be capable of holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be capable of holding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the ability of an object or person to contain or support something. Example: "The new storage unit is designed to be capable of holding up to 500 pounds of weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

For the joke to emerge, the brain must be capable of holding both ideas at once.

The Guardian - Books

To appreciate parody, you must be capable of holding two contradictory ideas in your head simultaneously.

The Guardian - Books

It looked like society might just be capable of holding itself together.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it is completed, at an initial cost of £58m to the Israeli government, it will be capable of holding up to 11,000 people.

The Guardian

The best kind of storage devices should be capable of holding your entire hard drive — not just your documents, music and films, but your system preferences as well.

The Guardian

Many are still not convinced that the Afghan army will be capable of holding their own as the American-led foreign forces begin their withdrawal later this year.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

No one thought Albania were capable of holding West Germany to a draw in Saarbrucken.

The Guardian - Sport

This EU is in need of militant Europhiles who are capable of holding out against shortsighted national politicians.

The Guardian - Opinion

If he can qualify well, he thinks he is capable of holding his position, at the very least.

The New York Times - Sports

PSAs are capable of holding adherends together when the surfaces are mated under briefly applied pressure at room temperature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And if that army falters or ceases to exist, no other force is capable of holding Syria together.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "be capable of holding" when describing abstract concepts such as beliefs, ideas, or contradictory thoughts, especially in philosophical or psychological contexts. For example: "The human mind must be capable of holding multiple ideas at once to understand humor."

Common error

Avoid attributing capability to inanimate objects when a more precise verb would be appropriate. Instead of saying "The software is capable of holding large amounts of data," consider "The software can store large amounts of data."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be capable of holding" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by describing its ability or capacity. Ludwig's examples show its usage to specify volume, weight, or the ability to entertain abstract thoughts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be capable of holding" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe the ability to contain or support something, either physically or conceptually. As evidenced by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While similar phrases like "have the capacity to hold" or "be able to contain" exist, "be capable of holding" often implies a designed or inherent ability. The phrase is best used when precision is needed, and care should be taken to avoid attributing capability incorrectly to inanimate objects. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the capacity to hold

Replaces "be capable of" with "have the capacity", emphasizing the available space or volume.

be able to contain

Focuses on the containment aspect, suggesting the ability to keep something within limits.

be equipped to hold

Highlights that something is specifically fitted or prepared to hold something.

have the ability to retain

Emphasizes the ability to keep or maintain something over time.

be designed to accommodate

Focuses on the intended purpose of holding or fitting something.

be suitable for holding

Indicates that something is appropriate or fitting for the purpose of holding.

be structured to contain

Highlights the design or arrangement that enables containment.

be in a position to hold

Focuses on the circumstances or situation allowing for holding.

possess the strength to hold

Emphasizes the physical or inherent ability to support something.

be built to sustain

Highlights the durability and ability to support over a longer period.

FAQs

How can I use "be capable of holding" in a sentence?

You can use "be capable of holding" to describe the capacity of an object or a person's ability to entertain certain thoughts. For example, "The stadium is "be capable of holding" 50,000 spectators" or "To appreciate irony, you must "be capable of holding" contradictory ideas simultaneously."

What are some alternatives to "be capable of holding"?

Alternatives include "have the capacity to hold", "be able to contain", or "be equipped to hold", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "be capable of holding" and "be able to hold"?

"Be capable of holding" often implies a design or inherent ability, while "be able to hold" is more general. In many cases, they are interchangeable, but ""be capable of holding"" can suggest a more permanent or designed capacity.

Which is more formal, "be capable of holding" or "be able to hold"?

"Be capable of holding" is generally considered more formal than "be able to hold", but the difference is subtle. The choice often depends on the overall tone and style of your writing.