capable of being caught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of being caught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that can be captured or apprehended, often in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The elusive creature is capable of being caught if one knows the right techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ruffs, capable of being caught by the dozen in the 1760s, were sparse by mid-Victorian times, and the spotted crake, snipe, and water rail all went the same way, as did the dotterel, a plover hunted to the point where it became a passing migrant.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They've got some extremely good individual players, such as Kayla McAlister and Portia Woodman, who are capable of sprinting 80m and not being caught.

The Guardian - Sport

And Robert Melee, an artist capable of truly formidable outrageousness, is caught in a mellow rec room mood with an abstract piece incorporating beer bottle caps.

The New York Times - Arts

"Literature is capable of being a subject that people want to catch up on or discuss, whether at a coffee shop or a watercooler," said Mr. Danielewski, reached at his home in Los Angeles.

The New York Times

"There's an understanding that we're capable of being a very dangerous team, but we're also capable of being a bad team if we get caught up in preseason rankings or facing a team that may not – on paper – be statistically on par with us," he said.

Los Angeles Times

We are capable of being that".

Los Angeles Times

We are also capable of getting so caught up and overwhelmed that we overlook or miss out on the relationships and experiences that are really most important and meaningful to us.

Huffington Post

In music, Blacks have accurate ears "for tune and time", are generally more gifted than Whites, and are capable of a "small catch", as illustrated by their talent with the "Banjar", a guitar-like instrument "brought … from Africa".

SEP

The Firth of Clyde is a marine ecosystem nearing the endpoint of overfishing, a time when no species remain that are capable of sustaining commercial catches.

Plosone

Organisms capable of producing disease are pathogens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All three are capable of running well with the football after they catch short passes.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where something might be caught, specify the method or agent doing the catching to provide clarity. For example, "fish capable of being caught by nets".

Common error

Avoid using "capable of being caught" when simpler alternatives like "capturable" or "able to be caught" are clearer and more direct. Overly complex phrasing can reduce readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of being caught" functions as an adjective phrase describing the potential or possibility of something being captured. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of being caught" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the potential for capture. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, though notes that it is not extremely common. It frequently appears in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral formality. While grammatically valid, simpler alternatives like "capturable" or "able to be caught" can sometimes improve clarity and conciseness. When using the phrase, consider specifying the method or agent doing the catching for better comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to be captured

A more direct and simpler alternative, replacing "capable of being" with "able to be".

susceptible to capture

Replaces "capable of being" with "susceptible to", emphasizing vulnerability to being caught.

vulnerable to capture

Similar to "susceptible", but highlights the weakness or lack of defense making capture possible.

subject to being caught

Indicates that something is under the authority or control of conditions that would lead to it being caught.

liable to be caught

Indicates a probability or risk of being caught, using "liable" instead of "capable".

potentially capturable

Condenses the phrase into a single adjective, "capturable", indicating the potential for capture.

at risk of capture

Focuses on the risk or danger of being caught, highlighting the potential negative consequences.

in danger of being caught

Emphasizes the immediate threat of being caught, suggesting a precarious situation.

open to apprehension

Uses "apprehension" as a more formal synonym for "caught", suggesting a legal or official context.

likely to be apprehended

Combines probability with a formal term for being caught, indicating a high chance of capture.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of being caught" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of being caught" to describe something that has the potential to be captured. For example, "The rare butterfly is "susceptible to capture" by experienced collectors".

What are some alternatives to "capable of being caught"?

Alternatives include "able to be captured", "susceptible to capture", or "vulnerable to capture", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is more concise, "capable of being caught" or "capturable"?

"Capturable" is more concise. While "capable of being caught" is grammatically correct, using a single-word adjective like "capturable" can improve clarity and flow, especially in technical or scientific writing. Choose "potentially capturable".

Is there a difference in formality between "capable of being caught" and "able to be caught"?

"Capable of being caught" might be perceived as slightly more formal than "able to be caught", but the difference is minimal. Both are suitable for most contexts, but "able to be captured" is generally considered a simpler and more direct option.