capable of contending with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of contending with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's or something's ability to compete or deal with challenges or difficulties. Example: "The new software is capable of contending with the most complex data analysis tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The CPY remained the only organized political group ready and capable of contending with the occupiers and their collaborators throughout the territory of the defunct Yugoslav state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Years of contending with violent criminals had left him with a dark view of humanity.

The New Yorker

Beth Cantrell has a great deal of experience of contending with the fallout of failed tests.

Vice

I may be wrong, but I think they're capable of contending.

The New York Times - Sports

This review examines these uncertainties, and highlights ways of characterizing and contending with uncertainty in conservation decisions.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

He will have his hands full on a nightly basis contending with all kinds of backcourt scorers, but Shumpert is a physical, persistent defender capable of hassling a wide variety of pro-level opponents.

The New York Times

Of course the sharks have circled Amerco is now contending with a wave of shareholder lawsuits.

Forbes

Mr Obama finds himself again contending with a bitterly divided congress that has been mired in parliamentary gridlock for the past four years and barely capable of passing legislation more controversial than renaming a post office.

BBC

A pair of cats contend with U.F.O.'s.

The New York Times - Books

The season does, of course, contend with Maura's unhappiness.

Vice

There are also changes of fashion to contend with.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of contending with" when you want to emphasize both the ability to compete and to manage difficulties. For example, "The company is "capable of contending with" the challenges of a global market."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "capable of contending with" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "able to handle" or "ready to face" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of contending with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its ability to effectively compete or deal with challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of contending with" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the ability to compete and manage challenges. Ludwig AI validates this. It is most appropriate for neutral to professional contexts, as it may sound overly formal in casual conversation. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, as seen by the example count, it is used in a variety of sources, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When choosing to use this phrase, consider the specific context and whether a simpler alternative might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to cope with

Focuses more on managing or enduring difficulties, rather than actively competing.

equipped to handle

Emphasizes preparedness and having the necessary tools or resources.

prepared to confront

Highlights readiness to face opposition or challenges directly.

ready to tackle

Implies eagerness and willingness to address problems actively.

fit to grapple with

Suggests being adequately prepared and strong enough to deal with complex issues.

up to confronting

Indicates being willing and able to deal with difficult situations.

equal to facing

Highlights the capability to match the demands of a situation.

able to contend

Shorter version, lacking the preposition "with", slightly less common.

capable of addressing

Focuses on resolving or dealing with issues, often in a formal context.

competent to deal with

Highlights the required skills and competency for the task.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of contending with" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of contending with" to describe someone or something's ability to compete or deal with challenges. For example: "The new software is "capable of contending with" the most complex data analysis tasks."

What are some alternatives to "capable of contending with"?

You can use alternatives like "able to cope with", "equipped to handle", or "prepared to confront", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capable of contending with" formal or informal?

"Capable of contending with" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "able to handle" or "ready to face".

What's the difference between "capable of contending with" and "able to cope with"?

"Capable of contending with" implies a proactive and competitive approach to challenges, while "able to cope with" suggests a more passive approach focused on managing or enduring difficulties.