capable of speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's ability to communicate orally, either in the present or in the future. For example, "The student is becoming increasingly capable of speaking French fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I just wasn't capable of speaking".

The New Yorker

Many families are not yet capable of speaking about the victim.

The New York Times

This was Rampling announcing her talent: capable of speaking the unthinkable, relishing every moment.

The Guardian - Film

"Forgive that I am capable of speaking only about the ephemeral, the trivial.

The New Yorker

"He just wasn't capable of speaking for himself," she told me.

The New Yorker

By comparison, Veronique Branquinho is a young woman capable of speaking to a much broader audience.

The New York Times

"If we're not capable of speaking other people's languages, we're going to be in difficulties.

Independent

Why is the headmaster of one of the country's most expensive boarding schools considered capable of speaking on teenage contraception?

The Guardian - Opinion

The SDP's purpose was to create a broad-based social-democratic party, capable of speaking to middle England.

The Guardian

West is more than capable of speaking for himself and has been happy to land his own blows.

The Guardian - Opinion

The voir dire is supposed to determine whether the prospective jurors are capable of speaking the truth.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill or ability related to language use, consider specifying the context or level of proficiency. For example, "capable of speaking fluently" or "capable of speaking on complex topics" adds greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of speaking" when a more specific term is appropriate. Instead of saying someone is "capable of speaking", consider whether "articulate", "eloquent", or "proficient in language X" would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of speaking" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone or something possessing the ability to communicate verbally. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability, as illustrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

29%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capable of speaking" is a versatile and widely used adjective phrase that describes the ability to communicate verbally. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose more precise language, such as "verbally proficient" or "articulate", when appropriate. Remember to avoid redundancy, and specify the context or level of proficiency when possible, to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to articulate

Focuses on the clarity and effectiveness of the speech rather than just the ability to speak.

articulate

Stresses the ability to express oneself clearly and effectively.

competent to communicate verbally

Emphasizes competence and verbal skills, suitable for professional contexts.

verbally proficient

Highlights a high degree of skill in speaking.

able to verbalize

Focuses on the transformation of thoughts into spoken words.

having the power of speech

Highlights the physical or inherent ability to speak.

eloquent

Implies a refined and persuasive style of speaking.

expressive

Highlights the ability to convey emotions and thoughts through speech.

vocal

Suggests a willingness to express one's opinions and thoughts.

having a voice

Focuses on the power and opportunity to speak and be heard.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of speaking" to describe someone's ability to communicate orally. For example, "She is "capable of speaking" three languages" or "The device is "capable of speaking" in a synthesized voice".

What are some alternatives to "capable of speaking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "able to articulate", "verbally proficient", or "having the power of speech".

Is it redundant to say "capable of speaking verbally"?

While not strictly incorrect, "capable of speaking verbally" can be seen as slightly redundant, as speaking inherently involves verbal communication. Using just ""capable of speaking"" is usually sufficient.

What's the difference between "capable of speaking" and "fluent in"?

"Capable of speaking" implies a general ability to communicate orally, while "fluent in" suggests a high level of proficiency and ease in using the language.