are certainly capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are certainly capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express confidence in someone's or something's ability to perform a task or achieve a goal. Example: "The team members are certainly capable of completing the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

These players are certainly capable of doing it".

Independent

The Chinese universities "are certainly capable of doing this on their own," Mr. Rosen said.

The New York Times

"Grown-ups are certainly capable of doing really stupid stuff online".

The New York Times - Science

You are certainly capable of distinguishing carefully between what is typical and what is good.

The New York Times

"They are certainly capable of winning their division and it could come down to this game for different spots," Fassel said.

The New York Times - Sports

The dancers, wearing colorful bathing suits by Agathe Laemmel, are certainly capable of being fiery, yet even those moments are too abrupt.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He is certainly capable of the crime.

The Economist

Miguel Santos is certainly capable of such delight.

The New York Times

"We're certainly capable of winning another Stanley Cup, MacTavishh said.

The New York Times - Sports

They're certainly capable of going high in the draft".

The New York Times - Sports

Halperin is certainly capable of drawing Republicans' ire, too.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are certainly capable of" when you want to express a strong belief in someone or something's ability. Avoid overuse; vary your language for greater impact.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, overuse of "are certainly capable of" in highly formal documents (e.g., legal contracts) might sound slightly verbose. Consider more concise alternatives like "can" or "may" depending on the precise meaning you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are certainly capable of" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong degree of confidence in the ability or potential of a subject. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is used to convey assurance about someone or something's capacity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are certainly capable of" is a versatile phrase used to express a strong belief in someone or something's ability or potential. As Ludwig indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business settings. While synonyms exist, it's essential to consider the subtle differences in meaning when choosing an alternative. Use "are certainly capable of" when you want to convey a sense of assurance and confidence. Be mindful of potential overuse and adapt your language to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are undoubtedly able to

Replaces "certainly" with "undoubtedly", emphasizing a lack of doubt.

are definitely equipped to

Substitutes "capable" with "equipped", highlighting the possession of necessary resources or skills.

are well-suited for

Focuses on the suitability of the subject for a particular task or role.

possess the aptitude to

Emphasizes inherent talent or ability.

have what it takes to

An idiomatic expression indicating the necessary qualities for success.

are positioned to

Highlights the favorable circumstances enabling success.

are apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

are predisposed to

Indicates an inherent inclination towards a specific outcome.

are in a good place to

Emphasizes the favorable state or situation, providing an opportunity to succeed.

are empowered to

Focuses on having been given the authority or means to achieve something.

FAQs

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

You can use "are certainly capable of" to express a strong belief in someone or something's ability. For example, "The students "are certainly capable of" understanding complex concepts".

What can I say instead of "are certainly capable of"?

You can use alternatives like "are undoubtedly able to", "are definitely equipped to", or "have what it takes to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are certainly capable of" or simply "can"?

"Are certainly capable of" emphasizes confidence in someone's ability, while "can" is a more neutral statement of possibility. The best choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

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

"Are certainly capable of" implies ability and potential, while "are likely to" suggests a high probability of something happening. For instance, “They "are certainly capable of" winning” focuses on their skill; “They "are likely to" win” suggests they probably will, regardless of pure ability.