by the capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by the capable" is not a standard expression in written English and may be unclear without additional context.
It could potentially be used in contexts where you are referring to actions or contributions made by capable individuals, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The project was completed successfully by the capable team members who worked tirelessly."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Geyr was replaced by the capable veteran Heinrich Eberbach.

Britannica

He's again played by the capable Hugo Weaving, who brings an exultant beatitude to laminated malignancy.

The New York Times

"Forged in fire to bathe in flame", the wok is granted almost mythological status by the capable delivered script.

The Guardian

Many things are built these days so they can't be fixed - not by the capable amateur, anyway.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was also progressive and greatly influenced by the capable bishops who surrounded him from the very beginning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That they did so well was largely because of untiring efforts by the capable secretary of the navy, Stephen Mallory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They recognize the quality of U.S. systems and have been astounded by the mission capable rates quoted for U.S. aircraft compared to their older Russian inventory.

The Guardian

He said the most vulnerable children ended up being looked after by the least capable adults and as a result were "robbed of their life chances".

The Guardian

Rolling off the assembly line there in the 1960s were F-105 Thunderchiefs — supersonic fighter-bombers flown by the Air Force, capable of carrying nuclear missiles.

The New York Times

But six months after Fort Sumter, these issues were so hotly contested that the Union effort seemed threatened not merely by the surprisingly capable Confederate forces, but by the battle over abolition and its place in the Union fight.

The New York Times

The evidence presented by the highly capable defense team has confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt that, according to the law of the land, there's really no alternative to an innocent verdict.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by the capable", ensure the noun it modifies clearly indicates the role or capacity in which the person or thing is considered capable. This adds clarity and strengthens the expression.

Common error

Avoid using "by the capable" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound stilted or overly formal in settings where simpler language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the capable" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier, attributing an action or characteristic to a person or entity possessing a noted degree of skill or competence. It serves to highlight the role of ability in achieving a specific outcome, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by the capable" is a relatively common prepositional phrase used to attribute actions or qualities to someone or something skillful. Ludwig AI indicates it's acceptable but advises that the specific noun it modifies clearly reflects the capacity where the person or thing shows capability, to achieve clarity. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media and Encyclopedias, reflecting a neutral to formal register. When you want to use an alternative, consider options like "by the skillful" or "by the competent", depending on the desired level of formality. Avoid overuse in very informal settings to prevent sounding stilted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the skillful

Replaces "capable" with a direct synonym, emphasizing practical competence.

by the competent

Substitutes "capable" with a term suggesting adequacy and qualification.

by the qualified

Indicates that someone has the formal requirements for a task.

by the proficient

Highlights expertise and advanced skill in a specific area.

under the guidance of

Shifts focus to the direction or leadership provided by a skilled individual.

with the assistance of

Emphasizes help from someone with abilities.

through the efforts of

Focuses on the work contributed by a skilled individual or team.

thanks to the ability of

Expresses gratitude for someone's capability that led to a positive outcome.

through the expertise of

Focuses on advanced knowledge and skill that influenced a result.

with the ingenuity of

Highlights the creativity and inventiveness of the person involved.

FAQs

How can I use "by the capable" in a sentence?

Use "by the capable" to attribute an action or quality to someone or something possessing skill or competence, such as, "The project was successfully managed by the capable project manager."

What's a more formal alternative to "by the capable"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "through the expertise of" or "by the proficient". These alternatives emphasize advanced knowledge and skill.

Is "by the capable" always necessary, or can I use a simpler phrase?

In many cases, you can use simpler alternatives like "by the skilled" or "by the competent"/s/by+the+competent. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

What's the difference between "by the capable" and "with the help of"?

"By the capable" highlights skill, whereas "with the help of" implies assistance, regardless of the helper's skill level. The phrase "with the help of" focuses on the support provided, not necessarily the competence of the individual.