capable of explaining

USAGE SUMMARY

"capable of explaining" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something can provide an explanation or understanding. For example: "The professor's illustrated lecture was capable of explaining the complex legal issue to all present."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A semantic theory that is capable of explaining compositionality is called compositional.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others argued that only a group-selection perspective is capable of explaining certain kinds of behaviour, especially human moral behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So even if someone doesn't agree with me, I feel capable of explaining why I said the things I said.

The New York Times

Many mechanisms have been proposed over the years but only the particle-collision theory "is capable of explaining the observations and is supported by modelling studies", he says.

The Guardian

The two of us went on like this for some time, both growing increasingly exasperated, neither capable of explaining to the other her version of truth and reality.

The New Yorker

In more recent years, increasing numbers of rational choice theorists have backed away from claims that their approach is capable of explaining every political phenomenon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These women are no more capable of explaining their love of the holy than we are of understanding the reasons two human beings are attracted to each other, and yet they try.

The New Yorker

Indeed, fiction in the age of modernism became as much identified with literature as poetry or plays, and its complexities required a new class of expert readers, a secular clergy capable of explaining its mysteries.

The New Yorker

The hidden harmonies of an exact science that is capable of explaining the universe.

TechCrunch

Selectionists countered that natural selection was also capable of explaining the molecular data.

SEP

A model of interfacial reactions capable of explaining the experimental results is proposed.

Electrochimica Acta

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of explaining", ensure that the subject of the sentence genuinely possesses the knowledge or resources necessary to provide a comprehensive explanation. For example: 'The scientist was capable of explaining the complex theory in simple terms'.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of explaining" when the subject only has a superficial understanding or lacks the authority to provide a definitive explanation. For example, instead of saying 'The intern was capable of explaining the project's goals', use a more accurate phrase like 'The intern could describe the project's goals'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of explaining" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the subject's ability or capacity to provide a clear and understandable account of something. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of explaining" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating the ability to provide a clear and understandable explanation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears in diverse contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reports and encyclopedic entries. While alternatives like "able to elucidate" or "equipped to clarify" exist, "capable of explaining" offers a balanced level of formality suitable for various professional and academic settings. Remember to use this phrase when the subject genuinely possesses the knowledge and resources for a comprehensive explanation, and avoid overstating explanatory capabilities in situations where understanding is limited.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to elucidate

Focuses on making something clear and easy to understand, often used in formal contexts.

equipped to clarify

Emphasizes having the necessary tools or knowledge to make something understandable.

in a position to rationalize

Suggests the ability to provide a logical justification or explanation, potentially implying a defensive stance.

qualified to interpret

Highlights the expertise or credentials required to offer a valid explanation or understanding.

competent to account for

Indicates the capability to provide a satisfactory explanation or reason for something, emphasizing responsibility.

fit to explicate

Stresses the suitability or appropriateness of someone or something to provide a detailed explanation.

prepared to detail

Highlights the readiness and willingness to provide specific and comprehensive information.

apt to illuminate

Focuses on shedding light on something, making it more understandable or apparent.

sufficient to illustrate

Suggests the ability to provide examples or visuals to clarify something.

poised to resolve

Suggests an ability to find a solution, answer or end to a problem or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "capable of explaining" to indicate that someone or something has the ability or capacity to provide a clear and understandable explanation. For example: "The software is "capable of explaining" complex data patterns".

What are some alternatives to "capable of explaining"?

Alternatives include "able to elucidate", "equipped to clarify", or "competent to account for depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "capable to explain" instead of "capable of explaining"?

No, the correct phrasing is "capable of explaining". The preposition "of" is required after "capable" in this context. "Capable to explain" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "capable of explaining" and "able to explain"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "capable of explaining" often implies a higher level of expertise or preparedness compared to "able to explain". "Capable" suggests having all the necessary resources or skills, while "able" simply indicates having the basic ability.