are capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's or something's ability to do a particular task or function. Example: "The new software applications are capable of processing large amounts of data quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many are capable entrepreneurs.

The Economist

And they are capable.

The New York Times

How many are capable of such mercy?

The New Yorker

But we are capable of doing that".

Independent

Some are capable and some aren't.

The New York Times

The Taliban are capable of such tactics.

The Economist

"Global powers are capable of both".

The New York Times

All are capable of playing man coverage.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, crocodiles are capable of complex behaviours.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Modern hearing aids are capable and discreet.

The Economist

But knights are capable of fancy footwork.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are capable", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is capable of. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the extent of the capabilities. Use qualifying words like "potentially" or "may be" if the capability is not fully certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are capable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's ability or potential. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts to indicate competence or possibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are capable" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote the ability or potential of a subject to perform an action or possess a quality. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reliable sources, confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. The analysis suggests focusing on specificity and avoiding overstatement for optimal usage. Alternative phrases like ""are able to"" or ""have the ability to"" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. With very common use, "are capable" remains a valuable and reliable phrase for expressing ability and possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are able to

A more direct and simple way to express the capacity to do something.

have the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent ability or power to do something.

are equipped to

Highlights that someone or something possesses the necessary tools or resources.

are competent to

Focuses on the skill and knowledge required to perform a task effectively.

are qualified to

Suggests meeting specific criteria or possessing formal credentials.

are designed to

Highlights the intended function or purpose of something.

are inclined to

Expresses a natural preference or willingness to do something.

are apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or habit, similar to 'inclined to'.

are prone to

Indicates a tendency or likelihood to do something, often negative.

are susceptible to

Implies vulnerability or openness to being affected by something.

FAQs

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

Use "are capable" to describe the inherent or demonstrated ability of someone or something to perform a specific action or function. For instance, "The students "are capable of understanding" complex concepts".

What are some alternatives to "are capable"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "are able to", "have the ability to", or "are equipped to".

Is it correct to say "is capable" instead of "are capable"?

The correctness depends on the subject. Use "is capable" for singular subjects (e.g., "He is capable") and "are capable" for plural subjects (e.g., "They are capable").

What's the difference between "are capable" and "are likely"?

"Are capable" refers to ability or potential, while "are likely" indicates probability. Saying "They "are capable of winning"" means they have the skill to win. Saying "They "are likely to win"" suggests a high chance of winning.