capable of thinking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of thinking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has the ability to think or reason. Example: "Artificial intelligence systems are becoming increasingly capable of thinking and making decisions based on data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You may think children are simple and ignorant, but they have always been more than capable of thinking deeply about the year, especially at the end of summer.

WikiHow

Do they have minds capable of thinking or planning?

The New York Times - Science

Are they capable of thinking about their experiences?

The New York Times - Arts

"He's a political figure capable of thinking over the horizon.

The Guardian

We are perfectly capable of thinking for ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

For me that showed he was capable of thinking and making his own decisions.

The New York Times

"But we are capable of thinking deeply without being subjected to unusual fonts.

The New York Times - Health

But Oregon evidently has another orchestra capable of thinking big thoughts.

The New York Times - Arts

They are capable of thinking that a grandiose Las Vegas must have been a church.

The New York Times - Books

"Her work was capable of thinking about how to link separate spaces together".

The New York Times - Arts

That doesn't mean that a horse is not capable of thinking.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "capable of thinking" to highlight their intellectual or cognitive abilities, suggesting they possess the necessary mental faculties for reasoning, problem-solving, or creative thought.

Common error

Avoid using "capable of thinking" when simpler terms like "smart" or "intelligent" suffice. Overusing it can sound pretentious or unnecessarily complex in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of thinking" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating the subject's possession of cognitive abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is perfectly correct and usable. For instance, "animals are capable of thinking" or "she's capable of thinking."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable of thinking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to describe cognitive ability or intellectual potential. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is perfectly correct and usable. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While it's crucial to avoid overuse in simplistic contexts, mastering the use of "capable of thinking" allows for nuanced descriptions of mental faculties. Remember to tailor your choice to the specific tone and subject matter of your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and context, you can effectively integrate "capable of thinking" into your repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to reason

Focuses on the logical aspect of thinking.

competent in reasoning

Focuses on effective and logical thought processes.

having the faculty of thought

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for thinking.

able to use one's mind

Refers to the active utilization of mental faculties.

having the power of thought

Highlights the strength and potential of thinking abilities.

endowed with reason

Suggests thinking as a gift or natural attribute.

intellectually competent

Stresses the adequacy and skill in thinking.

able to process information

Stresses the ability to understand and handle data.

cognitively equipped

Highlights the mental tools or abilities for thinking.

having cognitive capacity

Focuses on the extent and range of mental abilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of thinking" to describe someone or something that possesses the ability to reason, problem-solve, or engage in abstract thought. For example: "Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly "capable of thinking" and making decisions."

What are some alternatives to "capable of thinking"?

Alternatives include "able to reason", "intellectually competent", or "cognitively equipped". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "capable of thinking" or "able to think"?

Both "capable of thinking" and "able to think" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. "Capable of thinking" might suggest a higher degree of potential or inherent ability, while "able to think" is often perceived as simpler and more direct.

When is it appropriate to use "capable of thinking" in formal writing?

Use "capable of thinking" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the cognitive capacity or intellectual potential of a subject. This is particularly relevant in academic, scientific, or professional contexts where nuanced descriptions of mental abilities are required.