are capable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are capable to" is technically grammatically correct, but it is not commonly used in written English.
It is more common to say "are capable of" or "are able to." Therefore, it is generally not advisable to use "are capable to" in formal writing. However, it can be used informally, such as in casual conversation or in creative writing. Example: Despite their small size, ants are capable to carry objects that are many times their own weight.

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Access stratum (AS) [34]: UEs are capable to access the capabilities and services of communication networks through the AS protocols.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Organic peroxides are capable to form fireballs with explosive violence.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

"I'm here to show the world that we are capable to do everything.

The Washington Post

"We know what we are capable to do in Davis Cup," Stepanek said.

The New York Times - Sports

These theoretical results are capable to explain the enhancement of photoactivity in SnxTi1−xO2 solid solutions.

Catalysis Today

These substances are capable to reduce the ammonia content in municipal biowaste anaerobic digestates.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

We show that the controllers are capable to attenuate input disturbances.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Agents are capable to perform soft-evidential update, thus providing a continuous scale for intrusion detection.

Computers & Security

Even more modern pacemakers are capable to provide diagnoses which indicate cardiovascular physiopathology.

Repertorio de Medicina y Cirugía

These converters are capable to provide the various stages of output range.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

These results prove that folic acid nanocarriers are capable to control the release of therapeutic proteins.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically understandable, replace "are capable to" with the more common and accepted "are capable of" or "are able to" for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "capable to" in formal contexts. Always double-check and replace it with "capable of" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are capable to" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective phrase expressing ability or potential. It sets the subject as possessing the capacity to perform a specific action. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to indicate the ability of entities or systems to perform various tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

86%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are capable to" is used to express the ability or potential to perform an action. While technically understandable, Ludwig AI highlights that it's generally more accepted and common to use "are capable of" or "are able to", especially in formal writing. The phrase appears frequently in scientific contexts and news articles. For best practice, favor "are capable of" in professional and academic settings to ensure clarity and adherence to standard grammatical conventions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are able to

Uses "able" instead of "capable", resulting in a more common and widely accepted phrasing.

have the ability to

Replaces "are capable" with a noun phrase expressing ability.

are equipped to

Implies having the necessary resources or tools to perform a task.

are in a position to

Suggests being in a situation that allows for a particular action.

are competent to

Focuses on having the necessary skills or knowledge.

are qualified to

Implies meeting specific requirements or standards.

can

A shorter, more direct way to express ability.

are prone to

Describes a tendency or likelihood, rather than an ability, introducing a nuance of disposition.

are designed to

Indicates an intended purpose or function.

are apt to

Expresses a natural tendency or inclination.

FAQs

What is a more common way to say "are capable to"?

The phrases "are capable of" or "are able to" are generally preferred and more widely accepted in formal writing than "are capable to".

Is "are capable to" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "are capable to" is less common and can sound awkward in formal contexts. It's better to use "are capable of".

When is it okay to use "are capable to"?

It's acceptable in informal settings or creative writing, but in formal or professional writing, it's advisable to use "are capable of" or "are able to".

What's the difference between "are capable to" and "are capable of"?

The primary difference is usage and acceptance. "are capable of" is the standard, grammatically correct form, while "are capable to" is less common and may be perceived as less formal or even incorrect by some.