is capable of being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is capable of being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the potential or ability of something to undergo a certain action or state. Example: "The software is capable of being updated remotely, allowing for easier maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But one of the things Escriva said is that every human being is capable of being a saint.

Huffington Post

Is she the only woman in Hollywood who is capable of being the voice of an animated female character?

Huffington Post

This team is capable of being more ruthless than this.

The Guardian - Sport

Being matter it is capable of being photographed.

The New Yorker

"This is a young man who is capable of being redeemed," Coombs said.

The Guardian

One of its minor revelations was that Trump is capable of being boring.

The New Yorker

He is as humble as he is capable of being about his own role.

The New York Times

Do you think that he is or is capable of being a dangerous demagogue?

The New Yorker

"But when everyone is capable of being a publisher, the state has far less control".

The New York Times

Law has become a political space for women that is capable of being used as an engine of change.

The Guardian

And despite a seemingly permanent disposition towards being underwhelmed, he is capable of being extremely self-deprecating and funny.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is capable of being" to convey a sense of potential or inherent ability. This phrase works well when highlighting that something possesses the necessary qualities or conditions to exist or transform into something else. It is particularly useful in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is capable of being" when a simpler phrase like "can be" or "is able to be" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose, especially in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is capable of being" functions as a modal expression indicating possibility or potential. It specifies that a subject possesses the inherent ability or qualities necessary to exist or transform into something else, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is capable of being" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes the potential or inherent ability of something to exist or transform into a certain state. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse in simple contexts where alternatives like "can be" or "is able to be" suffice. It is frequently found in news, scientific reports, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When aiming to highlight an inherent ability, particularly in descriptive or explanatory texts, "is capable of being" serves as a precise and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be

Replaces "is capable of being" with a simpler, more direct expression of possibility.

is able to be

Similar in meaning but slightly more formal than "can be".

has the potential to be

Emphasizes the possibility or potential for something to develop into a certain state.

is susceptible to being

Highlights vulnerability or likelihood of undergoing a specific experience.

is liable to be

Suggests a probability or tendency for something to occur or exist.

is designed to be

Focuses on the intended purpose or function of something to exist in a particular way.

is apt to be

Implies a natural tendency or inclination towards a particular state.

is inclined to be

Similar to "is apt to be", suggesting a predisposition.

is in a position to be

Highlights the circumstances that allow for something to happen or exist.

is fit to be

Highlights suitability or qualification for a particular role or state of existence.

FAQs

What does "is capable of being" mean?

The phrase "is capable of being" means that something has the potential or ability to exist in a certain state or to undergo a particular action.

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

You can use "is capable of being" to describe the potential or inherent ability of something. For example: "The software "is capable of being updated" remotely."

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

Alternatives include "can be", "is able to be", or "has the potential to be". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it better to use "is capable of being" over "can be"?

Use "is capable of being" when you want to emphasize the inherent ability or potential, particularly in formal contexts. "Can be" is generally more concise and suitable for everyday use. For example, "The system "is capable of being scaled" to meet future demands" sounds more formal than "The system "can be scaled"."