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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
capable to affect
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "capable to affect" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "capable of affecting." Example: "The new policy is capable of affecting the overall performance of the team."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
High Frequency Trading is a shadow and shady economy with so much power capable to affect our everyday, although maybe the effects are not immediate... the production of Pirated media can act as an anti-economy and contribute to the panti-economy andetricontributen of properto".
News & Media
These data demonstrate that daily oral exposure to L. casei in a naive host is not capable to affect the potential of natural CD4+ CD25+ Treg of lymphoid organs to suppress a CHS response.
Science
Thus, pretreatment with midazolam is capable to affect cell characteristics even followed by exposure to high TMZ concentrations.
Science
These results demonstrate that siRNAs are capable to affect the in vitro angiogenic process by downregulating COX-2 expression in a strong specific manner.
Science
In particular, the authors showed that the microbial colonization initiates signaling mechanisms capable to affect neuronal circuits involved in motor control and anxiety control.
Science
However, the complexity of cytokine kinetics in critically ill patients and the variety of factors capable to affect circulating cytokines even in a subgroup of critically ill patients may affect the valitidy of the results.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
The authors reported that snow vole activity was capable to significantly affect the humification process and SOM cycling, with effects on the hormone-like bioactivity of humic fractions.
In addition, essential and non-essential amino acids appear to have different roles in regulating longevity, the former being capable to negatively affect longevity, while the latter does not.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Wednesday struggled to decide whether it was capable of doing anything to affect the outcome of a custody dispute before the Sheriff Court in Airdrie, Scotland.
News & Media
Based on the above analysis and further interrogation of the literature, it was possible to highlight the strongest candidates for further analysis: IFI16 is known to bind p53 (17), which in turn is capable of binding the GR to affect its activity.
Science
Apple has published a temporary workaround for iOS users affected by the bug, which was found to affect iPhones earlier in the week, and subsequently revealed to be capable of affecting the Apple Watch, iPads and Macs.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Always use "capable of affecting" instead of "capable to affect". The correct preposition after 'capable' in this context is 'of', followed by the gerund form of the verb.
Common error
Avoid the common mistake of using "to" after "capable" when it should be "of". Remember that "capable" requires the preposition "of" when followed by a verb expressing an action or process.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "capable to affect" functions as an adjectival phrase followed by an infinitive, attempting to describe a quality or potential of something. However, it is grammatically incorrect, according to Ludwig, as the correct form is "capable of affecting."
Frequent in
Science
70%
News & Media
30%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "capable to affect" is an incorrect form. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct phrasing is "capable of affecting". While the examples show it appears in contexts such as science and news, its grammatical inaccuracy lowers its overall quality and appropriateness for formal writing. Alternatives like "able to affect" or "capable of affecting" should be used instead to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity. Always remember to use "of" after "capable" followed by the gerund form of the verb to ensure accurate and effective communication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
capable of affecting
This is the grammatically correct form, using the preposition 'of' with the gerund 'affecting'.
able to affect
This alternative uses 'able' instead of 'capable', providing a more common and straightforward expression.
in a position to affect
This phrase suggests having the necessary authority or resources to cause an effect.
qualified to affect
Implies having the necessary skills or knowledge to influence something.
has the capacity to affect
Replaces 'capable' with 'capacity', emphasizing the inherent ability to influence.
empowered to affect
This phrase suggests having been given the power or authorization to make a difference.
suited to affect
Indicates an appropriateness or fitness to bring about an effect.
competent to affect
Suggests having the necessary skills or competence to influence.
in a state to affect
This alternative conveys that the subject is in the right condition to influence something.
equipped to affect
This phrase suggests having the necessary tools or resources to cause a change.
FAQs
Is it grammatically correct to say "capable to affect"?
No, the grammatically correct phrase is "capable of affecting". The preposition "of" should be used before the gerund form of the verb.
What is a good alternative to "capable to affect"?
A suitable alternative is "able to affect", which is more common and grammatically sound.
How can I use "capable of affecting" in a sentence?
You can use "capable of affecting" to describe something that has the ability to influence or change something else. For example, "The new policy is capable of affecting employee morale."
What's the difference between "able to affect" and "capable of affecting"?
While both phrases convey the ability to influence something, "able to affect" is generally considered more straightforward and common, while "capable of affecting" may suggest a higher degree of potential or inherent ability.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested