capable of questioning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of questioning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the ability to ask questions or challenge ideas. Example: "The new AI system is capable of questioning the assumptions made in its programming to improve its responses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Is he capable of questioning, in a sense, his own election?

The New Yorker

In mild contrast, Rafe was capable of questioning authority, Eriksson said, but he generally wound up by going along with whoever seemed to be the leader — "just to keep from making trouble".

The New Yorker

He read the ancient texts often, and the sound of Sanskrit was for him akin to the music of the spheres — the subtlety and profundity of those texts, which were capable of questioning whether even the creative entity itself understood its creation.

The New Yorker

It's not only that Mr. Lydon's observations are more sociologically pointed (describing the Thatcherite policies he sees as the source of punk's philosophical despair, he says of his contemporaries, "You would not be capable of questioning your future because you didn't have one").

The New York Times

He is not capable of questioning whether a border wall makes sense, given that most illegal immigrants arrive by airplane and then overstay their visas — or the fact that Central American migrants are not sneaking across the border but turning themselves into U.S. authorities to claim asylum.

The Washington Post

Wall Street is simply not capable of questioning assumptions in this way.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Here's another controversial line of questioning.

The New York Times

2. Fear of questioning.

Forbes

And I look kind of questioning.

Forbes

We had 3 days of questioning.

Science Magazine

Lines of questioning.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of questioning", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being questioned and the basis for that questioning. This adds clarity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of questioning" when a weaker term like "able to consider" or "open to discussing" might be more appropriate. Overstating capability can create unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of questioning" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the ability or capacity of someone or something to engage in questioning or critical examination. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of questioning" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe the ability to engage in questioning or critical analysis. As verified by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. While not overly frequent, appearing with "Uncommon" presence, this phrase is primarily found in News & Media, but also in Academic contexts. Its function is to attribute a quality related to inquiry or critical thought. Consider alternative phrases like "able to question" or "competent to question" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to question

This alternative is a more direct synonym, replacing "capable of" with "able to".

has the capacity to question

Replaces "capable of" with a more formal phrasing.

able to challenge

This focuses on the challenging aspect of questioning.

competent to question

This implies possessing the necessary skills or knowledge to question effectively.

empowered to question

Implies having the authority or permission to question.

qualified to question

This suggests having the proper credentials or authority to question.

authorized to question

Emphasizes the official permission to question.

in a position to question

This highlights the circumstances or situation allowing one to question.

entitled to question

Suggests having a right or justification to question.

permitted to question

Focuses on being allowed to question, often by a higher authority.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of questioning" to describe someone or something that has the ability to ask questions or challenge ideas. For instance, "A critical thinker is "capable of questioning" assumptions."

What are some alternatives to "capable of questioning"?

Alternatives include "able to question", "able to challenge", or "competent to question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "capable to question" instead of "capable of questioning"?

No, the correct grammatical form is "capable of questioning". The preposition "of" is required after "capable" when it's followed by a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun).

What does it mean when someone is described as "not capable of questioning"?

It suggests that the person is either unable or unwilling to critically examine information, challenge assumptions, or ask probing questions. It implies a lack of critical thinking skills or a reluctance to challenge authority or the status quo.