capable of pursuing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of pursuing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's ability or potential to follow through with a task or goal. Example: "She is capable of pursuing her dreams despite the challenges she faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

It hadn't occurred to me that I was capable of pursuing a career.

The New York Times

Erdrich is demonstrably capable of pursuing a potent image or theme throughout a narrative.

The New York Times - Books

On the hook for Bradley's millions, they are less capable of pursuing that outfield bat and filling some bullpen holes.

The New York Times - Sports

A sort of prodigy of playfulness, he was unabashed by silliness and quite capable of pursuing frivolity to zany heights.

The New Yorker

Ms. Rice also insisted that the United States would be capable of pursuing its campaign against terrorism even if it was forced to wage war on Iraq.

The New York Times

FOR those who think that Russia is still capable of pursuing sensible economic policies, the clearest evidence is Alexei Kudrin's handling of the country's oil windfall.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

State perfectionist measures, whether coercive or not, that aim to encourage some pursuits and discourage others on the grounds that they have greater ethical value offends this status by presuming that some citizens are not fully capable of forming, pursuing and revising a conception of the good (Quong 2011, 101 106).

SEP

Of a different nature is the debate over whether shifting cultivators and semi-permanent cultivators are capable of actively pursuing their interests, and to adopt the behavior that fits their intention, under the rapidly changing conditions they are facing.

Human Ecology

When it comes to water politics, no Soviet central planner could have done worse than America.The developing world is just as capable as is America of pursuing disastrous irrigation policies, but it is much less able to afford them.

The Economist

Instead of pursuing A.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

Following Kant and Mill, this moral position derives from the assumption that human beings themselves are best capable of determining and pursuing what is in their own interest; to deny persons this right would be to treat them as instruments of their own good rather than as ends in themselves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of pursuing", ensure that the subject possesses both the ability and the resources necessary for the undertaking. It is best used when highlighting potential or inherent capacity.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of pursuing" when describing simple actions or events that do not require significant effort or ability. For example, stating "He is capable of pursuing a glass of water" is unnecessarily verbose; "He can get a glass of water" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of pursuing" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the subject's ability or potential to undertake a specific action or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of pursuing" is a versatile and grammatically sound construct used to denote the ability and potential to undertake a particular action or achieve a specific goal. As Ludwig AI notes, it's correct and usable in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications, suggesting its broad applicability across diverse contexts. While alternatives like "able to undertake" or "equipped to chase" exist, "capable of pursuing" often conveys a sense of inherent ability and readiness for a challenging endeavor, and it's crucial to avoid using it in trivial contexts where simpler phrasing would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to undertake

Focuses on the ability to begin or carry out a task.

equipped to chase

Highlights the readiness and resources available for pursuing something.

fit to engage in

Emphasizes suitability and preparedness for involvement.

competent to follow

Focuses on having the necessary skills to pursue or adhere to a course or path.

prepared to strive for

Highlights the readiness and willingness to make an effort toward a goal.

qualified to seek

Emphasizes having the necessary qualifications or credentials.

authorized to proceed with

Focuses on having the official permission or mandate.

positioned to hunt for

Highlights being in a favorable situation to seek something.

empowered to act on

Emphasizes having the authority or power to take action.

disposed to dedicate oneself to

Focuses on inclination and willingness to commit to a pursuit.

FAQs

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

Use "capable of pursuing" to describe someone or something that has the ability, resources, or qualifications to follow a particular course of action or achieve a specific goal. For example, "She is capable of pursuing a career in medicine".

What are some alternatives to "capable of pursuing"?

Some alternatives include "able to undertake", "equipped to chase", or "qualified to seek", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "capable of pursuing" than "able to pursue"?

"Capable of pursuing" and "able to pursue" are often interchangeable, but "capable of pursuing" can sometimes imply a higher degree of potential or inherent ability, while "able to pursue" simply indicates the presence of the necessary skills or resources.

In what contexts is "capable of pursuing" most appropriate?

"Capable of pursuing" is particularly suitable in contexts where you want to emphasize someone's potential, readiness, or qualification to undertake a challenging or complex endeavor, such as a career, a degree, or a strategic objective.