capable of great things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of great things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the potential to achieve significant accomplishments or success. Example: "With her talent and determination, she is truly capable of great things in her career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He is capable of great things.

The Guardian - Sport

He's clearly an actor capable of great things.

The Guardian

He clearly knows he is capable of great things, but he is wary of seeming egotistical.

The New York Times - Sports

We encourage students to believe that they are capable of great things.

The Guardian

"What his parishioners say is all true — he is a great guy, capable of great things".

The New York Times

If you've ever doubted that we're capable of great things, you're simply not looking hard enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

On the other hand, a smart, reflective species with a capacity for empathy could be capable of greater things than we've seen.

The New Yorker

She'll prove she's capable of greater things when she performs with a tighter ensemble to a more responsive pop crowd.

The Guardian

It would be the biggest failing imaginable if the most intelligent (by some measures) species that we know of, which is capable of truly great things, ends up, as seems likely, in a bloody, lawless, dystopian shambles.

The Guardian

"No matter who's on the court with him, he's capable of doing great things," Wade said, "because of his ability not only to score the basketball in many ways, but his ability to make others better and get other guys easier looks".

The New York Times - Sports

To La Roja's current coach, Vicente Del Bosque, a wise and conciliatory man from Salamanca, must go the credit for reminding us that Spain, far from being a failed state, is a country capable of doing great things when finding a sense of common purpose.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of great things", be specific about the area where the potential lies to add credibility and focus. E.g., "capable of great things in the field of medical research".

Common error

Avoid using "capable of great things" in trivial or mundane situations. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound insincere. Use it judiciously for truly significant potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of great things" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its potential for significant accomplishments. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

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, the phrase "capable of great things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the potential for significant achievement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted and used across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to maintain its impact, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. Alternative phrases like "able to achieve much" or "has the potential for greatness" can offer variety. When inspiring someone with this phrase, specificity about their area of potential strengthens its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to achieve much

Focuses on the ability to attain substantial accomplishments.

has the potential for greatness

Highlights the inherent possibility of achieving significant distinction.

destined for success

Emphasizes a preordained path towards positive outcomes.

poised for achievement

Suggests readiness and anticipation of future accomplishments.

likely to excel

Indicates a high probability of surpassing expectations.

has the aptitude for success

Highlights a natural inclination that will bring about success.

shows promise of high achievement

Focuses on the initial indications of prospective successes.

cut out for big things

Implies a natural disposition and suitability for important roles.

set to make a significant impact

Underlines the intention to create a substantial effect.

brimming with possibility

Highlights the abundance of opportunities and potential for growth and success.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of great things" to describe someone or something with the potential for significant accomplishments. For example: "The young scientist is "capable of great things" in the field of medicine."

What are some alternatives to "capable of great things"?

Alternatives include "able to achieve much", "has the potential for greatness", or "destined for success" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "capable to do great things"?

No, the correct phrasing is "capable of doing great things" or "capable of great things". The preposition "of" is required after "capable".

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

It means that the person or entity has the skills, talent, and potential to achieve significant and impactful accomplishments. It suggests a promising future and the ability to make a substantial contribution.