capable of doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of doing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is able to do something. For example, "This computer is capable of doing complex calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're capable of doing that".

The New York Times - Sports

They're capable of doing anything.

The New York Times

But we are capable of doing that".

Independent

They are entirely capable of doing this.

The New York Times

Are we capable of doing it again?

The New York Times - Sports

"Banks are fully capable of doing it.

The New York Times

You're capable of doing serious damage".

The New Yorker

He's capable of doing it".

The New York Times - Sports

Firmino is capable of doing just that.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's capable of doing something like that".

The New York Times - Sports

Is he capable of doing it?

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of doing", ensure the action that follows is a verb in its gerund form (e.g., "capable of running", not "capable of run"). This maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using the base form of the verb after "capable of". Instead of saying "capable of do", always use the gerund form: "capable of doing". This ensures correct grammatical structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of doing" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the subject's ability or potential to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of doing" is a grammatically sound and very common way to express the ability or potential to perform an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and useful in written English. Its widespread use across various sources, particularly news and media, highlights its versatility and broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure you follow it with a verb in the gerund form. While it can be replaced by alternatives such as ""able to perform"" or ""equipped to handle"", "capable of doing" remains a clear and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to perform

Focuses on the action being performed, rather than just the capability.

has the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent skill or talent.

equipped to handle

Implies having the necessary resources or skills for a task.

prepared to undertake

Highlights readiness and willingness to start a task.

competent to execute

Suggests a level of skill and efficiency in carrying out the action.

fit to accomplish

Highlights the suitability and preparedness for achieving something.

has what it takes to

Implies possessing the necessary qualities for success.

in a position to do

Focuses on the circumstances allowing the action.

can manage to

Suggests the ability to successfully complete something, potentially with effort.

equal to the task of

Emphasizes the ability to meet the demands of a particular job or challenge.

FAQs

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

Use "capable of doing" to describe someone or something that has the ability or potential to perform a specific action. For example, "The new software is "able to perform" complex calculations" or "She is "equipped to handle" this project".

What are some alternatives to "capable of doing"?

You can use phrases like ""able to perform"", ""equipped to handle"", or "prepared to undertake" as alternatives, depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "capable to do" instead of "capable of doing"?

No, the correct form is "capable of doing". The preposition "of" is required before the gerund form of the verb (doing). Using "capable to do" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "capable of doing" and "has the ability to"?

"Capable of doing" and "has the ability to" are similar, but "has the ability to" emphasizes the possession of a skill, while "capable of doing" focuses more on the potential or readiness to perform an action. They are often interchangeable but can subtly shift the emphasis.