capable of democracy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of democracy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a system, society, or individual that has the ability or potential to engage in democratic practices or governance. Example: "The new government is striving to create a society that is truly capable of democracy, where every citizen's voice is heard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Iranian people are capable of democracy.

The New Yorker

By so doing, he is forced to admit that he does not think that Egyptians are capable of democracy or ready for it.

The New York Times

He speaks with contempt of the "unwashed, unlettered masses" of the Middle East who neither want, nor, in his view, are capable of, democracy.

The Guardian - Books

Because with people-power bursting out all over the Arab world, the experts who scoffed at Mr Bush for thinking that Arabs wanted and were ready for democracy on the Western model are suddenly looking less clever and Mr Bush's simple and rather wonderful notion that Arabs want, deserve and are capable of democracy is looking rather wise.

The Economist

The Americans of the north are democrats because they are capable of democracy, and they are so because they are Christian.

Forbes

"Today in France the Islamists that PEGIDA has warned you about for 12 weeks have shown that they are not capable of democracy and see violence and death as a solution!" read one post Wednesday.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

No right thinking rocks would be capable of such democracy.

The New Yorker

It said that Mr Blair's reforms had destroyed the moribund old constitution without devising a new one capable of "unlocking democracy".

The Economist

"The baleful principle of a nation united by bonds of blood is still capable of threatening democracy and plunging Europe into fresh...trials of strength".French historians tend to be a little less eager to wish away la patrie.

The Economist

Although the parties themselves remain, they have become so disconnected from the wider society, and pursue a form of competition that is so lacking in meaning that they no longer seem capable of sustaining democracy in its present form".

The Guardian - Opinion

"Although the parties themselves remain, they have become so disconnected from the wider society and pursue a form of competition that is so lacking meaning, that they no longer seem capable of sustaining democracy in its present form".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "capable of democracy", ensure the context clearly defines what capacities are essential for a functioning democratic system. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of democracy" as a blanket statement without considering the specific societal, economic, and political conditions required for a successful democracy. Consider the nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of democracy" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the inherent potential or preparedness of a subject (e.g. a nation, a people, a system) to function according to democratic principles. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability and proper usage of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of democracy" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a system, society, or individual with the potential or readiness for democratic practices. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and meaning. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media, and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, specificity is key to avoiding overgeneralizations. Consider alternatives like "ready for democracy" or "suited for democracy" to fine-tune your meaning. Its presence in reputable sources underscores its legitimacy in formal discourse. Understanding its grammatical function and contextual implications allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equipped for democracy

Focuses on the readiness and resources available for a democratic system.

ready for democracy

Highlights the preparedness of a society or group for democratic governance.

suited to democracy

Emphasizes the appropriateness or fit of a system or people for democracy.

fit for democracy

Suggests a state of being adequately prepared and organized for democratic processes.

democracy-ready

A concise way of stating preparedness or suitability for democracy.

democracy-compatible

Indicates that something aligns well with the principles of democracy.

amenable to democracy

Highlights the openness and receptiveness to democratic ideals and practices.

disposed to democracy

Implies an inclination or natural tendency towards democratic governance.

inclined towards democracy

Similar to 'disposed to democracy', but perhaps slightly less strong in its suggestion.

tending towards democracy

Describes a movement or progression in the direction of democratic systems.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of democracy" to describe a nation, a people, or a system that possesses the necessary attributes to function as a democracy. For example, "The international community questioned whether the war-torn nation was truly "capable of democracy" after decades of conflict."

What are some alternatives to saying "capable of democracy"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "capable of democracy" include "ready for democracy", "suited for democracy", or "fit for democratic governance".

What factors determine if a nation is "capable of democracy"?

Factors include a strong civil society, a free press, an independent judiciary, respect for the rule of law, and a culture of tolerance and compromise. The presence and strength of these factors influence whether a nation is "capable of democracy".

Is being "capable of democracy" the same as being a democracy?

No. Being "capable of democracy" means having the potential or necessary attributes to become a democracy, whereas being a democracy means that a nation has already established and is practicing democratic principles and governance.