had been capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's or something's ability or potential in the past. Example: "She had been capable of achieving great things if given the right opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Astonishing that she had been capable of such faith.

The New Yorker

If they had been capable of that, they probably would have already already done so.

Independent

If the Lib Dems had been capable of taking a long hard look at themselves they could have done something about this.

The Guardian

If only he had been capable of such quips in the primaries, he might now be working on his transition to government.

The Guardian - Opinion

In fact, documents found in the remains of the Helvetii camp showed that out of 368,000 people, only 92,000 had been capable of bearing arms.

The Guardian

Ninkovic, Sydney's off-season signing from Evian, left it late but managed to do what no other player on the pitch had been capable of.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

They appear to have been capable of producing abstract designs.

The New Yorker

Could she really have been capable of tenderness?

The Guardian

What might he have been capable of then?

The New Yorker

"I don't know if I would have been capable of it had she been around.

The Guardian - Film

So the ointment may well have been capable of delivering powerful delusions of flight.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a past ability that was not necessarily exercised, use "had been capable of" to indicate potential rather than actual performance. For example: "Although he was untrained, he had been capable of great speed".

Common error

While both convey ability, "capable of" often implies inherent potential or a general capacity, whereas "able to" suggests a specific demonstrated ability in a particular situation. Be mindful of this subtle distinction to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been capable of" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past ability, potential, or capacity. It highlights that someone or something possessed the necessary qualities or resources to perform a particular action or achieve a specific outcome in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Unknown

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been capable of" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to describe a past ability or potential. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, making it suitable for formal and neutral contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "was capable of" or "had the ability to", "had been capable of" specifically emphasizes a potential or capacity that existed in the past, rather than a demonstrated action. When writing, remember that "capable of" suggests general potential, while "able to" implies a specific demonstrated ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was capable of

This alternative shifts the tense to the simple past, focusing on a specific past instance of capability.

had the ability to

This alternative replaces "capable" with "ability", offering a more direct expression of past capacity.

had been able to

This alternative uses "able to" instead of "capable of", presenting a slightly less formal option.

possessed the skill to

This alternative emphasizes skill as the basis for capability, adding a nuance of expertise.

had the potential to

This alternative focuses on unrealized potential rather than demonstrated capability.

was equipped to

This alternative suggests preparation and readiness for a particular task or situation.

had the aptitude for

This alternative highlights a natural inclination or talent that enabled certain actions.

was equal to

This alternative suggests the subject was qualified or of enough standing to handle a situation.

had what it took to

This is a colloquial expression emphasizing the necessary qualities for success.

was up to

Similar to "was equal to", this idiom conveys qualification and capacity to handle something.

FAQs

What does "had been capable of" mean?

The phrase "had been capable of" indicates that someone or something possessed the ability, skill, or potential to do something in the past. It doesn't necessarily mean they actually did it, just that they had the capacity.

What can I say instead of "had been capable of"?

You can use alternatives like "was capable of", "had the ability to", or "had been able to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "had been capable of" and "had been able to"?

While similar, "had been capable of" often implies a general potential or inherent ability, whereas "had been able to" suggests a specific instance where the ability was demonstrated or practically achievable. Context determines the best choice.

How to use "had been capable of" in a sentence?

Use "had been capable of" when describing a past ability or potential that existed at a specific time. For example: "The old engine, though damaged, had been capable of reaching high speeds before the accident."