capable of change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of change" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the ability to undergo transformation or adaptation. Example: "The organization is capable of change, which allows it to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The norm is capable of change.

The New York Times - Magazine

3) The Republican Party is, in fact, capable of change.

The New York Times

And I saw that he was capable of change too.

The New York Times

And if you're capable of change, there's always hope you will come out victorious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Telemachus and Odysseus, unlike the characters in the "Iliad," are capable of change.

The New York Times - Books

After which time it will be determined whether or not I am capable of change.

The New York Times

They are also, as we continue to learn, uncommonly capable of change.

Harvard University

Even if Parisians are skeptical, some visitors think people are capable of change.

The New York Times

Characters are capable of change, and some actually learn from their mistakes.

The New York Times - Arts

His approach is coming under close scrutiny but he has shown himself capable of change.

Independent

And after his sudden change of heart, the looming question will be whether Meyer is capable of change.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of change" to describe systems or processes that can be modified or improved. For example, "The software is "capable of change", allowing for continuous updates and enhancements".

Common error

Avoid assuming that being "capable of change" automatically means change will occur. Highlight the necessary conditions or actions needed to facilitate the transformation. It is important to recognize the difference between inherent potential and demonstrated action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of change" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the potential or ability to transform. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use in describing entities with the capacity for adaptation or modification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

22%

Huffington Post

16%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of change" is a versatile and widely used expression that indicates the potential or ability to transform. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, ranging from personal development to organizational strategy. While numerous alternatives exist, each carries subtle nuances that can influence the overall message. For example, "able to adapt" focuses more directly on adjustment, whereas "open to transformation" emphasizes a willingness to embrace significant change. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and the Huffington Post and its inherent meaning allows it to be neutral in tone and applicable in both formal and informal registers. When using "capable of change", remember to highlight the conditions or actions that can facilitate the transformation rather than assuming that the capacity alone guarantees change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to adapt

Focuses on the ability to adjust to new conditions or circumstances.

open to transformation

Emphasizes a willingness and receptiveness to undergo significant change.

able to evolve

Focuses on gradual development and change over time.

adaptable

A shorter, more direct way of saying "able to adapt".

susceptible to modification

Highlights the ease with which something can be altered or changed.

flexible

Suggests an ability to bend without breaking, indicating adaptability.

amenable to adjustment

Indicates a readiness to accept and implement changes.

responsive to alteration

Stresses the capacity to react and change in response to external factors.

malleable

Implies being easily influenced or shaped.

plastic

Similar to malleable, highlighting the capacity to be molded or shaped.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of change" to describe individuals, organizations, or systems that have the potential to transform or adapt. For instance, "Despite his past mistakes, he is "capable of change"" or "The company is implementing new strategies because it is "capable of change"".

What are some alternatives to "capable of change"?

Alternatives include "able to adapt", "open to transformation", or "susceptible to modification", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say something is "very capable of change"?

While not strictly redundant, adding "very" to "capable of change" might not be the most effective way to emphasize the point. Consider using alternatives that inherently convey a higher degree of potential, such as "highly adaptable" or "extremely malleable", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "capable of change" and "willing to change"?

"Capable of change" refers to the inherent ability or potential to transform, while "willing to change" indicates a readiness or desire to do so. Someone might be "capable of change" but not "willing to change", and vice versa.