be capable of knowing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be capable of knowing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to understand or acquire knowledge about something. Example: "Humans are generally considered to be capable of knowing complex concepts and ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If we are to be capable of knowing our obligations, they cannot be obligations which we cannot know that we have met when we have met them.

SEP

He added, "I should be capable of knowing what my client is blamed for".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Not only have you proven how much you know, but how much you're capable of knowing).

Huffington Post

Second, although we live in a knowledge economy, organizations no longer pay a premium for what employees already know, but rather, for what they are capable of knowing.

HuffPost

Hill also said that the Russians, partly because they "have" Edward Snowden, in Moscow, possess "a good idea of what the U.S. is capable of knowing.

The New Yorker

Descartes's chief contribution to modern science and philosophy was his radical focus on epistemology, on defining the boundaries of what we are capable of knowing with certainty.

The New York Times - Books

These agreements often focus on what we're capable of knowing about consumers in data-rich mobile transactions, such as geolocation data, and whether and how the parties to these agreements may use this knowledge.

Columbia University

Because he is prior to the world and its creatures, the question arises whether there are modes of creaturely knowledge or apprehension that are capable of knowing him; of whether he is subjected to the same categories of being as his creatures; of whether his time and space are the same time and space of his creation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Already being used experimentally by a number of supermarkets, these carts are capable of knowing what a customer has put in them by scanning the contents for an RFID tag: a sort of wireless bar code that is being introduced in products.

MIT Technology Review

"Every man of common understanding," says Reid, is such that he is capable of knowing his duty (EAP V.i: 277).

SEP

The soul is improved by acquiring correct opinions and eventually knowledge on everything humans are capable of knowing.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be capable of knowing", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is capable of knowing. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "be capable of knowing" when implying absolute certainty. This phrase denotes a potential or ability, not guaranteed knowledge. Use stronger verbs like "knows" or "understands" when certainty is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be capable of knowing" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, this phrase indicates the potential or inherent ability of a subject to understand or acquire knowledge. The examples illustrate its use in discussing human understanding, legal blame, and potential for mastery.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be capable of knowing" is a phrase that expresses potential understanding or cognitive ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its frequency is rare. It's appropriate for neutral to formal contexts such as science, news media, and academia. Use this phrase when you want to highlight the potential for knowledge acquisition rather than stating a fact of knowing. Related phrases such as "have the ability to know" or "able to understand" can serve as alternatives. Remember to avoid overstating certainty and always specify what the subject is capable of knowing to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the ability to know

This alternative emphasizes the inherent ability or capacity to gain knowledge.

possess the capacity to know

This phrase highlights the potential or inherent ability to acquire knowledge.

able to understand

This alternative focuses on the comprehension aspect of knowing.

have the potential to know

This version emphasizes the possibility of gaining knowledge in the future.

be in a position to know

This alternative suggests having the necessary information or experience to know something.

be equipped to understand

This highlights the readiness or preparedness to comprehend something.

have the aptitude to learn

This alternative focuses on the inherent ability to learn, a precursor to knowing.

be susceptible to knowing

This indicates a vulnerability or openness to acquiring knowledge.

stand to know

This suggests a likelihood or expectation of gaining knowledge.

be predisposed to understanding

This alternative highlights an inclination or tendency towards comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "be capable of knowing" to express someone's potential or ability to understand something, as in "Every man of common understanding is such that he is capable of knowing his duty".

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

You can use alternatives like "able to understand", "have the ability to know", or "possess the capacity to know" depending on the context.

Is "be capable of knowing" formal or informal?

"Be capable of knowing" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. More informal alternatives exist for casual conversations.

What is the difference between "be capable of knowing" and simply "know"?

"Be capable of knowing" suggests a potential or inherent ability to understand, while "know" implies that the understanding or knowledge is already present. The former is about potential, the latter about actuality.