capable of forgiving

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of forgiving" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the ability to forgive or show mercy. Example: "Despite the hurtful words exchanged, she proved to be capable of forgiving those who wronged her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I am capable of forgiving.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Only the truly magnanimous and strong are capable of forgiving and loving," he wrote.

The New York Times

I don't know but, like Tyrion Lannister, I'm capable of forgiving a lot simply because this season I saw a dragon fly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And it's at least plausible that Tiger Woods might welcome the possibility that there's Someone out there capable of forgiving him, even if Elin Nordegren and his corporate sponsors never do.

The New York Times

Miraculously, they found themselves capable of forgiving their loved ones' killer.

Huffington Post

Each invocation suggested that God was indeed an active God who is capable of forgiving, blessing, and even gifting human beings and all three of these traits are acts of personal involvement of God, the divine, with individual humans.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It's not a matter of forgiving.

The Guardian - Books

Frank has lately shown signs of forgiving the president, though.

The New York Times - Books

By the authors of "Forgiving the Unforgivable".

Huffington Post

The act of rigorous forgiving.

Huffington Post

Forgiving, but also, he reminded me, capable of pulling six g's.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of forgiving" to emphasize the inherent ability or potential to forgive, rather than just the act itself. For example, 'Despite his anger, he proved to be "capable of forgiving" his friend'.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of forgiving" when you simply mean someone forgave. 'Capable' implies an inherent ability, not just a one-time action. It's incorrect to say 'He was "capable of forgiving" the mistake' if he only forgave it once and isn't generally a forgiving person. Instead, simply state 'He forgave the mistake'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of forgiving" functions as an adjective phrase describing someone's inherent ability or potential to forgive. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a quality or capacity rather than just a single act of forgiveness. Examples include describing someone as 'truly magnanimous' or possessing a certain strength.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of forgiving" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It describes someone's inherent ability or potential to forgive. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable news sources and is suitable for neutral contexts. When writing, remember that "capable of forgiving" emphasizes a character trait rather than a specific action. Alternative phrases include "able to forgive" or "inclined to forgive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to forgive

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way to express the ability to forgive.

inclined to forgive

This alternative suggests a tendency or willingness to forgive.

willing to forgive

This phrase emphasizes the readiness to forgive.

disposed to forgive

This alternative suggests a natural tendency or inclination to forgive.

forgiving in nature

This phrase highlights the inherent forgiving quality of a person.

magnanimous enough to forgive

This suggests a generous and noble spirit that enables forgiveness.

has the capacity for forgiveness

This emphasizes the inherent ability or potential to forgive.

can offer forgiveness

This alternative focuses on the act of offering forgiveness to someone.

shows mercy

This phrase replaces 'forgiving' with the concept of showing compassion and leniency.

bears no grudge

This phrase indicates an inability to hold onto resentment, which is related to forgiveness.

FAQs

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

Use "capable of forgiving" to describe someone's ability to forgive. For example, you could say: "Despite the betrayal, she was "capable of forgiving" her friend." or "Only the truly magnanimous and strong are "capable of forgiving" and loving."

What's a more straightforward way to say "capable of forgiving"?

Alternatives include "able to forgive", "willing to forgive", or "inclined to forgive". Each option offers a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "capable of forgiving" or "able to forgive"?

"Capable of forgiving" and "able to forgive" are largely interchangeable. "Capable" suggests a potential or inherent quality, while "able" indicates a present ability. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone is described as "capable of forgiving"?

It signifies that the person possesses the inherent ability or strength to forgive, even in difficult circumstances. It highlights a quality of character rather than just a specific action.