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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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capable of expressing

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"capable of expressing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or thing that is able to express something, either verbally or through text. For example: He is capable of expressing himself clearly and concisely in writing.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sentence It is traditionally defined as the (grammatical) complex expression capable of expressing a complete thought or proposition.

Science

SEP

In our culture system, the OECs phenotypically identified by the expression of αSMA were capable of expressing iNOS even in the absence of any stimulus (Fig. 5a,b).

Science & Research

Nature

A quick study and an instinctive actress, she is capable of expressing emotions beyond her years.

Nobody saw her as someone who was capable of expressing such a keen despair".

News & Media

The New Yorker

A pity, since Binette Schroeder's art occasionally seems capable of expressing more than is evidenced here.

News & Media

The New York Times

An interpretation: Shareholders are perfectly capable of expressing dissatisfaction with companies that perform extremely poorly.

In fact, scriptures include every form of literature capable of expressing religious feeling or conviction.

Encyclopedias

Britannica

I'm not turning to these genres because I think they're so capable of expressing the issues at hand.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Richard was capable of expressing great love and affection, had a sense of humour and was mischievous.

News & Media

The Guardian

As the hour passes, fewer and fewer of those in attendance feel capable of expressing their views.

This strongly suggests that compassion is an evolved part of human nature something we're universally capable of expressing and understanding.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abilities, pair "capable of expressing" with a specific noun to add clarity. For instance, "capable of expressing complex emotions" provides more context than simply "capable of expressing".

Common error

Avoid using "capable of expressing" in overly simplistic sentences where a simpler verb like 'can express' would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of expressing" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the ability to articulate, convey, or demonstrate something. Ludwig examples show usage across diverse contexts, reinforcing its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

34%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of expressing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes the ability to articulate or convey something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from scientific reports to news articles. While versatile, it is essential to use it precisely and avoid overuse in simplistic sentences where simpler alternatives may suffice. Related phrases like "able to articulate" or "proficient in communicating" can provide nuanced options. The frequency analysis shows that this phrase is very common, appearing most often in scientific and news media sources. This makes it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication across different fields.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of expressing" to describe someone's ability to convey thoughts, emotions, or ideas effectively. For example, "She is "capable of expressing" her opinions clearly".

What are some alternatives to "capable of expressing"?

Alternatives include "able to articulate", "adept at conveying", or "proficient in communicating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "capable of expressing" or "able to express"?

"Capable of expressing" is generally considered more formal, while "able to express" is simpler and more direct. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "capable of expressing" and "inclined to express"?

"Capable of expressing" refers to the ability to express something, whereas "inclined to express" suggests a tendency or willingness to do so. One refers to aptitude, the other to disposition.

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Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: