could be capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the potential ability or possibility of someone or something to perform a certain action or task. Example: "The new software could be capable of processing data at unprecedented speeds, revolutionizing our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I wondered how a human being could be capable of welcoming a stranger like this.

The Guardian

You cannot track capabilities because virtually anyone could be capable of an attack.

HuffPost

"He could be capable of anything".

The New Yorker

Hence, this interaction could be capable of regulating caspase activity.

Nature

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

The New York Times

This cannot be.' 'I refuse to believe,' insists my father, 'that any son of mine could be capable of murder.

The Guardian - Books

Additionally, Cirsium arvense changes morphology in response to environmental conditions and so could be capable of a wide range of adaptation to varying environmental factors.

Columbia University

Alternatively, the mind might just be a computer program, with the implication that machines could be capable of thought and other mental states.

University of California, Berkeley

The group has around 100,000 staff and 30 million customers – imagine what smaller, more fleet-footed businesses could be capable of?

The Guardian

9.13am BST Apple's 'iWatch' could be able to control your home Apple's iWatch could be capable of controlling your home automation kit.

The Guardian - Tech

On the other hand, a smart, reflective species with a capacity for empathy could be capable of greater things than we've seen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be capable of", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what the subject is potentially capable of doing. Avoid vague statements and provide specific actions or outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "could be capable of" when the subject's ability is purely theoretical or lacks evidence. Instead, use more cautious language like "might be able to" or "may potentially".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be capable of" functions as a modal phrase, expressing potential or possibility. It indicates that a subject possesses the inherent ability to perform a certain action, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, without confirming that the action will definitely occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be capable of" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express potential or possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts to speculate about future abilities or functionalities. Remember to use this phrase when you want to suggest potential, not confirmed ability, and be specific about the potential action. For similar meanings, consider alternatives like "might be able to" or "has the potential to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be able to

Expresses a similar degree of possibility or potential, using a more direct verb construction.

may be capable of

Uses "may" instead of "could", indicating a slightly different nuance of possibility.

has the potential to

Focuses on the inherent potential of something, rather than a conditional ability.

is potentially able to

Emphasizes the potential aspect of the ability.

is possibly able to

Highlights the possibility of the ability existing.

might have the ability to

Emphasizes the ability itself as a possession.

is equipped to

Suggests readiness or the right tools to perform an action.

is in a position to

Indicates that someone or something is circumstantially able to do something.

is liable to

Suggests a tendency or likelihood, rather than just potential.

is predisposed to

Implies a natural inclination or susceptibility towards something.

FAQs

What does "could be capable of" mean?

The phrase "could be capable of" means having the potential or ability to do something, but it is not certain. It suggests a possibility rather than a definite capability.

How to use "could be capable of" in a sentence?

Use "could be capable of" to express that someone or something possesses the potential to perform a specific action. For example: "The new software "might be able to" process data at unprecedented speeds".

What are some alternatives to "could be capable of"?

Alternatives include "might be able to", "may be capable of", or "has the potential to", depending on the context and the degree of certainty you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "could be capable of" and "is capable of"?

"Could be capable of" suggests a possibility or potential, while "is capable of" implies a definite ability or current capability. The former expresses uncertainty, while the latter expresses certainty.