it was capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's or something's ability to perform a task or function in the past. Example: "The old computer was capable of running several programs simultaneously, despite its age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The BBC challenged its makers to prove it was capable of doing what they said.

BBC

MCF-7 does have copy number abnormalities, which shows that at some point in its transformation to cancer, it was capable of endogenous chromosomal amplification.

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

The Queensland government said its greyhound industry should not be shut down because it was "capable of reform".

The Guardian

Because this primordial matter could not dilute, because its density remained nearly the same as it grew larger, it was capable of explosive, exponential growth.

Huffington Post

Those of us who wrote for sites at the height of the tool's power know it was capable of driving a tremendous amount of traffic in its prime.

TechCrunch

The republic had proved it was capable of managing democratic transitions of power.

The Guardian

Pressure mounted on the bank to show it was capable of reform and becoming more transparent.

The Guardian

In doing so, it was capable of generating alarmingly detailed dreamscapes from scratch.

The Guardian - Tech

I meant to say that it was capable of firing forty-five rounds a minute.

The New Yorker

The radiated heat alone was so fierce it was capable of killing people 400 metres away.

The Guardian

It was capable of walking, though less efficiently and probably at an awkward gait.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was capable", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "It was capable of great speed", specify, "The new engine was capable of great speed".

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject performing the action is unclear. Instead of passively stating "It was capable of being upgraded", actively state "The system was capable of being upgraded by the user."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was capable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's ability or potential in the past. Ludwig AI's examples showcase its versatility, from describing a government's ability to manage transitions to a machine's ability to feel emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Tech

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was capable" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express past ability or potential. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers numerous examples across various contexts, from news to science. While generally neutral in register, writers should ensure clarity and avoid passive voice constructions. Consider alternatives like "it was able to" or "it had the ability to" for subtle shifts in emphasis. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "it was capable" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was able to

A simpler and more direct way of expressing past capability.

it had the ability to

Replaces "capable" with "ability", focusing on the inherent power to do something.

it possessed the capacity to

Emphasizes the potential or room for something to happen or be done.

it was equipped to

Suggests that something had the necessary tools or resources.

it was competent to

Highlights the sufficiency of skills or knowledge for a task.

it was in a position to

Highlights the circumstances that allowed something to be done.

it was empowered to

Implies that something was given the authority or power to act.

it was designed to

Focuses on the intended purpose or function for which something was created.

it was suited to

Indicates that something was particularly well-matched or appropriate for a specific purpose.

it had what it took to

An idiomatic expression indicating that something had the necessary qualities for success.

FAQs

How can I use "it was capable" in a sentence?

Use "it was capable" to describe the past ability of something or someone to perform a specific action. For example, "The old computer "it was capable" of running basic programs", or "The athlete "it was capable" of winning the race".

What are some alternatives to "it was capable"?

Alternatives include "it was able to", "it had the ability to", or "it possessed the capacity to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between saying "it was capable of" and "it was able to"?

While similar, "it was capable of" often suggests a more inherent or designed ability, whereas "it was able to" can imply that external circumstances allowed the action. For instance, "The car "it was capable" of reaching high speeds" (design), versus "The car "it was able to" reach the destination because the roads were clear" (circumstance).

When is it better to use "it had the ability to" instead of "it was capable of"?

"It had the ability to" emphasizes the presence of a skill or inherent trait, whereas ""it was capable" of" focuses on the potential or possibility arising from that ability. For example, "The software "it had the ability to" process large amounts of data" (emphasizing a designed feature), versus "The software "it was capable" of handling the increased traffic" (emphasizing handling the specific event).