have been capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has had the ability to do something over a period of time up to the present. Example: "They have been capable of achieving great results in their projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

What other comedian would have been capable of doing it, without a risible result?

The Guardian - Film

But the younger self being exposed wouldn't have been capable of it.

The Guardian - Books

England ought to have been capable of seeing out the day untroubled.

The Guardian - Sport

The plane would have been capable of flying with only one engine.

The Guardian

The old LGA would never have been capable of endorsing such a campaign wholeheartedly.

The Guardian

Seidler estimates that it would have been capable of accommodating twenty-seven thousand people.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "have been able to" or "have had the ability to" for variety in your writing, but be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning and connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "have been capable" when referring to a single, completed action in the past. Use "were capable" or "was able to" instead. Example: "They were capable of completing the project on time" (not "They have been capable of completing...").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been capable" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating the subject's ability, potential, or capacity to perform an action or possess a quality over a period of time leading up to the present. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

17%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been capable" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that someone or something has possessed the ability or capacity to perform an action over a period of time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While synonyms like ""have been able to"" and ""have had the ability to"" offer alternative phrasing, it's crucial to ensure the tense aligns with the intended timeframe. Avoid using "have been capable" when referring to a single, completed action in the past. Ludwig also highlights the frequency of this phrase in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, emphasizing its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been able to

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the realized possibility of performing an action.

have had the ability to

This alternative emphasizes the possession of an inherent power or skill.

have been equipped to

This alternative suggests having the necessary resources or tools to accomplish something.

have been competent to

This alternative focuses on possessing the required skills and knowledge.

have been in a position to

This alternative emphasizes the circumstantial readiness to perform an action.

have been qualified to

This alternative suggests meeting the necessary criteria or standards.

have been apt to

This alternative implies a natural tendency or inclination.

have been predisposed to

This alternative suggests an inherent susceptibility or inclination.

have been designed to

This alternative emphasizes the planned or intentional functionality.

have been built to

This alternative suggests inherent ability based on structure or design.

FAQs

How can I use "have been capable" in a sentence?

You can use "have been capable" to indicate that someone or something has possessed the ability or capacity to do something over a period of time. For example, "Scientists "have been capable" of developing new technologies thanks to continuous research".

What phrases are similar to "have been capable"?

Alternatives include "have been able to", "have had the ability to", or "have been equipped to", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "has been capable" instead of "have been capable"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "has been capable" for singular subjects (e.g., "He has been capable") and "have been capable" for plural subjects (e.g., "They "have been capable"") or the pronoun "you".

What's the difference between "have been capable" and "were capable"?

"Have been capable" implies an ability that has existed over a period of time up to the present. "Were capable" refers to an ability that existed at a specific point or period in the past but may no longer exist. For example, "They "have been capable" of innovation for years", versus "They were capable of great feats during their prime".