capable of good things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of good things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the potential to achieve positive outcomes or perform beneficial actions. Example: "Despite the challenges he faced, he always believed he was capable of good things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We have a very good squad, a team that believes they are capable of good things".

Independent

"He is either a good guy who is capable of very bad things or a bad guy who is capable of good things, and that depends on the day," said Spader, who is closely involved with the writing of the show and prepared to defend its violence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Internet of Good Things (IoGT).

Unicef

Think of good things and pleasant things.

WikiHow

If the manager can keep that core of players together and keep them fit we are capable of achieving good things.

The Guardian - Sport

"They're both capable of really good things and less than great things.

The New York Times

"This is a team that is capable of really good things," said Allan Houston, who scored a game-high 27 points.

The New York Times - Sports

Catalans Dragons coach Laurent Frayssinous: "We are capable of doing some good things with the ball, and that will only improve as our combinations improve.

BBC

Many philosophers have treated the human mind as an exception to otherwise universal natural laws, as a thing that is conscious, that is capable of good and evil, or that can be an uncaused cause of action, for example.

SEP

Any Palestinian capable of good governance has been tossed overboard.

Huffington Post

You are capable of anything, amazing things, inspiring things, absolutely wondrous things.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable of good things" to emphasize the potential for positive actions or outcomes, especially when discussing individuals or teams with untapped abilities. For instance, 'Despite his troubled past, he is still "capable of good things" if given the opportunity.'

Common error

Avoid using "capable of good things" without providing context or evidence to support the claim. Overusing the phrase in unsubstantiated ways can weaken its impact and make it sound insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of good things" functions as an adjective phrase describing the potential for positive actions or outcomes. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English, emphasizing its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of good things" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the potential for positive actions or outcomes. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it finds a place in news, formal business, and general contexts, conveying optimism and hope. To enhance its impact, provide supporting context or evidence. Remember that closely related terms include "able to do good" and "potential for goodness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to achieve positive results

Focuses on the ability to achieve rather than inherent capability.

potential for positive impact

Highlights the potential influence instead of direct capability.

likely to do beneficial things

Emphasizes the likelihood of performing beneficial actions.

inclined towards positive actions

Suggests a predisposition or tendency toward good deeds.

predisposed to acts of kindness

Highlights a natural tendency towards acts of kindness.

has the aptitude for virtuous deeds

Emphasizes a skill or talent for virtuous actions.

shows promise for good outcomes

Focuses on the promising nature of potential outcomes.

demonstrates the ability to contribute positively

Highlights the ability to make a positive contribution.

possesses the qualities for ethical behavior

Stresses the presence of qualities that lead to ethical behavior.

is empowered to bring about good

Focuses on the empowerment and resulting good.

FAQs

How can I use "capable of good things" in a sentence?

You can use "capable of good things" to describe someone or something that has the potential to achieve positive outcomes. For example, you might say, "Despite his mistakes, he's still "capable of good things" if given a second chance."

What are some alternatives to saying "capable of good things"?

Alternatives include "able to do good", "potential for goodness", or "likely to do beneficial things", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "capable of good things"?

Yes, the phrase "capable of good things" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules.

What's the difference between "capable of good things" and "able to do good"?

"Capable of good things" suggests a potential or inherent ability, while "able to do good" implies a more immediate or demonstrated ability. The nuance depends on the specific context.