capable of distinguishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of distinguishing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's or something's ability to recognize or differentiate between different items, concepts, or qualities. Example: "The new software is capable of distinguishing between genuine and fraudulent transactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Voters are capable of distinguishing the Republican party from Donald Trump," he said.

The Guardian

Audiences are perfectly capable of distinguishing between the crazed and the creative.

The Guardian

It said the United Nations official "simply is not capable of distinguishing between good and evil".

The New York Times

You are certainly capable of distinguishing carefully between what is typical and what is good.

The New York Times

Is he not capable of distinguishing between good and bad religion?

The Guardian

In any event, none of them seem to have been capable of distinguishing right from wrong.

The New York Times

Moral as an adjective can be defined as relating to, dealing with or capable of distinguishing between right and wrong.

The New York Times

It is also capable of distinguishing intracellular pH values with high sensitivity.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

In addition, the new system is capable of distinguishing variety surface properties of porous materials.

Talanta

1,10-phenanthroline was found to be capable of distinguishing urea from 1,3-dimethyl urea.

Journal of Luminescence

The cerebellum seems to be capable of distinguishing active from passive painful stimuli.

Neuroscience Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of distinguishing", ensure the objects or concepts being distinguished are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The device is capable of distinguishing", specify "The device is capable of distinguishing between different types of sounds."

Common error

Avoid using "capable of distinguishing" in overly broad contexts without specifying what is being distinguished. For instance, avoid phrases like "He is capable of distinguishing" without mentioning what he can differentiate. Instead, clarify: "He is capable of distinguishing right from wrong."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of distinguishing" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing its ability to differentiate or recognize differences between entities. Ludwig indicates its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

News & Media

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of distinguishing" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that describes the ability to differentiate between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and suitable for various writing contexts. Analysis reveals its prevalence in scientific and news-related sources, reflecting a formal to neutral register. When employing this phrase, clarity is crucial: always specify what the subject is differentiating to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "able to differentiate" or "skilled in discerning" depending on the desired nuance. By following these insights, you can leverage the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to differentiate

Uses a simpler verb, "differentiate", instead of "distinguishing", making it slightly less formal.

adept at discerning

Replaces "capable" with "adept" and "distinguishing" with "discerning", suggesting a higher level of skill.

skilled in differentiating

Emphasizes the skill involved in the process of distinguishing.

competent to discriminate

Uses "competent" instead of "capable" and "discriminate" as a synonym for "distinguish", implying adequate ability.

equipped to differentiate

Highlights the preparedness or tools available to make distinctions.

having the faculty of distinguishing

More formal and emphasizes an inherent ability or power.

possessing the skill to discern

Highlights the skill and uses "discern", which can imply a more subtle or refined distinction.

able to recognize differences

A more general way of expressing the ability to distinguish, focusing on recognizing differences.

having a knack for telling apart

More informal and suggests a natural talent for distinguishing.

with the ability to differentiate

Focuses on the general ability to differentiate instead of a specific capability.

FAQs

How do I use "capable of distinguishing" in a sentence?

Use "capable of distinguishing" to describe the ability to differentiate between two or more things. For instance, "The software is "capable of distinguishing" between different file types."

What can I say instead of "capable of distinguishing"?

You can use alternatives like "able to differentiate", "adept at discerning", or "skilled in differentiating" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "capable of distinguishing" or "capable to distinguish"?

"Capable of distinguishing" is the correct form. The preposition "of" is required after "capable" when followed by a verb in the gerund form. "Capable to distinguish" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "capable of distinguishing" and "able to discern"?

While both phrases express the ability to differentiate, "capable of distinguishing" is a more general term. "Able to discern" often implies a higher level of perception or insight. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.