be capable of committing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be capable of committing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to perform an action or make a decision, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "He may be capable of committing acts of kindness, but he also has a darker side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Once they'd cut off their emotions, I could see they'd be capable of committing more crime".

The Guardian

I'd like to write a book, for example, like your usual clichéd journalist, but I just don't seem to be capable of committing to it.

Independent

To describe a person as anti-semitic is not to imply that he endorses the crimes of the Nazis, still less is it to imply that he would be capable of committing them himself.

The Guardian - Books

Many of the parents I've spoken to fear their mentally-disturbed son or daughter might be capable of committing a terrible act of violence, but without the mental institutions, in many cases their only alternatives are the emergency room or law enforcement, neither of which are equipped to deal with those suffering from severe mental illnesses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Small cells of settlers have shown themselves to be capable of committing atrocious acts of violence, but the main institutions of the settlement movement have not endorsed the sort of violence against Arabs that members of many Palestinian factions commit against Jews.

The New Yorker

They are struggling to accept that the 27-year-old they once knew could be capable of committing mass murder.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At least he is capable of committing a man and beating him.

The Guardian - Sport

I don't think Bernie Ebbers is capable of committing any criminal wrong.

The New York Times

"These are dangerous individuals and they are capable of committing grave crimes once again".

The Guardian

Cells from higher organisms are capable of committing suicide by initiating a highly conserved molecular program known as "apoptosis".

New Comprehensive Biochemistry

"These people are capable of committing any crime, and nothing but force and law can stop them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be capable of committing", ensure the context clearly defines the action being committed. Vague actions can weaken the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be capable of committing" when certainty is implied. Use phrases like "will commit" or "is certain to commit" when the action is guaranteed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be capable of committing" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a subject by indicating their ability or potential to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI shows, this often relates to actions with significant moral or legal implications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be capable of committing" is a phrase used to express the potential or ability of someone to perform a specific action, often one with significant moral or legal implications. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively uncommon. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as within scientific discussions. When using "be capable of committing", ensure that the action is well-defined and avoid overstating capability as certainty. Consider alternative phrases like "have the capacity to commit" or "be likely to commit" to fine-tune your intended meaning. Remember that the goal is to suggest likelihood rather than absolute possibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the capacity to commit

Replaces "be capable of" with "have the capacity to", emphasizing inherent potential.

be able to commit

Simplifies the phrasing using "be able to" instead of "be capable of".

be in a position to commit

Indicates that circumstances allow the act, not just ability.

be liable to commit

Suggests a tendency or likelihood, rather than just capability.

be apt to commit

Similar to 'liable', implying a natural inclination.

be prone to commit

Implies a disposition toward committing the act.

have it in oneself to commit

Emphasizes an internal capacity or resolve.

be inclined to commit

Indicates a leaning or preference toward the action.

be predisposed to commit

Suggests a prior tendency or susceptibility.

be given to committing

Highlights a habitual or repeated tendency.

FAQs

How do I use "be capable of committing" in a sentence?

Use "be capable of committing" to express someone's ability or potential to perform a specific action, often with moral or legal implications. For example: "The evidence suggests he might "be capable of committing" the crime".

What's the difference between "be capable of committing" and "be likely to commit"?

"Be capable of committing" indicates the ability or potential to perform an action, while "be likely to commit" suggests a higher probability or tendency. The first focuses on capacity, the second on likelihood.

Are there formal alternatives to "be capable of committing"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "have the capacity to commit" or "be in a position to commit", which emphasize ability and circumstance, respectively.

When is it inappropriate to use "be capable of committing"?

Avoid using "be capable of committing" when you want to express certainty about an action. In such cases, use phrases like "will commit" or "is certain to commit".