capable of becoming

USAGE SUMMARY

'capable of becoming' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to denote the potential of something or someone to develop or change into something else in the future. For example: "John showed great potential as a leader and was capable of becoming a successful manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.

Forbes

I am now certain America will become what it is capable of becoming.

Huffington Post

British author Robert Louis Stevenson once said "To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life".

Huffington Post

"Treat people as if they were what they should be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming".

Huffington Post

Achieving and the drive to become what one is capable of becoming or to surpass others can be very motivating [ 23].

BMC Health Services Research

Kak?s capable of becoming Real Madrid's answer to Xavi.

The New York Times

Is Iraq capable of becoming a beacon of democracy?

The Economist

Having said that, all the exhibiting walls will be capable of becoming white.

The Guardian - Arts

Let's show the world how brilliant our education system is capable of becoming".

The Guardian

"I think the coast is capable of becoming interesting economically," he said.

The New Yorker

But he is believed to be the last son capable of becoming king.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of becoming" to highlight the potential for growth, transformation, or development in people, objects, or situations. It suggests possibility rather than certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of becoming" when you want to express a definite future outcome. This phrase indicates potential, not a guarantee. Use stronger verbs or adverbs if certainty is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of becoming" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a potential quality or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the inherent ability or potential of something to transform or develop into something else. It suggests possibility rather than certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of becoming" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for transformation and development. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various fields, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as an adjective, highlighting possibility rather than certainty. When using "capable of becoming", remember to focus on latent qualities and future possibilities, avoiding overstatements of definite outcomes. Alternatives like "able to transform into" and "has the potential to be" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase effectively communicates the idea of inherent ability and the potential for something to evolve.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the potential to be

Emphasizes the latent ability to develop into something.

poised to transition into

Indicates readiness or imminence of a change or transformation.

able to transform into

Focuses on the act of changing form or nature.

likely to evolve into

Suggests a natural progression or development over time.

with the aptitude to grow into

Focuses on inherent talent or skill for future development.

in a position to develop into

Highlights the necessary circumstances or conditions for growth.

apt to develop into

Implies a predisposition or tendency towards a certain outcome.

suited to become

Highlights the suitability or fitness for a particular role or state.

predisposed to turn into

Indicates a natural inclination or susceptibility to change.

has what it takes to be

Suggests having the necessary qualities or resources to achieve a goal.

FAQs

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

The phrase "capable of becoming" is used to describe someone or something that has the potential to develop into something else. For example, "With the right training, she is capable of becoming a skilled surgeon".

What are some alternatives to "capable of becoming"?

Alternatives to "capable of becoming" include "able to transform into", "has the potential to be", or "likely to evolve into" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "capable of becoming" or "able to become"?

"Capable of becoming" and "able to become" are often interchangeable, but "capable of becoming" implies a higher degree of inherent potential or suitability, while "able to become" simply suggests the necessary skills or resources.

Can "capable of becoming" be used for both people and things?

Yes, "capable of becoming" can be used for both people and things to indicate their potential for development or transformation. For instance, you could say "He is capable of becoming a great leader" or "This land is capable of becoming a fertile farm".