is he capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is he capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to inquire about someone's ability or potential to perform a specific action or task. Example: "I wonder if he is capable of completing the project on time given the tight deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The question with Camby is not so much is he capable of playing effectively but rather is he capable of staying healthy.

The New York Times - Sports

Because I wanted to see, is he capable of giving it all as an actor?

The New York Times

Why is he capable of finding pleasure in his solitary game?

The New York Times - Books

It was at this point that I was sure I saw signs of McEnroe's... well, is he capable of whispering?

The New Yorker

Not only is he capable of turning the corner on passing downs, but he's also a staunch playside anchor against the run.

The New York Times

Aged 74 and in poor health, is he capable of taking decisions and the country forward, given the struggle for succession within his cabinet?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He is doing what he is capable of doing".

The New York Times - Sports

"I am afraid of what he is capable of".

The Guardian

He showed he is capable of strong decisions.

The Guardian

"Tonight was a glimpse of what he is capable of".

The Guardian - Sport

To say that he is capable of these things would imply that he is capable of doubt.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is he capable of", ensure the context clearly specifies the action or quality being assessed. For example, instead of "Is he capable?" use "Is he capable of leading the team?".

Common error

Avoid using "is he capable of" without a specific object or action, as it can lead to ambiguity. Always specify what capability you are questioning or asserting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is he capable of" functions as an interrogative phrase used to inquire about someone's ability, competence, or potential to perform a specific action or exhibit a certain quality. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

10%

Reference

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is he capable of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to inquire about someone's ability or potential. Ludwig confirms this. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. Alternatives include "is he able to" or "can he", depending on the desired level of formality. When using this phrase, it's essential to specify the action or quality being assessed to avoid ambiguity. Overall, "is he capable of" serves as a versatile tool for evaluating an individual's capacity in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Is he able to

Focuses on the general ability to do something, often interchangeable but slightly more straightforward.

Can he

A more concise and direct way to ask about someone's capability.

Does he have the capacity for

Emphasizes potential or inherent ability, suggesting a longer-term or more significant capability.

Is he equipped to

Highlights whether someone has the necessary resources or training for a task.

Is he up to

Indicates readiness or fitness for a specific challenge or task.

Is he competent to

Stresses the skills and knowledge necessary for a particular role or task.

Is he qualified to

Focuses on formal qualifications or certifications for a role.

Is he equal to

Suggests that he is matching a standard/expectation.

Has he got what it takes to

An informal way of asking if someone possesses the necessary qualities for success.

Is he suited for

This highlights the suitability of someone for a position.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is he capable of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "does he possess the capacity for", "is he equipped to", or "is he competent to" depending on the specific context.

What are some synonyms for "capable" in the phrase "is he capable of"?

Synonyms for "capable" include "able", "competent", "qualified", "equipped", and "fit". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference in meaning between "is he capable of" and "can he"?

While often interchangeable, "is he capable of" can suggest a deeper assessment of potential or inherent ability, whereas "can he" is a more direct and immediate inquiry about ability. Context matters in determining the best choice.

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

You can use "is he capable of" to ask if someone has the ability to do something, for example: "Is he capable of managing a large team?" or "Is he capable of understanding complex concepts?"