best capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "best capable" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically intended to convey the idea of being the most competent or skilled, but the phrasing is awkward and not commonly used. Example: "She is the best capable candidate for the job."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I knew Sammy was in the best capable hands".

The Guardian - Sport

He has picked the team best capable of playing in the way he believes will deliver victory.

The Guardian - Sport

The question is whether Mr. Hazare remains the man best capable of channeling that public fury into action.

The New York Times

Mark Guiliana's astonishing, tentacular drumming alone confirms that Bowie's last band, led by saxophonist Donny McCaslin, was one of his best, capable of anything.

The Guardian - Music

The modern player best capable of carrying it out is Roger Federer, Pasarell said, citing his ability to slice, change the pace, and maneuver on court.

The New York Times

"I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organizations, specifically banks and others, were such as that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Even the best are capable of acts of monumental foolishness.

The Economist

Artists and dealers can be opportunists in the best way, capable of mustering ingenuity for any occasion.

The New York Times - Arts

He is the best climber, capable of accelerating away from his competitors as if his bike has turbo boosters.

The New York Times - Sports

Diversity is important for leadership to ensure that the net is cast as wide as possible, to get the best, most capable people running public services.

The Guardian

Australia's elite female cricketers have been given a significant pay rise, with the game's best now capable of commanding six-figure salaries.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using "best capable", opt for the phrase "most capable" or "best suited" to maintain grammatical correctness. These alternatives are more widely accepted and understood.

Common error

Avoid combining "best" with adjectives that already imply a superlative degree. "Capable" suggests a high level of ability, so "best capable" is redundant. Use "most capable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "best capable" functions as a compound adjective aimed at describing someone or something possessing a high degree of ability. However, as noted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically questionable. Instead, the phrase "most capable" should be used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "best capable" attempts to convey a high level of ability or suitability, it is grammatically incorrect and not considered standard English. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's better to use "most capable" or other alternatives like "best suited" for clarity and correctness. Although examples can be found across various sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, the frequency of its usage is uncommon and it should be avoided in formal or academic writing. Always prioritize grammatically sound alternatives to effectively communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most capable

Replaces "best" with "most" to create a grammatically sound superlative.

most qualified

Indicates possession of the necessary qualifications.

best equipped

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources.

most suitable

Emphasizes appropriateness for a particular purpose.

highly skilled

Focuses on a high level of skill or expertise.

ideally suited

Suggests a perfect match or fit.

perfectly positioned

Highlights an advantageous placement or situation.

expertly trained

Focuses on the quality of training received.

finely honed

Emphasizes the refinement of skills over time.

supremely talented

Highlights exceptional natural ability.

FAQs

What's wrong with the phrase "best capable"?

The phrase "best capable" is considered grammatically incorrect because "capable" already implies a high degree of ability. Using "best" with it is redundant. It's better to say "most capable".

Is there a difference between "best capable" and "most capable"?

Yes. While both attempt to convey a high level of ability, "best capable" is not standard English. "Most capable" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted alternative.

When is it appropriate to use "best capable"?

It is generally not appropriate to use "best capable" in formal or academic writing. It might appear in informal contexts, but it's advisable to use "most capable" for clarity and correctness.

What are some alternatives to "best capable" that I can use?

Alternatives to "best capable" include "most qualified", "best suited", or "most skilled". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.