capable of violence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of violence" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means having the ability or potential to commit violent actions. Example: The suspect is a dangerous individual, known to be capable of violence towards others.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But they are capable of violence.

The New York Times

The official said such men were as capable of violence as organized terrorist groups.

The New York Times

"But it's obvious that there are individuals capable of violence at these events.

The New York Times

Mr. Ahlhaus said, "Hamburg cannot become a cradle for Islamists capable of violence".

The New York Times

"I'm trying to make myself more capable of violence!" he says.

The Washington Post

Eight months later, neatly dressed with a small beard and mustache, Mr. Yaqoub hardly looked like someone capable of violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The government has previously said in documents filed with the court that Hinckley is "a man capable of great violence" and "not sufficiently well to alleviate the concern that this violence may be repeated".

Huffington Post

Chisora is capable of distressing violence.

The Guardian - Sport

Are they capable of horrific violence as well?

Britannica

It is also apparent that he could be capable of great violence himself.

The New York Times

Until he snapped, that is, and showed that he was also capable of great violence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an individual, clarify the context in which they are deemed "capable of violence". Providing specific examples or observable behaviors adds credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid stating someone is "capable of violence" without supporting evidence or context. Such generalizations can lead to unfair judgments and misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of violence" primarily functions as an adjective phrase that describes someone or something possessing the ability or potential to commit violent acts. Ludwig provides examples from various sources to illustrate its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of violence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates the potential or ability to commit violent acts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, with a notable prevalence in news and media, as well as academic discussions. While the phrase itself is neutral, its implications often carry a serious tone. When employing "capable of violence" in writing, it's essential to provide context and avoid generalizations. Consider alternatives like "prone to violence" or "shows violent tendencies" for nuanced expression. Understanding these subtleties enhances clarity and prevents misinterpretations in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prone to violence

Emphasizes a tendency or inclination toward violent behavior.

disposed to violence

Highlights a natural inclination or predisposition for violent actions.

inclined to violence

Similar to 'disposed to', but suggests a weaker tendency.

has a propensity for violence

More formal, indicating a strong natural tendency.

shows violent tendencies

Focuses on observable indicators of potential violence.

has the potential for violence

Highlights the possibility of future violent acts.

presents a risk of violence

Emphasizes the danger or threat posed by potential violence.

threatens violence

Suggests an explicit or implicit indication of potential violence.

is liable to become violent

Focuses on the likelihood of escalating to violence.

has a violent nature

Indicates an inherent or deeply ingrained tendency toward violence.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of violence" to describe someone's potential for aggression, as in, "The investigation revealed he was "capable of violence" under extreme stress."

What are some alternatives to saying "capable of violence"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "prone to violence", "shows violent tendencies", or "presents a risk of violence".

Is it accurate to describe someone as "capable of violence" without any prior violent acts?

It can be accurate if there's sufficient evidence suggesting a potential for violence, such as threats, history of aggression, or psychological evaluations. However, it's important to avoid generalizations and focus on factual evidence.

What is the difference between "prone to violence" and "capable of violence"?

"Prone to violence" suggests a higher likelihood or tendency towards violent behavior, while "capable of violence" simply indicates the potential or ability to commit violent acts without necessarily implying a frequent occurrence.