are capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"are capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about someone's capability to do something. For example, "Teenagers are capable of making responsible decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How many are capable of such mercy?

The New Yorker

But we are capable of doing that".

Independent

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

But knights are capable of fancy footwork.

The Economist

Individual countries are capable of such realpolitik.

The Economist

"And they are capable of enormous mobilizations".

The New York Times

The Iranian people are capable of democracy.

The New Yorker

We are capable of beating them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are capable of", ensure the subsequent verb reflects the intended action or ability with precision. For example, "They are capable of learning new languages quickly" clarifies the specific skill being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "are capable of" in overly broad or vague statements. Instead of saying "Humans are capable of anything", specify the capabilities you are referring to, such as "Humans are capable of great acts of kindness and innovation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are capable of" functions as a predicate adjective phrase indicating the ability or potential of a subject to perform an action or possess a quality. Ludwig shows examples where it describes a range of subjects, from individuals to groups and even inanimate objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are capable of" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe the ability, potential, or competence of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across numerous contexts. With a high expert rating and frequent appearances in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is considered a reliable choice for expressing capability in both formal and informal settings. However, as the writing guidance suggests, it is important to avoid overgeneralization and provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact. When alternative phrasing is required, options such as "are able to" or "can" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are able to

Similar in meaning but slightly more direct and common.

can

A more concise and informal way of expressing capability.

are equipped to

Implies having the necessary resources or skills.

have the ability to

More formal and emphasizes the possession of an ability.

are competent to

Highlights the adequacy of skills or knowledge for a task.

are in a position to

Suggests having the opportunity or authority.

are apt to

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination.

are liable to

Implies a possibility or risk, often in a negative context.

are prone to

Similar to 'apt to' but suggests a higher likelihood.

are inclined to

Suggests a willingness or preference.

FAQs

What does "are capable of" mean?

The phrase "are capable of" indicates that someone or something has the ability, potential, or necessary skills to perform a particular action or achieve a specific outcome. For example, "Students "are capable of" excelling in their studies with the right support."

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

Use "are capable of" to describe someone's inherent or developed ability. For instance, "Even young children "are capable of" understanding basic concepts of empathy."

What are some alternatives to "are capable of"?

Alternatives to "are capable of" include "are able to", "can", and "have the ability to". Each can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "are capable of" or "are able to"?

Both "are capable of" and "are able to" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Are capable of" might suggest a higher degree of potential or inherent ability, while "are able to" may emphasize the current ability to perform a specific task.