capable of working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable of working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that has the ability to do work. For example, you might say: "He was the perfect candidate for the job because he was highly educated and capable of working well under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MLS clubs are fully capable of working with their fans.

The Guardian - Sport

The haredim are highly literate and perfectly capable of working.

The Economist

"He is capable of working with the big players at Chelsea, De Visserr said.

The Guardian - Sport

Howard very much thought he was capable of working an issue through.

The New Yorker

Mr. Courtright is capable of working wonders without his trusty grill, too.

The New York Times

Each would be capable of working wonders with the other's story line.

The New Yorker

He was capable of working 12 hours straight without complaining and was athletic and strong.

The Guardian

Kandes, the only family member physically capable of working, is now looking for a job.

The New Yorker

"Anybody who can work, is capable of working, and we should help them work".

The New York Times

Some package-dyeing machines are capable of working under pressure at temperatures up to 130 °C.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A vast majority of those capable of working would gladly take a minimum wage job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's abilities, specify the context or area where they are "capable of working" to provide more clarity and impact. For example, instead of saying "She is capable of working", specify "She is capable of working independently on complex projects".

Common error

Avoid assuming someone is "capable of working" in all areas simply because they excel in one. Always verify and specify their competencies for different tasks or environments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable of working" primarily functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its ability or potential to perform work. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and well-established in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable of working" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the ability or potential to perform work. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile. Our analysis reveals that it functions primarily as an adjective phrase, often appearing in neutral to formal contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "able to function" or "competent to perform" exist, "capable of working" remains a straightforward and widely understood choice. When using the phrase, specifying the area or context of work enhances clarity. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing someone's abilities, as capability in one area doesn't guarantee competence in all.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to function

Focuses on the ability to operate or perform a task effectively; implies a basic level of functionality.

competent to perform

Emphasizes the possession of necessary skills and knowledge to execute a task successfully; highlights professional competence.

equipped to handle

Highlights readiness and preparation to manage or deal with specific tasks or challenges.

fit for duty

Indicates suitability and preparedness for assigned responsibilities, often used in professional contexts.

prepared to undertake

Emphasizes the readiness and willingness to begin or engage in a task or project.

in a position to contribute

Focuses on the capacity to add value or make a positive impact through work or effort.

ready to act

Stresses the immediate availability and willingness to take action or perform a task.

functional

Highlights the ability to perform a required function or task; implies basic operational capability.

operational

Focuses on the state of being ready and able to be used or function; emphasizes readiness for immediate use.

able to operate

Emphasizes the capacity to control or use a system or machine; highlights practical functionality.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable of working" to describe someone or something that possesses the ability or potential to perform a specific task or function. For example: "The new software is "capable of handling" large datasets efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "capable of working"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "able to function", "competent to perform", or "equipped to handle", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "capable to work" instead of "capable of working"?

While "capable to work" might be understood, the grammatically correct and more common phrasing is "capable of working". The preposition "of" is essential to correctly link "capable" with the gerund "working".

What is the difference between "capable of working" and "able to work"?

While both phrases express the ability to perform work, "capable of working" often implies a potential or inherent ability, whereas "able to work" suggests a more immediate and practical readiness. You could be "capable of working" in a role with additional training, but not immediately "able to work".