i was capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you had the ability or skill to do something in the past. Example: "During my internship, I was capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I knew what I was capable of.

The New York Times - Sports

More than I was capable of.

The New York Times - Arts

"I ran what I thought I was capable of.

The New York Times - Sports

The regime was following capable people and I was capable.

The Economist

"I knew last night I was capable of winning it.

Independent

We didn't know what I was capable of.

Independent

I knew that I was capable of the same thing".

The New York Times

I was murderous, and I was capable of great love.

The Guardian - Books

I don't think I was capable of answering.

The Guardian - Opinion

I knew my abilities, what I was capable of doing.

The New York Times - Sports

"I didn't know if I was capable of that.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was capable", ensure the context clearly indicates what you were capable of. Providing specific examples strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was capable" without specifying what you were capable of doing. This can leave your statement ambiguous and less impactful. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was capable" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past ability or potential. It's used to convey that the speaker possessed the necessary skills, qualities, or resources to perform a particular action or fulfill a specific role in the past, confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was capable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe past abilities or potential. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a declarative statement to inform or assure about competence. While versatile, it's essential to provide context to avoid ambiguity. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for various communication scenarios, particularly in news and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was able to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing past ability.

I could

A more concise alternative to express the possibility or ability in the past.

I had the ability

Focuses directly on the possession of a specific skill or talent.

I possessed the skill

Highlights a specific skill that was owned or mastered.

I was equal to

Implies a level of competence to meet certain demands or challenges.

I was up to

Suggests readiness and suitability for a specific task or activity.

I had what it takes

Emphasizes the necessary qualities, skills, or resources for success.

I was qualified

Indicates that you have the needed qualifications to do something.

I was competent enough

Indicates a sufficient level of skill or knowledge.

I was in a position to

Highlights having the opportunity or circumstances to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "I was capable of" in a sentence?

Use "I was capable of" to express a past ability or potential. For example, "I was capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously during my internship".

What is a more formal way to say "I was capable"?

More formal alternatives include "I possessed the ability to" or "I was qualified to". Consider the context to determine the most appropriate choice.

Which is correct, "I was capable of" or "I am capable of"?

"I was capable of" refers to a past ability, while "I am capable of" refers to a present ability. The correct choice depends on the time frame you're referring to.

What can I say instead of "I was capable of" to express readiness?

You can use alternatives like "I was "equal to"", "I was "up to"", or "I had what it takes depending on the specific context".