not very capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not very capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that lacks a certain level of ability or competence. Example: "While he tries his best, he is not very capable when it comes to handling complex tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"One soon saw that this instrument that was capable of achieving victory was not very capable of knowing what to do with its victory".

The Guardian

As a consequence, 'he was not very capable of thought.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And one of the reasons I'm excited about the future is technology, but it's always been a source of frustration to me that I'm not very technologically capable.

The Guardian - Tech

The method is not very much capable of reducing levels of other contaminants of health concern.

Applied Water Science

Limitations: The method is not very much capable of reducing levels of other contaminants of health concern.

Applied Water Science

"I was not a very capable partner.

BBC

Many programs require that you are not only very capable of speaking your own language but another or several others as well.

WikiHow

Low interest rates can't be both smart policy and evidence of corruption, just like Yellen can't be both "very capable" and a shameful Obama stooge.

The New Yorker

"Which isn't to say that he isn't very bright and very capable," Senator Amick added, although he voted against his confirmation.

The New York Times

But he was very competent, very capable, not egotistical".

The New Yorker

It is of note that the estimated mean VO2max of 48 mL02 min−1 kg−1, although not directly measured with respiratory gas analysis during maximum exercise test, is not very high for runners capable of completing an ultra-distance race of 78 km.

American Journal of Human Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very capable", consider the context and audience to determine if a more direct or nuanced phrase would be more appropriate. For instance, in formal settings, "lacking in ability" might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "not very capable" as a standalone critique without providing specific examples or areas of deficiency. Be specific about what the subject is not capable of to provide meaningful feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very capable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a lack of ability or skill. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates a moderate deficiency rather than complete inability. It is an analytical assessment of ability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not very capable" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe a moderate lack of ability or skill. Ludwig AI indicates that it is an expression which functions by modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of ability. It is relatively rare, but appears in diverse contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. When using the phrase, it's important to provide specific examples to avoid being overly vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat incompetent

Replaces descriptive phrase with a single adjective indicating a degree of incompetence.

lacking in ability

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the absence of ability.

not particularly skilled

Emphasizes a lack of specific skill rather than general capability.

rather inept

Employs a more direct and concise adjective to convey a similar meaning.

not up to par

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that someone or something doesn't meet the required standard.

deficient in competence

Adopts a more formal and technical tone, focusing on a lack of competence.

not quite adequate

Suggests that something or someone barely meets the minimum requirements.

falls short of expectations

Focuses on not meeting anticipated performance levels.

struggles with proficiency

Highlights the difficulty someone experiences in achieving proficiency.

performs poorly

Directly states a low level of performance.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "not very capable"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat incompetent", "lacking in ability", or "not particularly skilled" depending on the context.

How can I use "not very capable" in a sentence?

You can use "not very capable" to describe someone or something that lacks a certain level of ability or competence. For example: "While he tries his best, he is not very capable when it comes to handling complex tasks."

Is it better to say "not very capable" or "incapable"?

"Incapable" implies a complete lack of ability, while "not very capable" suggests a limited ability. Choose the term that accurately reflects the degree of capability.

What is the difference between "not very capable" and "not very competent"?

The phrases "not very capable" and "not very competent" are similar, but "capable" generally refers to potential ability, while "competent" refers to demonstrated skill. They can often be used interchangeably but consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.