be more capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential for improvement in skills, abilities, or competencies. Example: "With the right training, I believe our team can be more capable of handling complex projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both the SW defect and vacancies might be more capable of absorbing energy from the ripples, but have less capability to spread the gained energy again.

Carbon

Generally, they proved to be more capable in combat than the Free Syrian Army.

The New Yorker

You think that adulthood will hit and you'll suddenly be more capable.

The Guardian - Film

Jeremy Hunt, Mr Lansley's successor, ought to be more capable in both areas.

The Economist

The Bank would be more capable of achieving this than the Committee on Climate Change being set up in Parliament.

The Guardian - Opinion

These vehicles tend to be more capable off road but less polished in day-to-day use on pavement.

The New York Times

But if conditions turn dry and only hard seeds are available, a bird with a stronger, bigger beak might be more capable — and more alluring as a mate.

The New York Times - Science

A democratic, unified Palestine will be more capable of achieving its freedom and independence, and of keeping a durable and just peace.

The New York Times

Those with narcissistic traits may be more capable of considering others as discrete people, and it is this tendency to overreact to criticism that causes the damage over time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The normal relation between the states in this region is one of hostility and struggle," Mr. Sabahy said, "Sharon will be more capable of returning the situation back to its normal state".

The New York Times

If this proves to be true, then in men like Morrill sex may bleed into the brain's more general geography, and thus such brains may be more capable of turning everyday events, and even objects, into erotic tools.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for conciseness, replace "be more capable" with a single verb like "excel", "thrive", or "dominate" to enhance impact and maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "be more capable" in formal documents. Opt for synonyms like "enhance" or "strengthen" to maintain a sophisticated tone and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more capable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It describes a desired state of increased ability or competence. As Ludwig AI notes, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English, indicating a potential for enhancement in skill sets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be more capable" is a versatile and frequently used expression for indicating potential for improvement in skills, abilities, or competencies. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance writing, consider alternatives like ""become more proficient"" or ""enhance abilities"". By understanding its nuances and usage, you can effectively convey the message of aspiring to greater competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enhance abilities

Focuses on improving existing abilities rather than possessing new capabilities.

improve skills

Specifically targets the refinement of learned skills to achieve better performance.

become more proficient

Implies a greater level of expertise or skill through practice and learning.

gain competence

Emphasizes acquiring a sufficient level of skill or knowledge to perform a task effectively.

develop expertise

Highlights the process of building deep knowledge and skill in a particular area.

increase effectiveness

Shifts the focus to improving the efficiency and impact of actions or processes.

sharpen skills

Suggests refining and honing existing skills to a finer point.

boost performance

Aims to elevate overall performance or output, often in a measurable way.

become better equipped

Implies acquiring the necessary resources, knowledge, or skills to handle challenges.

advance skills

Suggests moving forward and improving skills to a higher level.

FAQs

How can I use "be more capable" in a sentence?

You can use "be more capable" to express the potential for improvement in skills or abilities. For example, "With additional training, our team will "be more capable" of handling complex projects".

What's a good alternative to "be more capable"?

Alternatives include "become more proficient", "enhance abilities", or "improve skills", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "be more capable at" or "be more capable of"?

While both can be used, "be more capable of" is generally preferred. For example, "She needs to "be more capable of" handling difficult clients" is more common than "be more capable at".

What does it mean to "be more capable" in a professional context?

In a professional setting, "be more capable" suggests improving one's skills, knowledge, or performance to better meet job requirements and achieve organizational goals. This might involve acquiring new qualifications, refining existing skills, or enhancing problem-solving abilities.