capable of assuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of assuming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's or something's ability to take on a role, responsibility, or characteristic. Example: "The new software is capable of assuming various user preferences to enhance the overall experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

— capable of assuming the shape of motor vehicles.

The New York Times

Aid officials said Iraqis were more than capable of assuming greater roles in their country's recovery.

The New York Times

And Nigeria and South Africa are the only nations with militaries capable of assuming the role of regional police force.

The New York Times

Congress should also pursue legislation that would nurture a citizenry more capable of assuming responsibility as a watchdog against such threats.

The New York Times

"And that is that you find that the Iraqi armed forces are increasingly effective and capable of assuming greater responsibility for internal security of Iraq".

The New York Times

Folklore, however, describes them as exceptionally ugly creatures, either male or female, capable of assuming human form though their feet always remain hooves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It isn't news that animals are complex creatures, capable of many things assumed to be inherently human, ranging from the ability to learn language to the capacity of feeling a spectrum of emotions.

Vice

Among the jakobid mitochondrial genomes analyzed here, only that of Andalucia encodes a complete set of tRNAs capable of reading all codons, assuming a mechanism whereby U in the first position of the anticodon permits recognition of all codons in a four-codon family (e.g., tRNAAla with anticodon UGC).

Genome Biology and Evolution

First came the Soviet Union, assumed capable of launching a massive tank-and-infantry invasion of Japan via its northern island of Hokkaido.

The Economist

These feats are so foreign to our sense of what our memory is normally capable of that we often assume that some kind of special brainpower is the only way to account for them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So why did this client spend $200,000 on modeling without having first proved the cooling equipment was working and capable of delivering capacity as assumed by the software?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of assuming", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what role, responsibility, or characteristic is being assumed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of assuming" when there is no concrete evidence or reasonable basis to believe that the subject possesses the necessary skills or resources. Overstating capability can lead to unrealistic expectations and potential failures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of assuming" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the subject's ability or potential to take on a specific role, responsibility, or characteristic. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of assuming" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression that denotes the ability or potential to take on a specific role, responsibility, or characteristic. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English, and its prevalence across various sources—including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications—underscores its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it is crucial to ensure the context provides sufficient evidence to support the claimed capability. Alternatives such as "able to assume" or "competent to take on" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to assume

Focuses on the basic ability rather than the inherent potential to take on something.

competent to take on

Emphasizes competence and readiness to handle a responsibility.

qualified to undertake

Highlights the qualifications necessary for taking on a task.

fit to perform

Stresses the suitability and fitness for a specific performance or duty.

equipped to handle

Focuses on having the necessary resources or skills to manage something.

prepared to accept

Emphasizes preparedness and willingness to accept a role or responsibility.

in a position to take on

Highlights the current situation enabling the assumption of a role.

suited to adopt

Emphasizes the suitability for adopting a particular characteristic or behavior.

empowered to enact

Focuses on having the power or authority to put something into action.

eligible to embrace

Highlights eligibility and willingness to fully accept or embrace a role or responsibility.

FAQs

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

Use "capable of assuming" to describe the ability to take on a role, responsibility, or form. For example, "The Iraqi armed forces are increasingly effective and capable of assuming greater responsibility for internal security."

What are some alternatives to "capable of assuming"?

Alternatives include "able to assume", "competent to take on", or "qualified to undertake", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "able to assume" or "capable of assuming"?

"Capable of assuming" often implies a higher degree of inherent potential or readiness compared to "able to assume", which simply indicates the basic ability to do so. The best choice depends on the context and the specific meaning you wish to convey.

What does it mean to be "capable of assuming" a role?

To be "capable of assuming" a role means having the necessary skills, resources, and potential to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities associated with that role. It suggests a readiness and inherent suitability for the position.