capable of committing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of committing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to perform an action, often in a context related to wrongdoing or significant actions. Example: "He is capable of committing acts of kindness that can change lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Established governments are perfectly capable of committing terrorism.

The Guardian

I don't think Bernie Ebbers is capable of committing any criminal wrong.

The New York Times

At least he is capable of committing a man and beating him.

The Guardian - Sport

"Once they'd cut off their emotions, I could see they'd be capable of committing more crime".

The Guardian

We are all capable of committing evil acts – look at the atrocities meted out in wartime.

The Guardian - Books

"These are dangerous individuals and they are capable of committing grave crimes once again".

The Guardian

Cells from higher organisms are capable of committing suicide by initiating a highly conserved molecular program known as "apoptosis".

New Comprehensive Biochemistry

Anyone is certainly capable of committing such an act, but a certain degree of profiling is necessary.

The New York Times

"I have been charged with offenses that I did not commit and am not capable of committing," he said.

The New York Times

The real message of Abu Ghraib to the Arab world is not that there are soldiers capable of committing atrocities.

The New York Times

"These people are capable of committing any crime, and nothing but force and law can stop them".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of committing" when you want to express someone's potential or ability to perform a specific action, especially in contexts involving crimes, errors, or significant undertakings. This phrase is appropriate across various registers, from formal reports to everyday discussions.

Common error

While "capable of committing" is versatile, avoid overuse in overly dramatic or sensationalized writing. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, particularly when describing potential wrongdoing. Instead, consider more nuanced language that reflects the specific context and degree of certainty involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of committing" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically employed to indicate someone's inherent or demonstrated potential to execute a specific action. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase often appears in contexts concerning legal and moral responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of committing" is a versatile expression used to denote the potential or ability to perform an action, most frequently observed in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability. While it is valuable across various registers, it's advisable to prevent overuse in overly dramatic contexts. Consider alternatives like "able to commit" or "prone to commit" depending on the intended nuance. Given its prominence and varied application, understanding the function of "capable of committing" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to commit

A more direct and simpler way of expressing the ability to perform an action.

has the capacity to commit

Emphasizes the inherent ability or power to perform the action.

liable to commit

Implies a higher probability or tendency towards committing the action.

prone to commit

Suggests a natural inclination or vulnerability to committing the action.

apt to commit

Similar to 'prone to', indicating a tendency or likelihood.

in a position to commit

Focuses on the circumstances or opportunity allowing the action.

competent to commit

Suggests the necessary skills or qualifications to carry out the action effectively.

equipped to commit

Highlights the resources or skills necessary for committing the action.

prepared to commit

Indicates readiness or willingness to perform the action.

qualified to commit

Similar to 'competent to', emphasizing the required expertise or authorization.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of committing" to describe someone's ability or potential to perform an action, as in, "The suspect was deemed "capable of committing" the crime" or "Even good people are "capable of committing" mistakes".

What are some alternatives to "capable of committing"?

Alternatives include "able to commit", "liable to commit", or "prone to commit". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey regarding the likelihood or potential for the action.

Is it correct to say "capable to commit" instead of "capable of committing"?

No, the correct form is "capable of committing". The preposition "of" is required after "capable" when followed by a gerund or noun phrase. Saying "capable to commit" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "capable of committing" and "likely to commit"?

"Capable of committing" indicates the ability or potential to perform an action, while "likely to commit" suggests a higher probability or tendency. Someone capable of committing a crime may not necessarily be likely to do so, and vice versa.