less capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reduced ability or competence in performing a task or function compared to someone or something else. Example: "After the accident, he felt less capable of handling the responsibilities at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Adoption agencies appear even less capable of self-examination.

The New York Times - Magazine

They had never looked less capable of winning.

The New York Times - Sports

They're less capable of puppet-mastering the whole scene".

The New York Times - Arts

He has never looked less capable of carrying them out.

The Economist

It's a myth that men are any less capable of being a full-time parent.

The Guardian

So why is the culture growing less and less capable of absorbing criticism without retribution?

The New Yorker

She was drunker than the rest of us, or less capable of hiding it.

The New Yorker

Do people seriously believe British women less capable of running their country than their European sisters?

The Guardian

These rats are twitchier and even less capable of settling down than typical rodents.

The New York Times

He seems ever less capable of managing his private office, let alone his party.

The Economist

But the Fusion Hybrid proved less capable of racking up the hypermile-type numbers (65 to 70 m.p.g).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "less capable of", ensure the context clearly defines the specific skill, task, or area where the reduced capability is evident. This adds clarity and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "less capable of" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. For example, instead of saying "He is less capable", specify "He is less capable than his peers in mathematics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less capable of" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes a noun or pronoun. It indicates a diminished capacity or ability in relation to a particular action or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less capable of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as an adjectival modifier, indicating a diminished ability or capacity. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and widespread usage. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to provide a clear comparison point to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "not as competent at" and "less proficient at", offering alternative ways to express reduced ability. The key is to ensure clarity and precision in your writing, specifying the area where the reduced capability is evident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as competent at

Replaces "capable" with "competent" and uses "at" instead of "of", changing the prepositional phrase while retaining the core meaning.

not as skilled in

Substitutes "capable" with "skilled" and uses "in" instead of "of", focusing on expertise or proficiency.

less proficient at

Replaces "capable" with "proficient", indicating a lower level of skill or expertise.

not as adept at

Uses "adept" instead of "capable", implying a lack of natural ability or skill.

less qualified for

Substitutes "capable" with "qualified", highlighting a lack of necessary qualifications or credentials.

not as equipped for

Replaces "capable" with "equipped", emphasizing a lack of resources or preparation.

less suited to

Uses "suited" instead of "capable", indicating a lack of compatibility or appropriateness.

not as effective in

Substitutes "capable" with "effective", focusing on a reduced ability to produce desired results.

diminished capacity for

Replaces the entire phrase with a noun phrase, emphasizing the reduced capacity or ability.

impaired ability to

Similar to the previous alternative, it uses a noun phrase to denote a compromised or weakened ability.

FAQs

How can I use "less capable of" in a sentence?

You can use "less capable of" to indicate a reduced ability or competence. For example, "Due to the injury, she is now "less capable of" performing strenuous activities."

What are some alternatives to "less capable of"?

Alternatives include "not as competent at", "less proficient at", or "not as skilled in", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less capable of"?

Yes, "less capable of" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a reduced ability or competence.

What is the difference between "less capable of" and "incapable of"?

"Less capable of" implies a reduced ability, while "incapable of" means completely lacking the ability to do something. "Less capable of" suggests a diminished capacity, whereas "incapable of" suggests an impossibility.