are only capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are only capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a limitation or specific ability of a subject. Example: "The students are only capable of completing the basic level of the exam without additional help."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Current BMIs for restoring communication can provide important capabilities via a typing process, but unfortunately they are only capable of slow communication rates.

Plosone

He makes music for people who are only capable of three emotions.

The Guardian - Music

I am not a cynic like Hobbes, who believed that we are only capable of acting from self-interest.

The New York Times

At last, the undefeated Chiefs have their opportunity to silence those sceptics who believe they are only capable of beating up on bad teams.

The Guardian - Sport

The leaders are "only capable of acting at gunpoint" — when markets force them to, Willem H. Buiter, chief economist at Citigroup, said at the same gathering.

The New York Times

It said Tehran was suffocating because "we [the media] are not able to hold the authorities accountable", "you are not switching off your cars" and "they [officials] are only capable of closing schools".

The Guardian

"It would be too bad to underestimate students, or to assume that they are only capable of understanding things that mass culture has already trained them to appreciate," Mr. Pinsky said.

The New York Times

But playing a tad jittery in the pocket and working with receivers who are only capable of winning late in their routes (not off the line against quality coverage), Fitzpatrick was unable to generate anything downfield or outside the numbers.

The New York Times

Sugar transporters in the intestine are only capable of transporting monosaccharides.

Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics

Certain philosophical ideas are only capable of achieving historical expression under specific historical conditions.

SEP

Nowadays, cyclotrons have been developed that are only capable of accelerating protons.

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are only capable", clearly define what the subject is limited to. This provides context and prevents ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "They are only capable", specify "They are only capable of basic repairs."

Common error

Avoid using "are only capable" when the subject has potential for further development or learning. Instead, acknowledge current limitations while hinting at future possibilities. For example, rephrase "The software is only capable of processing simple data" to "The software currently processes simple data, with plans for advanced processing in future updates."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are only capable" primarily functions as a qualifier, specifying the limitations or extent of a subject's ability. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it defines what someone or something is restricted to doing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are only capable" is grammatically correct and widely used to indicate the limited abilities or functionalities of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers examples across various contexts, including science, news, and general usage. The phrase functions as a qualifier, primarily used to establish constraints. Ludwig's analysis reveals that this phrase is most common in scientific and news-related articles, signifying a neutral register. To avoid misinterpretations, it's crucial to specify what the subject is limited to and acknowledge any potential for future growth or expansion of capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can only

This is a more concise and direct way of expressing the same limitation.

are limited to

This alternative emphasizes restriction to certain abilities or possibilities.

are restricted to

Similar to 'are limited to', this phrase also highlights constraints.

cannot exceed

This option specifies an upper bound or limit on capabilities.

are just able to

This phrase indicates a minimal level of capability or barely managing to achieve something.

are confined to

This suggests that the capabilities are strictly bound within certain parameters.

are only equipped for

This alternative emphasizes the available equipment as the limiting factor.

are not able to

This is a direct negation of capability, focusing on inability.

lack the ability to

This phrase emphasizes the absence of a particular skill or capacity.

are incompetent to

This expresses a lack of necessary skill or knowledge to perform a task.

FAQs

How to use "are only capable" in a sentence?

Use "are only capable" to indicate a specific limitation or the extent of someone's or something's ability. For example, "These devices "are only capable" of measuring basic parameters."

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

You can use alternatives like "can only", "are limited to", or "are restricted to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are only capable of" or "is only capable of"?

"Are only capable of" is used with plural subjects, while "is only capable of" is used with singular subjects. For example, "They "are only capable of" basic tasks" (plural) versus "He "is only capable of" simple calculations" (singular).

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

"Are only capable of" indicates a specific limitation, while "are capable of" simply states the ability to do something, without implying any restrictions. For example, "They "are only capable of" performing basic functions" implies they cannot do more, while "They "are capable of" performing basic functions" just says they can do it.