are they capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are they capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when inquiring about someone's abilities or potential to perform a specific task or action. Example: "I wonder if they are capable of completing the project on time given the tight deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But are they capable of making such a deal?

The Economist

How big are the turbines used in these farms, and how much energy are they capable of generating?

The New York Times

"The U.A.V.'s being utilized by the State Department are not armed, nor are they capable of being armed".

The New York Times

Plus, very few camels attend planning meetings, still less are they capable of forming coherent objections to your masterplan for a desert metropolis.

The Guardian

"But are they capable of it?" If government-owned suites are nothing new, neither is outrage over the idea of officials living large at taxpayer expense.

The New York Times

It has developed a "closed loop" calculator providing a simple way to measure the 10 important credentials of circular products: can they be rented or repaired, and are they capable of disassembly into component parts, for example?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Were they capable of such thought processes?

Huffington Post

Nor were they capable of analyzing IOM (Biemann, 2007).

Astrobiology

That is, they are capable of self-governance.

SEP

Weren't they capable of making that assessment themselves?

Huffington Post

They will definitely want to reach the final and that's something they are capable of.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are they capable of" when you want to inquire about someone's general ability or potential to do something, especially when the task requires a specific skill or quality.

Common error

Avoid using "are they capable of" when a simpler question of possibility or willingness is more appropriate. For instance, instead of asking "are they capable of attending the meeting?", consider "can they attend the meeting?" or "will they attend the meeting?" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are they capable of" functions as an interrogative expression used to inquire about someone's or something's ability or potential to perform a specific action or task. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are they capable of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to question someone's ability or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable across different contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using it, consider simpler alternatives like "can they" for informal settings and ensure your question focuses on inherent abilities rather than mere possibilities. Understanding the nuance between capability and willingness is key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can they

Direct and simple way of asking about capability.

are they able to

Simple substitute that focuses on general ability.

can they handle

Focuses more on the practical ability to manage or deal with something.

are they competent to

Stresses the required level of skill or knowledge.

do they have the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent skill or talent required.

are they qualified for

Emphasizes having the necessary credentials or experience.

are they equipped to

Highlights the resources or preparation needed for a task.

are they up to

A more informal way to ask if someone is equal to the task or challenge.

are they equal to

Highlights if they can cope with the expected level of performance.

are they in a position to

Focuses on whether circumstances allow them to do something.

FAQs

How do I use "are they capable of" in a sentence?

Use "are they capable of" to ask if someone or something possesses the ability or qualities needed for a specific task or action. For example, "Are they capable of managing a large team?"

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

You can use alternatives like "are they able to", "can they", or "do they have the ability to" depending on the context.

Is "are they capable of" formal or informal?

"Are they capable of" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, simpler alternatives like "can they" might be preferred in very informal settings.

Which is correct, "are they capable of" or "are they able to"?

Both "are they capable of" and "are they able to" are grammatically correct. "Are they capable of" often implies a higher degree of skill or inherent quality, while "are they able to" is a more general question of ability.