capable of anything

USAGE SUMMARY

'capable of anything' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective phrase which can be used to describe someone or something with great potential or a wide range of capabilities. For example, "He was a determined, hard working young man, capable of anything".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He could be capable of anything".

The New Yorker

Americans are capable of anything.

The New York Times

He seemed capable of anything.

The Guardian - Arts

He was capable of anything.

The Guardian

Trump is capable of anything.

The New Yorker

But I think she's capable of anything".

The New York Times

They are not capable of anything else".

The Guardian

Here was a composer who seemed capable of anything.

The New Yorker

He seemed to be everywhere, and capable of anything.

The New York Times - Sports

This venue is about that: showing you're capable of anything.

The New York Times

In my imagination, television would be capable of anything.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of anything" to express a belief in someone's vast potential or to suggest a willingness to go to extremes. Ensure the context clarifies whether the potential is positive or negative.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of anything" when you mean "capable of many things." Overstating someone's abilities can diminish the impact of your message and make it less credible.

Linguistic Context

Capable of anything functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a subject's potential or willingness to act. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is correct and usable. The examples show a wide application across subjects, indicating versatility in its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of anything" serves as a powerful descriptor, conveying a sense of unlimited potential or a readiness to act without restraint. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While its neutrality allows for broad application, its meaning can shift from positive (great potential) to negative (willingness to do harm), depending on context. When using it, be mindful of the potential for overstatement and ensure that the scope aligns with your intended message. Exploring alternatives like "able to do anything" or "limitless in their abilities" can add nuance to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to do anything

This alternative focuses on the ability to perform actions, highlighting the lack of limitations.

without limitations

This emphasizes freedom from restrictions and the ability to act without constraints.

limitless in their abilities

This highlights the lack of constraints regarding someone's capabilities.

up to anything

This suggests a willingness to engage in various activities, often implying adventurousness or mischief.

can do it all

This emphasizes versatility and the capability to handle a wide range of tasks.

able to achieve anything

This focuses on the capacity to reach goals, underlining ambition and success.

equal to any task

This emphasizes competence and readiness to handle any challenge or responsibility.

knows no bounds

This indicates that there are no limits to someone's capacity or potential.

possessing unlimited potential

This highlights the undeveloped capabilities and future possibilities of a subject.

has the world at their feet

This idiom suggests someone is in a position of great advantage and opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of anything" in a sentence?

Use "capable of anything" to describe someone or something with great potential or the willingness to do whatever is necessary. For example, "The athlete trained relentlessly and became "capable of anything" on the field."

What are some alternatives to saying "capable of anything"?

Alternatives include "able to do anything", "up to anything", or "limitless in their abilities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "capable of anything"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that someone has the potential or willingness to do whatever is needed to achieve a goal, or when suggesting someone might take extreme measures.

Is "capable of anything" always a positive attribute?

No, "capable of anything" can have negative connotations. It can imply that someone is willing to do bad things or go to extreme lengths, depending on the context.