is capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is capable of" is a valid part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express the ability of someone or something to do something. For example: "This new technology is capable of revolutionizing our industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

It is capable of multiple uses.

The New York Times - Books

None is capable of breeding.

The Guardian

Trump is capable of anything.

The New Yorker

Kentucky is capable of radically different results.

The New York Times - Sports

Firmino is capable of doing just that.

The Guardian - Sport

Shepherd is capable of attracting attention.

The New York Times - Sports

Poland is capable of embracing both".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is capable of", ensure the sentence clearly specifies what the subject is capable of doing. Avoid vague statements by providing a concrete action or outcome.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the capabilities of a subject. Ensure that claims of capability are supported by evidence or logical reasoning to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is capable of" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective ("capable") and a preposition ("of"), indicating the inherent ability, potential, or competence of a subject. Ludwig shows its versatility across different contexts, from describing a team's potential to win, to an individual's aptitude for violence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is capable of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates the ability or potential of a subject to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Wiki" contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. Related phrases include "is able to" and "has the ability to", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. When using "is capable of", ensure clarity by specifying the action or outcome, and avoid overstating capabilities to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to

Focuses on the present ability to do something, slightly more direct.

has the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent ability or potential.

can

A more concise and direct way of expressing ability.

is equipped to

Highlights that something is prepared or fitted out to do something.

has the potential to

Highlights the possibility of future success or achievement.

is competent to

Stresses the required skills or knowledge to perform an action.

is qualified to

Emphasizes meeting the necessary criteria or standards.

is in a position to

Implies that circumstances allow for a certain action.

is apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

is liable to

Indicates a possibility or risk, often of something undesirable.

FAQs

How to use "is capable of" in a sentence?

Use "is capable of" to indicate that someone or something has the ability or potential to perform a specific action. For example, "This software "is capable of analyzing" large datasets quickly".

What can I say instead of "is capable of"?

You can use alternatives like "is able to", "has the ability to", or simply "can" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is capable of" or "is able to"?

Both "is capable of" and "is able to" are correct and often interchangeable. "Is capable of" might suggest a higher degree of potential or inherent ability, while "is able to" is a more general statement of ability.

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

"Is capable of" indicates that something has the potential or ability to do something, whereas "is likely to" suggests a probability or tendency. Capability refers to inherent potential, while likelihood refers to a prediction based on circumstances.