is capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's or something's ability to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The new software is capable of processing large amounts of data quickly and efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He is capable.

The New York Times - Sports

The man is capable.

The Guardian

Villanova is capable of a run.

The New York Times - Sports

"Abou is capable of contributing things.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Rhoden is capable of poetry.

The New York Times - Arts

Stephens is capable of winning this match.

The New York Times

"This team is capable," Laviolette said.

The New York Times - Sports

It is capable of multiple uses.

The New York Times - Books

It is rich, and it is capable.

The Economist

He is capable and confident.

The Guardian

The passing game is capable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is capable", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is capable of doing. Always follow "is capable" with "of" and a gerund (verb ending in -ing) or a noun phrase. For example, "She is capable of handling the project" or "The engine is capable of high speeds".

Common error

A common error is omitting the preposition "of" after "is capable". For example, saying "He is capable handle the situation" is grammatically incorrect. Always include "of" to maintain proper grammar: "He is capable of handling the situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is capable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its inherent ability or potential. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is commonly used across various contexts to convey the capacity to perform a specific action or task.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

22%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is capable" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies the ability or potential to perform an action or achieve a result. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts make it a valuable tool for effective communication. Pay close attention to the preposition "of" to ensure grammatical accuracy and consider alternative phrases like "is able to" or "has the ability to" to add nuance to your writing. The high frequency of this expression in news and media sources further underscores its relevance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to

A more direct and common alternative, focusing on the capacity to perform an action.

can

A simpler and more concise way to express the same concept.

has the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent ability rather than the potential for something to happen.

is equipped to

Suggests having the necessary tools or resources to achieve something.

is competent to

Highlights the adequacy and suitability for a specific task.

is qualified to

Implies having the necessary skills, knowledge, or credentials.

possesses the skill to

Focuses on the skill as a key element of capability.

is up to

More informal, suggesting meeting the required standards or skills.

is equal to

Suggests being on par with what's required, suitable to the level.

has what it takes to

An idiomatic expression indicating the necessary qualities for success.

FAQs

How do I use "is capable" in a sentence?

Use "is capable of" followed by a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing) to indicate ability or potential. For example, "She is capable of great things" or "The software is capable of processing large amounts of data".

What are some alternatives to using "is capable"?

You can use alternatives such as "is able to", "has the ability to", or "is equipped to", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is capable to" instead of "is capable of"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct phrasing is "is capable of". The preposition "of" is essential for grammatical accuracy. Using "to" instead of "of" changes the meaning and is not grammatically correct.

What's the difference between "is capable of" and "is likely to"?

"Is capable of" refers to someone or something having the ability or potential to do something. In contrast, "is likely to" indicates a high probability or expectation that something will happen. For instance, "He is capable of winning the race" means he has the potential, while "He is likely to win the race" suggests he probably will.