliminary observations. Using it when certainty exists weakens your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appears capable of" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a perceived or inferred ability. It suggests a reasoned assessment rather than a definitive statement, adding nuance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "appears capable of" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a perceived ability or potential. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, reflecting its usefulness in nuanced assessments. While "appears capable of" is widely accepted, it's important to use it when the ability is inferred rather than definitively proven. Alternatives like "seems able to" and "shows potential for" can be used for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seems able to

Uses "seems" instead of "appears", making it a slightly more informal way to express the same idea.

is seemingly capable of

Replaces "appears" with "seemingly", adding a nuance of superficial observation.

is potentially able to

Adds the word "potentially", emphasizing the possibility rather than a confirmed capability.

looks capable of

Substitutes "appears" with "looks", offering a more visual or observational nuance.

has the capacity to

Replaces "appears capable of" with a more formal expression emphasizing inherent capacity.

shows potential for

Focuses on the potential aspect, highlighting future possibilities rather than current capabilities.

is likely to be able to

Uses "likely" to express a probability of being able, rather than a direct capability.

gives the impression of being able to

A longer, more descriptive alternative that emphasizes the impression given.

can plausibly

More concise and emphasizes the plausibility of an action or outcome.

has a good chance of

Shifts the focus to the probability of success rather than inherent capability.

FAQs

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

Use "appears capable of" to suggest that someone or something has the potential or ability to do something, based on observation or available information. For example, "The new software "appears capable of" handling large datasets efficiently".

What can I say instead of "appears capable of"?

You can use alternatives like "seems able to", "shows potential for", or "has the capacity to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "appears capable of" or "is capable of"?

"Appears capable of" suggests a perceived or inferred ability, while "is capable of" states a definite ability. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of certainty you want to convey.

What's the difference between "appears capable of" and "seems capable of"?

The phrases "appears capable of" and "seems capable of" are very similar and often interchangeable. The difference is subtle: "appears" may suggest a more visual assessment, while "seems" can imply a more general impression.