capable of subordinating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of subordinating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the ability to place something in a subordinate position or to make something dependent on another. Example: "The new policy is capable of subordinating individual rights to collective security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They were capable of subordinating their immediate demands when they had confidence they would be truly heard.

Harvard Business Review

There are many men adept in those diverse disciplines, but few capable of imagination — fewer still capable of subordinating imagination to a rigorous and systematic plan.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When asked to choose seating arrangements, for example, these leaders separated the most capable of the subordinates from all the other people.

Harvard Business Review

Thanks to the brigade's modular design, it is also capable of gaining additional subordinate units upon deployment to a theater of operations.

Wikipedia

Second, every manager must be held accountable for sustaining a team of subordinates capable of doing this work.

Harvard Business Review

Female characters placed as mere secondary roles and subordinates are capable of being leaders themselves.

HuffPost

To evaluate intraovarian dominance effects in a sheep model and to determine whether local factors, independent of FSH-mediated pathways, are capable of interfering with the final development of subordinate follicles.

Fertility and Sterility

And his most powerful subordinates are quite capable of overthrowing him.

Yale University

Specifically, the decision and opinion in this case cannot afford a basis for a future suggestion that the Attorney General can forbid every subordinate who is capable of being served by process from producing relevant documents and later contest a requirement upon him to produce on the ground that procedurally he cannot be reached.

Cornell University

Though assigned to the 1st Infantry Division on a permanent basis, it is capable of independent operations and taking on subordinate units to fulfill large scale sustainment operations for the United States Army.

Wikipedia

Mr. Montefiore does a particularly good job of portraying Stalin as a complex figure, a soft-spoken music lover capable of both solicitousness and extreme cruelty toward his subordinates.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable of subordinating", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being subordinated and to what it is being subordinated. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of subordinating" without specifying what is being subordinated. Ambiguity can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of subordinating" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the ability or capacity to place something in a lower or less important position. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of subordinating" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the ability to place something in a less important or secondary position. Ludwig confirms its usability, though its frequency is rare, appearing mainly in News & Media and Academia. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: specify what is being subordinated to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "able to relegate" or "able to downgrade" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. While "capable of subordinating" may not be an everyday phrase, its precision makes it a valuable tool in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to subjugate

Focuses on the power or ability to bring something under control.

able to relegate

Emphasizes the act of moving something to a lower position or status.

capable of demoting

Highlights the capacity to reduce someone or something to a lower rank.

able to downgrade

Indicates the capability to lower the value, quality, or importance of something.

capable of diminishing

Suggests the ability to reduce the significance or impact of something.

able to suppress

Focuses on the ability to prevent something from being expressed or realized.

capable of curtailing

Emphasizes the ability to restrict or reduce something.

able to subdue

Indicates the power to bring someone or something under control, often by force.

capable of minimizing

Highlights the ability to reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

able to marginalize

Focuses on the capacity to treat someone or something as insignificant or peripheral.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of subordinating" to describe the ability to place something in a lower or dependent position. For example, "The leader was "capable of subordinating" personal desires for the greater good of the team".

What does "capable of subordinating" mean?

It means having the ability or capacity to place something in a lower or less important position relative to something else. It implies a conscious decision to prioritize one thing over another.

Are there formal alternatives to "capable of subordinating"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "able to relegate", "able to downgrade", or "able to subjugate" in more formal contexts, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "capable of subordinating"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the ability or power to prioritize one thing over another, especially in situations involving decision-making, leadership, or strategic planning.