are you capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are you capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to inquire about someone's ability or competence to perform a specific task or action. Example: "Are you capable of completing this project by the deadline?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"To me, a real key to one of the top drivers is when the moment comes, when the Chase for the championship is on the line, is are you capable of stepping up?

The New York Times - Sports

Similarly, Olympe de Gouges exclaimed: "Man, are you capable of being just?

SEP

What are you capable of doing?

Huffington Post

This is the world of Undertale, an indie faux-JRPG (and currently the highest-rated PC game of all time), that posits a question: are you capable of playing through the entire game without a killing a single enemy?

Vice

(A04, male, medical consultant) How are you capable of owning data that belongs to a patient?

BMJ Open

Indeed, one participant questioned whether data can be owned at all: How are you capable of owning data that belongs to a patient?

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

You are not being all you are capable of being.

Huffington Post

What aren't you capable of?

WikiHow

She said, "I trust you, I know you know what you're doing, you're capable of doing this".

Huffington Post

Be sure you are capable of caring for a finch before actually purchasing one.

WikiHow

Think something beautiful about who you are and what you are capable of doing.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are you capable of", ensure that the context clearly defines the task or action being inquired about. This avoids ambiguity and ensures a clear understanding of the question.

Common error

Avoid using "are you capable of" in highly informal situations where simpler alternatives like "can you" or "are you able to" would be more appropriate. Overly formal language can sound stilted or unnatural in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are you capable of" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically a question. It seeks to determine whether an individual possesses the necessary skills, abilities, or resources to perform a particular task or action. As Ludwig shows, this question is directly probing about someone's potential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are you capable of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to inquire about someone's ability or competence. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though slightly formal and often found in news and media sources. While alternatives like "can you" or "are you able to" exist, understanding the nuances of each phrase helps in choosing the most appropriate option for clear and effective communication. Remember to consider the context and audience when employing this phrase to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of the conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can you

A more direct and concise way to ask about someone's ability.

are you able to

A formal alternative that emphasizes the ability to perform a task.

do you have the ability to

Highlights the presence of a skill or capacity.

are you equipped to

Focuses on the resources or tools needed to succeed.

are you up to

An informal phrase that questions readiness for a challenge.

are you competent to

Emphasizes the necessary skills and knowledge.

are you skilled at

Specifically addresses expertise in a particular area.

do you possess the aptitude for

Asks about an innate talent or potential.

are you prepared to

Focuses on readiness and willingness to undertake a task.

can you handle

An informal way of asking if someone can manage or cope with something.

FAQs

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

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

Is it correct to say "are you capable to" instead of "are you capable of"?

No, the correct phrase is "are you capable of". The preposition "of" is required after "capable" when indicating ability or competence.

How formal is the phrase "are you capable of"?

The phrase "are you capable of" is considered relatively formal. In more casual settings, alternatives like "can you" or "are you able to" might be more suitable.

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

"Are you capable of" inquires about someone's ability or competence to perform a task, while "are you willing to" asks about their willingness or readiness to do something. Capability refers to skill, while willingness refers to motivation.