is to be capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is to be capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability or potential to perform a certain action or task. Example: "The goal of this training program is to be capable of handling complex projects independently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Each center is to be capable of handling 40,000 job seekers over two years, the report says.

The New York Times

The aim is to be capable of choosing a maximum cutting tool radius that respects the tolerance interval.

Computer-Aided Design

Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian founder of the Steiner schools movement, wrote: "To be free is to be capable of thinking one's own thoughts – not the thoughts merely of the body, or of society, but thoughts generated by one's deepest, most original, most essential and spiritual self, one's individuality".

The Guardian - Film

What is right about it, in my view, is that to be an autonomous person is to be capable of having privileged access (in the two senses defined above) to information about your psychological profile — your hopes, dreams, beliefs and fears.

The New York Times

To be mortal is to be capable of dying (as opposed to going on and on and on), and therefore of having a beginning, middle and end, which is what sentences, narratives and arguments have: you start here and end there with the completed thought or story or conclusion (quod erat demonstrandum).

The New York Times

To dwell among the mortals is to be "capable of death as death" (Building Dwelling Thinking 352).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

In the 2001 strategy, the U.S. military was to be capable of conducting operations in four regions abroad -- Europe, the Middle East, the "Asian littoral" and Northeast Asia.

The Washington Post

If we are to be capable of knowing our obligations, they cannot be obligations which we cannot know that we have met when we have met them.

SEP

Additionally, it was to be capable of penetrating body armor.

Wikipedia

As specified, the aircraft was to be capable of reaching 670 km/h (417 mph).

Wikipedia

Additionally, it was to be capable of penetrating certain types of body armor.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is to be capable" when emphasizing the potential or intended ability of something or someone. For example, "The new software is to be capable of processing large datasets efficiently."

Common error

Avoid using "is to be capable" in simple sentences where "can" or "is able to" would be more concise and direct. For example, instead of "The machine is to be capable of lifting 100 kg", say "The machine can lift 100 kg."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is to be capable" functions as a modal construction expressing intended or designed ability. Ludwig AI shows it's often used to describe the intended functionality of systems, technologies, or individuals in future scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

42%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is to be capable" is a versatile phrase used to express the intended or designed ability of something or someone. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While useful, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where more direct alternatives like "can" or "is able to" are more appropriate. By understanding its nuances and considering the context, you can effectively use this phrase to communicate intended capabilities and design specifications. Alternatives such as "is able to", "has the capacity to", and "is equipped to" provide nuanced options for expressing ability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is able to

This alternative is more concise and directly expresses the ability to do something.

has the capacity to

This alternative highlights the potential or maximum limit of ability.

is equipped to

This alternative implies having the necessary tools or skills.

is in a position to

This alternative suggests having the necessary resources or authority.

is prepared to

This alternative indicates readiness and willingness.

is empowered to

This alternative highlights being given authority or power.

is qualified to

This alternative implies meeting specific criteria or standards.

is designed to

This alternative suggests a specific purpose or intended function.

is apt to

This alternative suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

is liable to

This alternative denotes a responsibility or potential negative consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "is to be capable" in a sentence?

Use "is to be capable" to emphasize potential or intended abilities. For example, "The new system is to be capable of handling increased traffic".

What are some alternatives to "is to be capable"?

Alternatives include "is able to", "is equipped to", or "has the capacity to" depending on the context.

When should I use "is to be capable" instead of "can"?

Use "is to be capable" when referring to a planned or designed capability, whereas "can" generally refers to a present ability. For example, "The device can measure temperature" vs. "The device is to be capable of measuring pressure as well".

Is there a difference between "is to be capable" and "is capable of"?

"Is capable of" describes a current ability, while "is to be capable" describes a future or intended capability. The slight transformation in meaning is given by the different usages of the verbs.