capable of dissolving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of dissolving" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a substance's ability to dissolve in a solvent or to indicate potential in various contexts, such as chemistry or material science. Example: "Salt is capable of dissolving in water, which is why it is often used in cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Alcohol is a powerful solvent, perfectly capable of dissolving fingerprints and grime on the surface of a disc.

The New York Times - Tech

It is the first drug capable of dissolving tau protein fibres and preventing the formation of neurofibrillary tangles.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We don't see this being a problem, unless someone in the press decides to point out that Pepsi is actually capable of dissolving bone.

The Guardian

Acetone is capable of dissolving many fats and resins as well as cellulose ethers, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, and other cellulose esters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And in a strange mirror image, secularists are perfectly capable of dissolving any notion of responsibility in an invocation of ancient, even pre-human patterns of behavior.

The New York Times

The Parisian's life is grudgingly run for him by a dour maid, played by Frances de la Tour, capable of dissolving an audience into laughter with the movement of a cheek muscle.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

There has been a great deal of interest in ILs because of their ability to act as versatile solvents, particularly for some difficult to dissolve polysaccharides such as cellulose, with it being demonstrated that solvent systems containing the IL [C4mim]Cl are capable of partially dissolving untreated wood.

Biomacromolecules

For example, hydrophilic ILs capable of efficiently dissolving biomass often inhibit enzymatic activity during hydrolysis.

Journal of Molecular Catalysis B: Enzymatic

Here, we report that certain gelechiid moths in the genus Deltophora are capable of chemically dissolving the pollen walls' sporopollenin.

Plosone

Finally, cultures of the sediment material from the mine (1) were capable of producing dissolved sulfide at both near-neutral pH and at pH values near 4.0; and (2) formed precipitates of either FeS or elemental sulfur.

Geochemical Transactions

These are vesicles of phospholipids that form spontaneously in solutions and are capable of trapping dissolved particles in solutions.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a substance's ability to dissolve, specify the medium in which it is "capable of dissolving" for clarity. For example, instead of saying 'This substance is capable of dissolving', say 'This substance is capable of dissolving in water'.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of dissolving" without specifying what the substance dissolves or the conditions under which it dissolves. Vague statements can lead to misunderstandings. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of dissolving" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its ability to dissolve other substances. As Ludwig AI shows, it indicates a specific property or potential of a substance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of dissolving" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a substance's ability to dissolve other materials. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in science, news, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "able to dissolve" and "solvent for" exist, "capable of dissolving" maintains a formal and scientific tone. Remember to specify the medium in which the substance dissolves to avoid overgeneralization and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to dissolve

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "capable" with "able" for a simpler construction.

can dissolve

This alternative uses a more direct and concise phrasing using the modal verb 'can'.

able to break down

This alternative focuses on the action of breaking down, which is a key component of dissolving.

with the capacity to dissolve

This alternative rephrases the phrase to emphasize the inherent capacity for dissolving.

having dissolving properties

This alternative shifts the focus to the inherent properties of the substance that enable dissolving.

possessing dissolving capabilities

This alternative emphasizes the inherent capabilities of a substance to dissolve other materials.

solubilizing

This alternative uses a single verb to describe the action of making something soluble.

solvent for

This alternative uses the noun form 'solvent' to describe something that dissolves.

dissolving agent

This alternative directly refers to a substance that causes dissolving.

empowered to dissolve

This alternative adds a sense of agency or inherent power to the act of dissolving.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of dissolving" to describe a substance's ability to dissolve another substance. For example, "Water is "capable of dissolving" salt."

What are some alternatives to "capable of dissolving"?

Some alternatives include "able to dissolve", "solvent for", or "dissolving agent", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "capable of dissolving" or "able to dissolve"?

Both "capable of dissolving" and "able to dissolve" are correct and can be used interchangeably in most contexts. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.

What's the difference between a substance that is "capable of dissolving" and a "solvent"?

A substance that is "capable of dissolving" has the ability to dissolve other substances. A "solvent" is a substance, typically a liquid, that is actually used to dissolve other substances. Being "capable of dissolving" is a potential, while being a solvent is an active role.