capable of many things

USAGE SUMMARY

'capable of many things' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has a wide range of abilities or potential. For example: "The new computer system is capable of many things, from complex calculations to simple data entry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Big Dog is capable of many things of interest to its new owners at Google.

Independent

Ms Pessl is capable of many things, but drawing succinct thumbnail sketches is not one of them.

The Economist

Since moving here, she has shown herself capable of many things that once seemed out of her grasp.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a great utility player, capable of many things, but unable to do any of them as well as a specialist like Roger Clemens.

The New York Times

Moreover, Ed Balls and Nigel Farage are reminders that, "...intellectually humans are capable of many things, but psychologically we are quite limited".

Huffington Post

It isn't news that animals are complex creatures, capable of many things assumed to be inherently human, ranging from the ability to learn language to the capacity of feeling a spectrum of emotions.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Multi-identities are comprised of many things.

International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology

Think of yourself as a trusty Swiss-army knife, capable of doing many things at once in many different situations.

WikiHow

Parliament's perfectly capable of debating many things, that's what parliaments do.

The Guardian

But the experience helped him realize that he was still capable of doing many things without a leg.

The New York Times

Something that, like many iRiver products, is capable of doing many things but doesn't hold your hand, isn't destined to be a hit.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the potential of a product or system, use "capable of many things" to highlight its versatility and broad range of applications. This can be particularly effective in marketing materials or technical specifications.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of many things" as a blanket statement without specific examples. Providing concrete instances of what something can do strengthens your claim and makes it more believable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of many things" functions as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, describing its potential or abilities. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is commonly used to describe individuals, objects, or systems that possess a wide range of skills or functionalities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of many things" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe individuals, objects, or systems with a wide range of abilities or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media, wiki articles, and formal business communications. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is readily understood and effectively conveys the idea of versatility and competence. Remember to provide specific examples to support the claim and avoid overgeneralization. Consider using alternatives like "able to do a multitude of things" or "proficient in various areas" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to do a multitude of things

Replaces "capable" with "able" and "many things" with "a multitude of things", emphasizing the variety of actions possible.

proficient in various areas

Focuses on skill and expertise across different domains, rather than just potential.

adept at numerous tasks

Highlights the ability to handle several responsibilities effectively.

versatile and multifaceted

Emphasizes adaptability and having many aspects or dimensions.

has a wide range of abilities

More directly states the possession of diverse capabilities.

competent in several fields

Stresses the level of skill and knowledge in multiple areas.

skilled in diverse areas

Highlights expertise across a range of different domains.

talented in multiple disciplines

Suggests natural aptitude and skill in various fields of study or practice.

resourceful and adaptable

Focuses on the ability to find solutions and adjust to different situations.

good at a variety of activities

A simpler, more informal way of expressing the ability to do many things well.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "capable of many things"?

You can use alternatives such as "able to do a multitude of things", "proficient in various areas", or "adept at numerous tasks" depending on the context.

Is "capable of many things" formal or informal?

The phrase "capable of many things" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What does it mean to be "capable of many things"?

To be "capable of many things" means having the ability or potential to perform a wide variety of tasks, activities, or functions. It suggests versatility and competence across different areas.

Can "capable of many things" be used to describe both people and objects?

Yes, "capable of many things" can be used to describe both people and objects. For people, it highlights their diverse skills and abilities. For objects or systems, it emphasizes their versatility and broad range of applications.