capable of catching anything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of catching anything" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to capture or seize various opportunities or items. Example: "The new fishing net is capable of catching anything, from small minnows to large fish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then Superstar Darren Sammy ("useful with the bat and capable of catching anything within range") bowled to Shah, who took a full swing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Of course, there are no guarantees of catching anything, except perhaps a cold.

Los Angeles Times

It concerns an old Cuban fisherman named Santiago who finally catches a magnificent fish after weeks of not catching anything.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Any fishing gears capable of catching cod will not be allowed in these areas.

Huffington Post

And Ben keeps filming candid moments of the family, without catching anything remotely revealing.

Huffington Post

Make sure it's spaced in the middle of the box to avoid catching anything on fire.

WikiHow

Early sculptors were capable of catching the most subtle psychological nuances.

The New York Times - Arts

Martin said he thought he was capable of catching Johnson even if nothing had happened to Johnson.

The New York Times - Sports

Bobby Frankel's two horses moved up behind Funny Cide in the stretch, but they never looked capable of catching him.

The New York Times - Sports

Like Ted Hughes, Oswald is capable of catching the reader up in swinging, pulsing rhythms, quickening this watery realm into urgent life.

The Guardian - Books

Michael Carrick believes Manchester United are capable of catching Manchester City and beating them to second place in the Premier League.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing equipment or tools, use "capable of catching anything" to emphasize versatility and broad applicability. For example: "The new fishing net is "capable of catching anything", from small minnows to large fish."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "capable of catching anything" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can catch anything" or "catches everything" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of catching anything" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the ability or potential of that noun to capture or obtain a wide range of objects or opportunities. Ludwig confirms its validity, although it's not very common.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of catching anything" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something's broad ability to capture or obtain various things. While valid, Ludwig indicates that it is a relatively uncommon expression. It finds its usage primarily in descriptive contexts within news, encyclopedias and wikis, leaning slightly towards formality. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. The expert rating reflects its correctness and source authority, balanced by its lower frequency. When describing equipment or tools that are particularly versatile, or when you want to underscore a broad and adaptable capacity, consider using "capable of catching anything".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to capture anything

Replaces "capable of" with "able to", maintaining the core meaning of possessing the ability.

equipped to catch anything

Focuses on having the necessary tools or resources to catch anything.

in a position to catch anything

Emphasizes the state or condition of being ready to catch anything.

has the potential to catch anything

Highlights the inherent possibility of catching anything.

can grab anything

Uses a more informal verb, "grab", instead of "catch".

able to seize anything

Replaces "catch" with "seize", implying a more forceful or opportunistic acquisition.

proficient at catching anything

Highlights skill and competence in catching various things.

adept at catching anything

Similar to proficient, emphasizing skill and dexterity.

skilled at catching anything

Uses the simple adjective "skilled" to describe the ability.

competent in catching anything

Focuses on the adequacy and suitability for catching various things.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of catching anything" to describe something with a broad ability to capture or obtain various items or opportunities. For example, "The athlete's reflexes made him "able to capture anything" that came his way".

What can I say instead of "capable of catching anything"?

You can use alternatives like ""able to capture anything"", "equipped to catch anything", or "in a position to catch anything" depending on the specific context.

Is "capable of catching anything" formal or informal?

"Capable of catching anything" leans towards the formal side. In informal situations, consider using simpler phrases like "can catch anything" or "catches everything".

What's the difference between "capable of catching anything" and "able to catch anything"?

The difference is subtle. "Capable of catching anything" implies a general inherent ability, while ""able to capture anything"" suggests a more specific or situational ability. They are often interchangeable.