capable of starting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of starting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability or potential to initiate an action or process. Example: "The new software is capable of starting multiple tasks simultaneously, improving overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Now, nothing seems capable of starting it up.

The New York Times

"He's capable of starting [but] we'll make those decisions in time," Deans said of O'Connor.

The Guardian - Sport

"He has proved that he is capable of starting for the Olympic team.

The New York Times - Sports

He was fearless, inspirational and more than capable of starting a move from the back.

The Guardian - Sport

The F.B.I. had previously maintained that it had not fired any device capable of starting a fire.

The New York Times

Matt Moore is capable of starting for the Dolphins so Flynn would have to earn his position.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Bure's skating was also complemented by his ability to deke out defenders and goaltenders at top speeds, making him capable of routinely starting end-to-end rushes.

Wikipedia

The only thing our leaders and generals have seemed capable of doing, starting from the day after the 9/11 attacks, is more or less the same thing with the same dismal results, again and again.

Huffington Post

Brandon Beachy, SP, Braves – There are a limited number of starting pitchers capable of reaching 200 strikeouts without exceeding 200 innings.

The New York Times

The danger Argentina faces is one of stasis, in which the election fails to produce a government capable of imposing its will, or of starting to rebuild the country's discredited institutions.

The Economist

Women are perfectly capable of cooking in controlled environments, of starting fires with pilot lights and adjusting the heat with knobs, the logic goes, but from the beginning of human time, men have lighted fires from sparks and beaten small flames into blazes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a potential or capability, use "capable of starting" to convey that something or someone has the necessary qualities to initiate an action or process. For example, "The program is "capable of starting" multiple processes simultaneously."

Common error

Avoid using "capable of starting" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "can start" or "able to begin" are more appropriate. Overusing complex phrasing can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of starting" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the subject's ability or potential to initiate an action or process. As Ludwig AI mentions, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of starting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that describes the ability or potential to initiate an action or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions, though it tends toward a neutral to slightly formal register. While alternatives like "able to initiate" or "can start" exist, "capable of starting" is valuable when emphasizing specific capabilities or potential readiness. It is important to avoid overuse in simple contexts where a more straightforward phrase would suffice. The best sources for this expression are The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, further attesting to its validity and widespread use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Able to initiate

Focuses on the basic ability to begin something, simpler and more direct.

Has the ability to commence

More formal and emphasizes the power or right to begin.

In a position to launch

Suggests readiness and preparation for initiating something.

Possesses the power to start

Emphasizes the inherent strength or authority to begin.

Equipped to begin

Highlights the resources or tools necessary for starting.

Prepared to initiate

Emphasizes the state of readiness and willingness to start.

Empowered to commence

Suggests official authorization or enablement to begin.

Has what it takes to start

Informal and emphasizes the necessary qualities or skills.

Fit to trigger

Emphasizes setting off an event or process, often used in technical contexts.

Can kick off

Very informal, suggesting a casual beginning or launch.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of starting" to indicate that someone or something has the ability or potential to initiate an action. For instance, "The new engine is "capable of starting" in cold weather conditions".

What are some alternatives to "capable of starting"?

Alternatives include "able to initiate", "has the ability to commence", or "in a position to launch" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "capable of starting" or "able to start"?

"Capable of starting" tends to be more formal than "able to start". "Able to start" is generally suitable for everyday conversation and informal writing, while "capable of starting" is appropriate for more formal or technical contexts.

When should I use "capable of starting" instead of "can start"?

Use "capable of starting" when you want to emphasize a specific capability or potential. "Can start" is a more general statement of ability, while "capable of starting" implies that the subject possesses the necessary qualities or conditions to initiate something effectively.