capable of discerning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of discerning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to perceive or recognize differences or distinctions. Example: "The expert was capable of discerning subtle differences in the artwork that others overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The quality of ingredients is important, but you need to develop a palate capable of discerning good and bad.

The New Yorker

Watches capable of discerning hundredths of a second were in regular use in the Olympics by 1948.

The New Yorker

In 1999, Sage and Geddes patented a design for a sensor capable of discerning the locations of impacts.

Optical Materials

Of the complex acoustical mix that seduces our ears when a song plays, we're capable of discerning only the most dominant qualities.

MIT Technology Review

Spatial resolution greater than 1.0 m was not capable of discerning a large percentage of the shrubs in this region of the Mojave Desert.

Journal of Arid Environments

Although force spectroscopy techniques are capable of discerning subnanometer differences in molecular lengths, they are not able to provide a detailed structural view of the unfolding process.

Comprehensive Biophysics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Moreover, individuals in a society of political equals are thought to be capable as well of discerning the commonweal and modulating their exercise of personal freedom accordingly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Based on these results, we developed a classifier algorithm that was capable of accurately discerning 93% of the infected animals using the microarray platform.

Plosone

This technique has emerged as a powerful tool for the investigation of oxide nanostructures, being capable to discern between different phases of IOMNPs [48].

Nanoscale Research Letters

The art of discerning or discriminating.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The choice of discerning yanqui bandwagoners everywhere.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of discerning" when you want to emphasize the ability to make fine distinctions or judgments, especially in complex or subtle contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of discerning" in situations where simpler terms like "able to see" or "able to understand" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when highlighting a specific skill or talent for differentiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of discerning" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the ability or capacity to distinguish or perceive subtle differences, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of discerning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the ability to distinguish subtle differences. According to Ludwig, it is particularly common in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While it can be useful in many scenarios, be mindful of overuse in simple situations where more common alternatives suffice. Remember, the phrase shines when emphasizing a refined skill or expertise in making distinctions. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid, and the numerous examples demonstrate its versatility across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to distinguish

Focuses on the general ability to tell things apart.

adept at recognizing

Highlights skill and proficiency in identifying something.

skilled at differentiating

Emphasizes expertise in telling the difference between things.

competent to discriminate

Stresses the adequacy and suitability to make distinctions.

qualified to judge

Indicates the possession of necessary credentials or experience for assessment.

astute in perceiving

Highlights keen awareness and understanding.

sharp in detecting

Focuses on the quickness and accuracy in finding something.

sensible to appreciate

Emphasizes the awareness and value of something.

apt to understand

Highlights the natural tendency and comprehension.

knowledgeable enough to assess

Indicates sufficient information and ability for evaluation.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of discerning" to describe someone or something with the ability to perceive or recognize subtle differences or distinctions. For example: "The art critic was "capable of discerning" the artist's true intentions through the brushstrokes."

What are some alternatives to "capable of discerning"?

Some alternatives include "able to distinguish", "skilled at recognizing", or "adept at identifying", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "capable of discerning" or "able to discern"?

Both "capable of discerning" and "able to discern" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Capable of discerning" may be slightly more formal or emphatic than "able to discern".

What does it mean to be "capable of discerning" fact from fiction?

To be "capable of discerning" fact from fiction means having the ability to distinguish between what is true and what is false, based on evidence, critical thinking, and a reliable understanding of the subject matter.