not as capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not as capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the abilities or skills of one person or thing to another, indicating a lesser degree of capability. Example: "While the new software is user-friendly, it is not as capable as the previous version in handling complex tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

That has led to speculation that Sehorn is not as capable physically.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe GCHQ is not as capable as its now-leaked boasts claim: every public body has a budget to protect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Girls, however, were not as capable as boys in their retrieval of answers to arithmetic problems from memory.

Contemporary Educational Psychology

As we sit here today, we are not as capable and knowledgeable as lawyers, doctors, and CEOs; but, we do have unlimited potential.

The New York Times

I was not as kindhearted and gracious as Jo Ann, not as fearless as my mother, not as capable and independent as Maryellen.

The New York Times - Books

It's very inconvenient when the Conservatives are not as capable as the capitalists of New Labour, that Osborne is worse than Darling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

He cited studies showing that mixed-gender units aren't as capable as all-male units.

The Guardian

You could also try Siri on an iPhone, but it isn't as capable.

The Guardian - Tech

There was nothing in her that made me think girls weren't as capable of anger the way boys were.

The New York Times

And with a third successive drop in A-level pass rates, the only logical conclusion is that students just aren't as capable as they used to be.

The Guardian

Streaming video playback for both Amazon and Netflix was problem-free, though the video player wasn't as capable as the one I use on other mobile devices running the Android operating system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not as capable" to avoid overly negative language. It offers a more nuanced comparison than simply stating incompetence.

Common error

Avoid using "not as capable" without a clear comparison. The phrase implies a comparison, so ensure you specify what the subject is less capable than. For example, instead of saying "He's not as capable", specify "He's not as capable as his predecessor in managing large projects."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not as capable" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a subject as having a lesser degree of ability or skill compared to another, as shown by Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms it's acceptable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not as capable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s perfectly acceptable in written English. It serves to express a relative lack of ability, implying a comparison between two subjects. The phrase enjoys broad applicability across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. While "not as capable" is commonly used, it's important to be specific about what the subject is less capable in to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less competent

Replaces "capable" with "competent", implying a lower degree of skill or effectiveness.

not quite as skilled

Emphasizes the skill aspect of capability, suggesting a slight difference in proficiency.

not as proficient

Similar to "not as skilled" but focuses on the level of expertise.

not as effective

Focuses on the outcome or result, indicating a lower degree of success in achieving a goal.

somewhat inadequate

Suggests a deficiency or shortfall in meeting requirements or expectations.

not up to par

An idiomatic expression meaning not meeting the required standard or level.

falls short of

Indicates a failure to reach a certain level or expectation.

lacks the ability

Directly states the absence of a specific skill or capacity.

not fully equipped

Implies a lack of necessary resources, knowledge, or training.

not cut out for

Suggests someone is not naturally suited or prepared for a particular task or role.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the expression "not as capable"?

You can use alternatives like "less competent", "not quite as skilled", or "somewhat inadequate" depending on the context.

What does it mean to say someone is "not as capable"?

Saying someone is "not as capable" means they have a lower degree of skill, ability, or effectiveness compared to someone or something else. It implies a comparison of capabilities.

Is it appropriate to use "not as capable" in formal writing?

Yes, "not as capable" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider using more precise language depending on the specific context, such as "less proficient" or "not as effective".

Which is more correct: "not as capable as" or "not so capable as"?

"Not as capable as" is generally preferred in modern English. While "not so capable as" is grammatically correct, it sounds more formal and is less commonly used.