capable of doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of doing so" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is able to complete a task. For example, "John is capable of doing so, so I have assigned him the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's capable of doing so much better".

The New York Times

Is it capable of doing so?

The Guardian - Business

"I think he's choosing not to respond but is certainly capable of doing so".

The New York Times

He just does not think that his team are capable of doing so.

Independent

And it did this before the parent team, Red Bull, was capable of doing so.

The New York Times - Sports

He is perhaps the only artist who is capable of doing so.

The New York Times - Arts

They need to up the pace, if they're capable of doing so.

The Guardian - Sport

"I found that I was capable of doing so much more than I ever imagined," she said.

The New York Times

But Mr. Arafat has acted effectively against the terrorists in the past, and he remains capable of doing so today.

The New York Times

"Just about every doctor I've ever known tells every patient who is capable of doing so to exercise.

The Guardian

If the Democratic party fails in this mission, it will be supplanted by another organization capable of doing so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of doing so" when you want to emphasize not just the ability, but also the feasibility and appropriateness of taking a particular action in a given situation.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of doing so" in simple, everyday contexts where a more direct phrase like "can do it" or "is able" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of doing so" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate the subject's ability or capacity to perform a specific action. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of doing so" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression indicating the ability to perform a specific action. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, it’s deemed correct and suitable for diverse contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, lending a touch of formality and emphasis. When aiming for conciseness or informality, alternatives like "able to do it" or "can do it" may be more appropriate. However, when emphasizing feasibility and preparedness, "capable of doing so" effectively conveys the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to do it

A more concise and informal way to express the same idea, focusing on the ability to perform a specific action.

has the ability to do that

Directly states the possession of the required ability.

in a position to do so

Implies having the necessary resources or circumstances to perform the action.

equipped to do it

Suggests having the necessary tools, skills, or knowledge.

equal to the task

Highlights the suitability and readiness for a particular challenge.

competent to undertake it

Emphasizes the necessary skills and qualifications.

up to doing so

Indicates willingness and energy to engage in a task.

has what it takes

An idiomatic expression suggesting the possession of necessary qualities.

able to manage it

Focuses on the capacity to handle and control a situation or task.

has the potential to do so

Highlights the inherent capacity that could be developed or utilized.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of doing so" in a sentence?

Use "capable of doing so" to indicate that someone or something has the ability, skill, or resources to perform a specific action. For example, "The team is "capable of doing so", provided they receive adequate support".

What are some alternatives to "capable of doing so"?

You can use alternatives such as "able to do it", "in a position to do so", or "has the ability to do that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "capable of doing so" instead of a simpler phrase like "can"?

Use "capable of doing so" when you want to emphasize the degree of ability or the specific conditions that make the action feasible. It's more formal and adds a layer of emphasis compared to a simple "can".

Is "capability of doing so" grammatically correct, and how does it differ from "capable of doing so"?

"Capability of doing so" is grammatically correct but less common. "Capable of doing so" describes someone's state of being able, while "capability of doing so" refers to the quality or power of being able. The former is more frequently used in general writing.