capability of evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capability of evil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential or ability of individuals or entities to commit harmful or malevolent acts. Example: "The novel explores the dark side of human nature, delving into the capability of evil that resides within us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's not part of the memorial; it recaptures and honors the past, remains as a beacon of the destructive capability of evil men and certainly builds for the future".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Soviet Union was an evil empire; Osama is evil; the axis of evil is evil.

The New Yorker

Take the "problem" of evil.

The New Yorker

The Varieties of Evil: How to think about evil?

The New York Times

(Remember the axis of evil).

The New York Times

In their nationally televised appearance, Mr. Coors did add a new spoke to the axis of evil, saying the United States clearly "should be more worried today, actually, about Iran and North Dakota" when it comes to nuclear capabilities.

The New York Times

I think of good instead of evil.

The New Yorker

The reversal of evil.

The New York Times - Sports

A web of evil.

The New York Times - Books

"I do a lot of evil nowadays!

Independent

The cup of evil has overflowed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "capability of evil", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes "evil" in that specific situation. This prevents ambiguity and ensures that the gravity of the potential is understood.

Common error

Avoid using "capability of evil" in overly broad or abstract contexts. Instead, focus on specific actions or characteristics that demonstrate the potential for harm or malevolence to give the phrase more impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capability of evil" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capability of evil" refers to the potential or ability to commit harmful actions. Though grammatically correct, Ludwig AI indicates that it is a relatively uncommon phrase. Alternative expressions such as "potential for evil" or "capacity for evil" might be more frequently used. Usage contexts range from news and media to scientific and academic discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure that the definition of "evil" is well-defined within the context to prevent ambiguity and maximize impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for evil

Replaces "capability" with "capacity", emphasizing the inherent potential or ability.

potential for evil

Substitutes "capability" with "potential", highlighting the possibility of evil emerging.

ability to commit evil

Rephrases "capability of evil" using "ability to commit evil", focusing on the action of committing evil.

capacity to perform evil

Similar to "ability to commit evil", but uses "capacity" and "perform" for a slightly more formal tone.

potential for malevolence

Replaces "evil" with the synonym "malevolence", adding a more sophisticated tone.

inherent evil

This alternative focuses on the evil that is part of someone or something since birth or at the very beginning.

evil nature

Highlights the fundamental essence or character being evil.

dark side of human nature

More broadly references the inherent potential for negative actions within humanity.

means of committing atrocities

Shifts the focus to the tools or methods used to perform extremely wicked acts.

tendency towards wickedness

Emphasizes a proclivity or inclination to act in an evil manner.

FAQs

How can I use "capability of evil" in a sentence?

You can use "capability of evil" to describe the potential or ability of someone or something to perform harmful or malevolent actions. For example: "The study examined the human "capability of evil" in extreme circumstances."

What are some alternatives to "capability of evil"?

Alternatives include "potential for evil", "capacity for evil", or "ability to commit evil", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "capability for evil" or "capability of evil"?

Both phrases are grammatically acceptable, but "capability of evil" is more common. "Capability for evil" might be used when emphasizing a specific aptitude or talent, but this is less frequent.

What is the difference between "capability of evil" and "evil nature"?

"Capability of evil" refers to the potential or ability to perform evil acts, while "evil nature" describes an inherent or fundamental disposition towards evil. One refers to potential action, the other to inherent character.