be capable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be capable to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone has the ability or potential to do something. For example, "He was capable to achieve a high score on the exam."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Nobody believes that any European institution will be capable to supervise 6,000 banks in Europe".

The New York Times

"The army will be capable to do other stuff sometime next year, which is reasonable," he said.

The New York Times

We've got everything we need to be capable to play at the highest level of college basketball".

The New York Times - Sports

We ask for an official extension of the transfer window now for one week... maybe we will be capable to do that [buy someone]." 11.17am GMT "Jim Beam?

The Guardian - Sport

"If we want to be a member of the international family, we have to be capable to do something; that is the price you pay".

The New York Times

How could a man capable of writing such layered, intense novels also be capable to writing something so scurrilous and funny that I physically ached whilst reading it?

The Guardian

Conflict resolution or prevention Authorization system must be capable to prevent and resolve policy rule conflicts.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

A good self-tuning system should be capable to cope with such a situation.

Journal of Big Data

"He'll be capable to play again in the Premier League at the end of December".

BBC

These three model equations were found to be capable to describe the observed behavior better.

Chemical Engineering Science

Factories of the future must be capable to adapt themselves to continuously changing market demand.

CIRP Annals

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "be capable to" is frequently used, consider using the more grammatically standard alternative "be capable of" for improved clarity and formality. Always review the specific context to ensure the chosen phrase is appropriate for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "be capable to" in formal writing where "be capable of" is generally preferred. While "be capable to" appears frequently, especially in certain fields, "be capable of" aligns more closely with standard English grammar conventions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be capable to" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically following a modal verb or auxiliary verb. It indicates the potential or ability to perform an action. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be capable to" is a frequent way to express ability or potential. However, it is important to note that although it's used, according to Ludwig AI, it's correct and usable in written English, the grammatically preferred form is "be capable of". It appears commonly in both news and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that choosing the best form will depend on the context and target audience. If aiming for strict adherence to grammar rules, "be capable of" is recommended. If the goal is effective communication in certain technical or informal settings, "be capable to" may be acceptable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be competent to

Replaces "capable" with "competent", focusing on the required skill level.

be equipped to

Emphasizes having the necessary resources or tools.

have the ability to

A more explicit and formal way of expressing capability.

be able to

A simpler and more common alternative expressing basic ability.

be positioned to

Suggests that someone or something is in a favorable situation to achieve something.

be qualified to

Focuses on meeting specific criteria or qualifications.

be suited to

Highlights appropriateness or fitness for a particular task.

be designed to

Indicates a specific purpose or intention behind the capability.

be inclined to

Suggests a tendency or willingness to do something.

be predisposed to

Highlights an inherent or natural tendency towards something.

FAQs

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

"Be capable of" is the grammatically standard form, while "be capable to" is considered non-standard but frequently used. The former is generally preferred in formal contexts.

How can I use "be capable to" correctly in a sentence?

While "be capable to" is often used, ensure it fits the context. Consider alternatives like "be able to" or "be competent to" depending on the meaning you want to convey.

Is "be capable to" grammatically correct?

Grammatically, "be capable of" is the standard form. However, "be capable to" appears in some contexts, especially in technical or specialized writing. Ludwig AI indicates that "be capable to" is correct and usable in written English. However, using "be capable of" is often recommended for clearer and more formal communication.

What are some alternatives to "be capable to"?

Consider using "be able to", "have the ability to", or "be equipped to" as alternatives to "be capable to", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.