he is very capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is very capable" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person's abilities or skills. Example: "John may seem quiet, but he is very capable and has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And he is very capable".

The New York Times

It is an extra string to his bow however and he has proved he is very capable in that position".

The Guardian - Sport

"You have to be able to manage a complex entity, and he is very capable of that," said Bill Baker, the president of WNET, who belongs to a parish in Riverside, Conn., and knows Bishop Egan.

The New York Times

Pakistan captain Hafeez said: "Shehzad has all the shots and we know he is very capable.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I think she is very capable," George said.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was very capable.

The New York Times

He's very capable of making plays".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's only 32; he's very capable.

The New York Times - Sports

I knew he was very capable of killing me".

The New York Times

He's very capable of doing the same basic things for AOL".

The New York Times

"I don't want another 9/11, and he's very capable of doing that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is very capable" to concisely convey someone's competence in a specific area or task. For added impact, follow the phrase with a concrete example of their abilities.

Common error

Avoid using "he is very capable" as a generic compliment. Always provide specific examples or context to support the claim and make it more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is very capable" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It serves to attribute a quality of competence or ability to a subject. Ludwig AI shows various examples where this phrase is used to positively characterize an individual's skills or potential.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

20%

General

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is very capable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe someone's competence or ability. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a descriptive adjective phrase and is used to convey confidence or affirmation in an individual's skills. The phrase has a neutral register and is suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Sports. While the phrase is versatile, it's best practice to support it with specific examples. Consider alternatives like "he is highly competent" or "he is exceptionally skilled" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is highly competent

Emphasizes skill and qualification; slightly more formal.

he is extremely proficient

Highlights expertise; a stronger, more technical term.

he is exceptionally skilled

Highlights superior talent; more emphatic.

he has great aptitude

Focuses on natural talent; implies potential for learning.

he is well-qualified

Focuses on formal credentials; suitable for professional contexts.

he is more than able

Suggests exceeding expectations; a more confident tone.

he is quite talented

Emphasizes natural ability; slightly less formal.

he is no slouch

Informal way of saying he is good at something.

he is a force to be reckoned with

Highlights impact and influence; more assertive.

he can handle anything

Focuses on resilience and adaptability; emphasizes versatility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he is very capable" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "he is highly competent", or "he is exceptionally skilled". These options emphasize expertise and qualification.

What does it mean to say someone "he is very capable"?

Saying someone "he is very capable" means they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to perform tasks effectively and achieve desired outcomes. It implies a strong level of competence.

Is "he is very capable" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "he is very capable" is suitable for professional communication, especially when providing performance feedback or recommending someone. However, be sure to include specific examples to support your assessment.

Which is a stronger statement, "he is capable" or "he is very capable"?

"He is very capable" is a stronger statement than simply saying "he is capable". The addition of "very" intensifies the degree of skill and competence.