capable of being true

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of being true" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential validity or truthfulness of a statement or idea. Example: "The theory proposed by the scientist is capable of being true, given the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

An assertible is impossible when it is [either] not capable of being true [or is capable of being true, but hindered by external things from being true].

SEP

"Lions are tawny"—which are capable of being true while admitting of exceptions.

SEP

Chrysippus' definitions are (D. L. 7.75): An assertible is possible when it is both capable of being true and not hindered by external things from being true.

SEP

According to the expressivist, however, evaluative and normative claims of these kinds do not represent genuine cognitive achievements, judgments that are literally capable of being true or false.

SEP

Albert's approach involves analyzing the logical and linguistic conditions of every proposition involving the term 'infinite' that is significant and capable of being true.

SEP

Philo defined them as follows: 'Possible is that which is capable of being true by the proposition's own nature … necessary is that which is true, and which, as far as it is in itself, is not capable of being false.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Although several realist disputes seem to turn on whether statements of a certain kind are capable of being objectively true, it is far from obvious what being objectively true amounts to.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the other hand, the statement "Man is capable of learning grammar" is true and convertible; but "capable of learning grammar" does not state the essence of man and is therefore a property of man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the constant hallmarks of Reinhold's philosophical efforts was his conviction that a genuinely scientific philosophy must be capable of being understood and recognized as true by everyone.

SEP

We are capable of being that".

Los Angeles Times

Nobody has been capable of showing whether this is true yet, but if supertasks are possible, that question can be resolved.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of being true" when you want to emphasize the inherent potential or possibility for something to be truthful, rather than simply stating it is possibly true.

Common error

Avoid constructing overly passive sentences. While "capable of being true" isn't inherently wrong, overuse can make your writing sound less direct. Consider active constructions where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of being true" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject has the inherent potential or ability to be truthful or factual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and varied use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of being true" signifies the potential for a statement or idea to align with reality, expressing possibility rather than certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its formality leans towards scientific and academic contexts. While alternatives like "potentially true" or "possibly true" exist, "capable of being true" emphasizes inherent potential. When writing, use it to precisely qualify statements where certainty is absent but a degree of plausibility exists. Common mistakes include overuse leading to passive voice, so strive for balanced and direct constructions to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially true

This is a more concise way of expressing the same idea, using an adverb to modify the adjective.

possibly true

Similar to 'potentially true', this emphasizes the possibility rather than the capability.

able to be true

This alternative emphasizes the ability for truth to exist.

conceivably true

This highlights the conceivability or imaginability of something being true.

plausibly true

Focuses on the believability and apparent truthfulness.

has the potential to be true

This expands on the idea, explicitly stating the potential for truth.

might be true

A more direct expression of possibility, lacking the formal tone.

may be true

Expresses a possibility of truth in a straightforward manner.

could be true

Indicates a possibility of being factual or correct.

open to being true

Suggests that the possibility of being true is not closed off or refuted.

FAQs

What does "capable of being true" mean?

The phrase "capable of being true" means something has the potential or possibility to be factual or accurate. It suggests that the statement or idea isn't necessarily true, but it possesses the inherent qualities that would allow it to be so.

When is it appropriate to use "capable of being true"?

Use "capable of being true" when you want to emphasize the potential for something to be truthful, especially in discussions about theories, hypotheses, or statements that haven't been definitively proven. It implies a certain degree of possibility and inherent validity.

Are there simpler alternatives to "capable of being true"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "potentially true", "possibly true", or "able to be true", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

How does "capable of being true" differ from "is true"?

"Capable of being true" suggests a potential or possibility, while "is true" asserts a confirmed fact. The former indicates an unproven but plausible statement, whereas the latter indicates something that has been validated or confirmed.