capable of holding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of holding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the ability of an object or entity to contain or support something. Example: "The new storage unit is capable of holding up to 500 pounds of weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're not capable of holding employment, providing for themselves.

The New York Times

But she seemed thoroughly capable of holding her own.

The New York Times

The clamp shall be capable of holding the test component firmly and transmitting a torsional force.

Cornell University

For the joke to emerge, the brain must be capable of holding both ideas at once.

The Guardian - Books

To appreciate parody, you must be capable of holding two contradictory ideas in your head simultaneously.

The Guardian - Books

He steadily built a team of people capable of holding high-dollar events.

The New York Times

Additional supplies will be provided by storage tanks capable of holding nine million gallons, he said.

The New York Times

It looked like society might just be capable of holding itself together.

The Guardian - Opinion

No one thought Albania were capable of holding West Germany to a draw in Saarbrucken.

The Guardian - Sport

A tourist attraction, it's also a functioning mosque capable of holding 10,000 believers.

The New York Times - Travel

It is also building the world's largest detention centre, capable of holding 11,000 people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object's capacity, follow "capable of holding" with specific details. For example, "The container is capable of holding 5 liters of liquid."

Common error

Avoid using "capable of holding" when simpler alternatives like "can hold" or "holds" are more appropriate. For instance, instead of "The glass is capable of holding water", say "The glass holds water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of holding" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the ability or capacity of something to contain or support something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of holding" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the capacity of something to contain or support. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While simpler alternatives like "able to contain" exist, "capable of holding" provides a clear and effective way to communicate an object's or entity's ability to contain or maintain something. Remembering to provide specifics about what the object or entity is "capable of holding" ensures clarity and relevance in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to contain

Emphasizes the physical ability to contain something within a defined space.

having the capacity to hold

Highlights the available space or volume for holding something.

able to support

Focuses on the capacity to bear weight or provide structural support.

equipped to retain

Implies having the necessary features or mechanisms to keep something in place.

fit to accommodate

Suggests suitability for providing space or resources for something.

designed to carry

Emphasizes the intended purpose of transporting or bearing something.

in a position to maintain

Focuses on keeping a state or condition, rather than physical containment.

sufficient to bear

Focuses on the adequacy of strength or capacity for a specific load or burden.

with the strength to sustain

Highlights the ability to support or withstand pressure or force.

competent to manage

Implies having the necessary skills and resources to handle or control something.

FAQs

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

Use "capable of holding" to describe the capacity of something. For example, "The stadium is capable of holding 80,000 people".

What can I say instead of "capable of holding"?

You can use alternatives like "able to contain", "having the capacity to hold", or "fit to accommodate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "capable of holding" or "able to hold"?

Both "capable of holding" and "able to hold" are grammatically correct, but "capable of holding" is often perceived as more formal.

What's the difference between "capable of holding" and "designed to carry"?

"Capable of holding" refers to the ability to contain or support, while "designed to carry" emphasizes the intended purpose for transportation.