capable rival

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable rival" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a competitor who has the skills or resources to effectively compete against another party. Example: "In the upcoming election, the incumbent will face a capable rival who has garnered significant support from the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And given the presence of a credible, reasonably capable rival, Romney's slow-but-steady path to the nomination is the path that he was pretty much guaranteed to have to take.

The New York Times

I've been saying since day one that this is very smart move for J.K. Rowling to expand her saturation in the lives of fans (she might be growing into a capable rival for George Lucas and the world of Star Wars... but probably not).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And his firm will have stolen another march on its increasingly capable rivals.

The Economist

In arms-race theory, that threat should cause capable rivals like Russia and China to expand and diversify their arsenals to ensure their survival against a U.S. first strike.

Huffington Post

Third, Afghanistan did little to educate the Pentagon on how a more capable military rival might adjust to unmanned systems.

The New York Times - Science

Dante himself made an important contribution to the debate on what should constitute a volgare illustre (an "illustrious popular speech") capable of rivaling Latin for literary and scholarly purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The so-called "Sacred and Profane Love" of 1512 15 (Borghese Gallery, Rome) is, in a sense, Titian's trial piece in which he shows himself capable of rivaling and surpassing Giorgione in Giorgione's own terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was an incredible attainment at that time, when we had no visual artists of any real merit, for instance, and no sculptors and few architects capable of rivalling the Europeans.

The Guardian - Music

Most notable was the formation of a national league, Serie A. The intent was twofold: firstly, to forge a sense of national identity and, secondly, to create a stronger, more competitive structure that would result in a national team capable of rivalling the best.

The Guardian - Sport

And that vision became clearer with the launch of the G1, the first phone to use Google's Android operating system, and perhaps the only one capable of rivaling the iPhone's buzzing cloud of media hype.

Forbes

It occupied a small space, tucked in the rear of the LA Convention Center, but Naughty America may just have had the one booth capable of rivaling Nintendo's for sheer show buzz.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable rival", ensure the context clearly establishes the area of capability. For instance, specify 'a capable political rival' or 'a capable business rival' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capable rival" when the competitor's abilities are unproven or exaggerated. Use more neutral terms like "potential rival" or "possible contender" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable rival" functions as a noun phrase, where "capable" modifies the noun "rival". According to Ludwig AI, it is often used to characterize a competitor as having sufficient skills or resources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable rival" is a noun phrase used to describe a competitor who possesses the skills and resources necessary to pose a significant challenge. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically sound, it's a relatively uncommon expression. It carries a neutral tone and is frequently found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content, and scientific documents. When using "capable rival", make sure that the area of capability is clear and that the rival's abilities are not overstated. Some alternatives includes "formidable opponent", "worthy competitor", and "strong contender".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Competent adversary

Replaces "rival" with "adversary", emphasizing a more antagonistic relationship, and "capable" with "competent", indicating adequate skill.

Skilled opponent

Focuses purely on the skill level of the competitor; simple and direct replacement of "capable" with "skilled".

Able competitor

"Able" directly replaces "capable" to indicate competence, and "competitor" is used in place of "rival", offering a more neutral term.

Formidable opponent

Uses "formidable" instead of "capable", suggesting a more intimidating quality; replaces "rival" with "opponent", a general term for someone competed against.

Worthy competitor

Emphasizes fairness and respect in competition; "worthy" replaces "capable", highlighting admirable qualities.

Strong contender

Focuses on the likelihood of success; "strong" implies capability and potential for winning; "contender" highlights participation in a competition.

Talented challenger

Highlights natural skill rather than acquired ability; "challenger" suggests someone who actively contests a position.

Potent competitor

Highlights the strength and potential impact of the competitor; "potent" indicates the ability to produce a strong effect.

Effective antagonist

Positions the rival as an active opponent; "effective" suggests the rival can produce the desired result.

Seasoned player

Suggests experience and skill developed over time; suitable when the rival has significant experience in the field.

FAQs

How can I use "capable rival" in a sentence?

You can use "capable rival" to describe a competitor who possesses the necessary skills and resources to challenge another. For example: "The incumbent faces a "capable rival" in the upcoming election".

What are some alternatives to "capable rival"?

Some alternatives include "formidable opponent", "worthy competitor", or "strong contender", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "capable rival" or "competent rival"?

Both "capable rival" and "competent rival" are grammatically correct and similar in meaning. "Capable" emphasizes the potential to perform, while "competent" suggests already demonstrated ability. Choose the one that better fits the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "capable rival"?

Use "capable rival" when you want to acknowledge that someone competing with another party has the skills or qualities needed to be a real threat. It's suitable in contexts where competition is expected or already occurring.