can be capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be capable" is not correct and is generally considered redundant in written English.
You can use it when discussing potential abilities, but it is better to choose a more concise expression. Example: "The new software can be capable of processing large datasets quickly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

During challenging times and when impassioned to act, human beings can be capable of miracles.

Huffington Post

Assumptions made about women's parenting capabilities ignore the evidence that they can be capable of providing a nurturing and loving environment for their children [ 47, 48] even in the midst of injecting drug use and economic insecurity [ 29, 49- 52].

BMC Women's Health

Back at Costa's office, Tyche demonstrated to me what people with Down can be capable of even without medication.

The New York Times - Magazine

I believe in a civilization that can be capable of bringing the courage to have a world where humans can live side by side".

The Guardian - Film

It is a staggeringly moving memorial and a testament to the subtlety of which this big, brash city can be capable.

Independent

What I found particularly interesting was the third person outlook on humanity; how we can be capable of both intense cruelty and stunning beauty all at the same time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Each small yellow canister, the size of a tin can, is capable of killing anyone within 150 yards.

The New York Times

"Halleluwah" seemed to tell a story to me about the 1970s, yet it also retained for me a contemporary statement of the musical athleticism Can were capable of.

Vice

Massachusetts public health officials have cautioned pregnant and breastfeeding women to limit their canned food consumption on grounds that BPA from food cans is capable of crossing the umbilical cord and reach the fetus and can also make its way into breast milk.

Huffington Post

You can still be capable of insight and you're certainly worthy of respect".

The Guardian - Film

And it was the kind of play, combined with an emphatic offensive showing, that proved UConn (4-0) can still be capable of business as usual.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "can be capable" in your writing; it is generally considered redundant. Instead, choose a more concise alternative like "can" or "is capable".

Common error

Do not use both "can be" and "capable" together. Using either "can" or "is capable" independently provides a clearer and more direct statement. For instance, instead of saying "The system can be capable of handling the load", say "The system can handle the load" or "The system is capable of handling the load".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be capable" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or ability. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as redundant, suggesting it's more effective to use either "can" or "is capable" separately to convey the intended meaning.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be capable" is identified by Ludwig AI as grammatically incorrect due to redundancy. While it appears in various sources, including News & Media and Science, it's best to avoid this phrase in favor of more concise alternatives like "can" or "is capable". These alternatives provide clearer and more direct statements, enhancing the effectiveness of your writing. Its rare frequency and the availability of better alternatives make it a less desirable choice for expressing possibility or ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be competent

Replaces "capable" with a synonym that also implies sufficient skill or knowledge.

can be skilled

Similar to "competent", emphasizing proficiency in a particular area.

can be qualified

Focuses on meeting the necessary requirements or standards.

can be suitable

Indicates appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation.

can be equal

Indicates the possibility of matching the expected level.

can be prone

Suggests a tendency or likelihood to be affected by something.

can be efficient

Replaces "capable" to imply effectiveness and the ability to avoid wasting resources.

can be effective

Indicates the ability to produce the intended result.

can be liable

Implies responsibility or obligation.

can be available

Suggests accessibility or readiness for use.

FAQs

How to avoid redundancy when using the word "capable"?

To avoid redundancy, use "can" or "is capable" independently. For example, instead of "can be capable", say "can" or "is capable".

What can I say instead of "can be capable"?

You can use alternatives like "can" or "is capable" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can be capable" or "is capable"?

"Is capable" is generally preferred over "can be capable" due to the redundancy in the latter.

Is "can be capable" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "can be capable" is considered grammatically redundant. It's better to choose a more concise option like "can" or "is capable".