capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe the ability of an object or person to do something. For example, "The machine is capable of creating 30 widgets in one hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm capable of medalling.

Independent

"We're capable of doing that".

The New York Times - Sports

Am I capable of it?

The New York Times

"We're capable of playing better".

The New York Times - Sports

They're capable of doing anything.

The New York Times

I am capable of reason.

The New Yorker

I am capable of forgiving.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Rhoden is capable of poetry.

The New York Times - Arts

Danny has always been capable of that.

Independent

He's capable of hitting better, too".

The New York Times - Sports

They are poems, capable of multiple interpretations.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what the subject is capable of doing. For example, instead of saying "He is capable", specify "He is capable of leading the team effectively".

Common error

Avoid using "capable of" without specifying the action or ability. Saying "The device is capable" is less informative than "The device is capable of processing large amounts of data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of" functions primarily as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates the inherent ability or capacity of a subject to perform a specific action or possess a certain quality. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing both people's potential and the functionalities of objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that indicates the ability or potential of someone or something to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse writing contexts. It's essential to specify what the subject is "capable of" doing to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. While alternatives like "able to" or "equipped to" exist, "capable of" maintains a neutral tone suitable for both formal and informal settings. As demonstrated by examples from Ludwig, this phrase is a valuable asset for expressing potential and capacity effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to

More direct and often used in simpler contexts.

equipped to

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources.

competent to

Highlights the necessary skills and knowledge.

qualified to

Implies meeting specific requirements or standards.

in a position to

Focuses on having the opportunity or authority.

fit for

Indicates suitability or appropriateness for a role or task.

up to

Informal way of saying "capable of doing something"

equal to

Suggests being on par with the demands of a situation.

apt to

Describes a natural tendency or likelihood.

liable to

Implies a susceptibility or potential for something.

FAQs

How to use "capable of" in a sentence?

Use "capable of" to indicate someone or something has the ability or capacity to do something. For example, "She is "capable of" handling the project" or "The software is "capable of" processing complex data".

What can I say instead of "capable of"?

You can use alternatives like "able to", "equipped to", or "qualified to" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "capable of" or "capable to"?

"Capable of" is the correct form. The preposition "of" is required after "capable" when followed by a verb or noun phrase describing the capability. "Capable to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "capable of" and "ability of"?

"Capable of" describes a quality or potential someone or something possesses, while "ability of" refers to the general skill or talent someone has. For example, "He is "capable of" great kindness" (quality) versus "His "ability of" playing the piano is remarkable" (skill).