become capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become capable" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the process of developing a skill or ability. Example: With practice and determination, she was able to become capable of performing the difficult dance routine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have to become capable of it.

The Guardian - Tech

That's what Eastwood had become capable of.

The New Yorker

You become capable of creating imaginary pictures on the go.

Stanford University

Over time I've become capable of engaging and talking about my work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr Heydon says it is because the ROV technology has only recently become capable enough.

The Economist

Over the last decade Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have become capable marine platforms.

Elsevier Oceanography Series

When you examine your priorities in this manner, you become capable of seeing status temptations more clearly.

Harvard University

The primary duty of junior faculty entering the teaching ranks is to become capable and effective teachers and scholars.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Only on deeper reflection do we become capable of grasping the long-term implications of our choices.

Harvard University

The primary duty of junior persons entering the teaching ranks is to become capable and inspiring teachers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But what if robots really did become capable of reading our intentions and interacting with us safely?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become capable" to describe a process or change in someone or something's ability. For example, "After months of training, the athlete become capable of running a marathon."

Common error

Avoid using "capable" alone when you intend to express the process of gaining ability. Instead of saying "She is capable", specify what she has "become capable of" doing to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become capable" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, indicating a transformation or change in someone or something's ability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, highlighting its role in describing the development of skills or competence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become capable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the process of acquiring a skill or ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To use it effectively, remember that it emphasizes the transition or development of a skill, and it's crucial to follow it with the preposition "of" when specifying the action or ability. Avoid using "capable" alone when you mean to express the ongoing process of acquiring ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquire the ability

Focuses on the acquisition of a specific ability, implying a more defined skill.

develop the skill

Highlights the process of skill development over time.

gain proficiency

Emphasizes the improvement of skill to a proficient level.

grow competent

Suggests a gradual increase in competence.

get skilled

A more informal way to express becoming capable.

attain competence

Implies reaching a specific level of competence.

evolve into a state of readiness

Focuses on the evolutionary aspect of reaching capability, often implying adaptation.

be empowered to

Highlights the enablement aspect of gaining capacity.

be equal to

Expresses capability by highlighting being on par or meeting the required standards or demands of a task.

find one's feet

This is an idiom that explains finding one's confidence. Used more in informal writing.

FAQs

How can I use "become capable" in a sentence?

Use "become capable" to describe the process of acquiring a skill or ability. For example, "Through consistent practice, he "became capable" of playing the piano".

What are some alternatives to "become capable"?

You can use alternatives such as "acquire the ability", "develop the skill", or "gain proficiency" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "became capable to" instead of "became capable of"?

No, the correct usage is "became capable of". The preposition "of" is necessary to properly connect "capable" with the action or skill being described.

What's the difference between "become capable" and "is capable"?

"Become capable" indicates a change in ability over time, whereas "is capable" describes a current state of ability. For instance, "He is capable of driving" means he can drive now, while "He became capable of driving" means he learned to drive.