is capable of becoming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is capable of becoming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the potential for change or development into a different state or condition. Example: "With hard work and dedication, she is capable of becoming a successful leader in her field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I am now certain America will become what it is capable of becoming.

Huffington Post

Achieving and the drive to become what one is capable of becoming or to surpass others can be very motivating [ 23].

BMC Health Services Research

Any score is capable of becoming Levineland, a place of muscular warmth.

The New Yorker

Let's show the world how brilliant our education system is capable of becoming".

The Guardian

"I think the coast is capable of becoming interesting economically," he said.

The New Yorker

The other option is to create something that is capable of becoming a big asset and controlling our own game".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He went on to remind aid workers about the importance of helping the people of Haiti "become what they've always been capable of becoming, but never had the chance to become".

Unicef

Charles Kennedy was a more far-sighted politician, even in drink, than many will ever be sober, and that's what's so cruelly frustrating about his death at 55; that he can never now become what he was capable of becoming.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.

Forbes

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.

Forbes

British author Robert Louis Stevenson once said "To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is capable of becoming", ensure the subject possesses the necessary underlying qualities or conditions to support the potential transformation. For example, "A dedicated student is capable of becoming a successful doctor."

Common error

Avoid using "is capable of becoming" to suggest unrealistic outcomes. Be sure to ground claims of potential in demonstrable abilities or circumstances. Instead of "This broken toy is capable of becoming a spaceship", try "With some modifications, this toy could resemble a spaceship."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is capable of becoming" functions as a modal expression indicating possibility or potential. It suggests that the subject has the inherent ability or the necessary conditions to transform into something else, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is capable of becoming" is a versatile phrase used to express the potential for transformation or development. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found across various reputable sources, including news media and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject possesses the necessary qualities to support the implied transformation. Alternatives such as "has the potential to be" or "is able to develop into" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. Remember to ground claims of potential in evidence to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has the potential to be

Emphasizes inherent possibility, differing slightly in focusing on innate qualities.

is able to develop into

Highlights the developmental aspect, suggesting a process of growth and change.

can evolve into

Implies a gradual transformation, often suggesting adaptation or natural progression.

is apt to become

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination, differing in focusing on predisposition.

is likely to turn into

Indicates a high probability, differing in focusing on the likelihood of the change.

may transform into

Highlights a possible and potentially dramatic change.

could grow to be

Focuses on future growth and development, particularly over time.

is in a position to become

Emphasizes the current circumstances that enable future change, adding a situational aspect.

stands a chance of becoming

Indicates a possibility dependent on certain factors or opportunities, highlighting contingency.

is on track to become

Suggests that progress is being made towards a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "is capable of becoming" in a sentence?

Use "is capable of becoming" to describe the potential for something or someone to transform into something else. For instance, "This technology is capable of becoming a game-changer in the industry."

What are some alternatives to "is capable of becoming"?

You can use phrases like "has the potential to be", "is able to develop into", or "can evolve into" as alternatives depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was capable of becoming"?

Yes, "was capable of becoming" is correct when referring to a past ability or potential. For example, "He was capable of becoming a great athlete, but he chose a different path."

What's the difference between "is capable of becoming" and "is going to become"?

"Is capable of becoming" implies potential, while "is going to become" suggests a higher degree of certainty or intention. The first highlights ability, the second highlights a future state which is anticipated. Therefore, "is capable of becoming" may never eventuate, whereas "is going to become" is more sure.