quite capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite capable" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that someone has the necessary skills or abilities to do something well. Example: My boss is quite capable of handling difficult situations with ease.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She looks quite capable".

The New York Times - Arts

He's quite capable of winning gold".

Independent

Students are quite capable of creating legal districting plans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"In technological terms, we are quite capable of this.

The Guardian - Books

The students proved quite capable of defending themselves Tuesday.

The Washington Post

And he is quite capable of doing that.

The New York Times - Sports

Something she is quite capable of doing by herself.

The Guardian

But she was quite capable of hyperbole and exaggeration.

The New York Times

Coloradans are quite capable of making up their own minds".

The New York Times

But they too are quite capable of surprising us.

The New York Times

The Iraqi combat forces are quite capable of internal defense".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite capable" to express a moderate level of competence or ability. It implies that someone or something is adequately skilled or equipped for a particular task or situation, but not necessarily exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "quite capable" when describing someone or something that is exceptionally skilled or powerful. Instead, opt for stronger adjectives like "highly skilled", "extremely proficient", or "exceptionally powerful" to convey a higher degree of ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite capable" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its ability or competence. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite capable" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a moderate level of competence or ability. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s grammatically correct and widely accepted in various contexts. While “quite capable” is suitable for many situations, consider stronger adjectives like "highly competent" or "perfectly competent" when describing exceptional skill. Remember to avoid redundancy and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey for best impact. Its frequency across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its reliability in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fully able

Suggests complete capacity and readiness, implying fewer limitations than "quite capable".

perfectly competent

Indicates a high level of efficiency and skill, suggesting a more complete mastery than "quite capable".

highly competent

Indicates a superior level of skill and proficiency compared to simply being "quite capable".

exceedingly competent

Expresses a particularly high level of skill and effectiveness.

very skilled

Emphasizes the possession of expertise and talent, suggesting a higher degree of mastery than "quite capable".

decidedly proficient

Emphasizes skill and expertise with a sense of certainty.

eminently qualified

Highlights the possession of the necessary qualifications and experience, focusing on suitability for a particular role or task and is slightly more formal.

thoroughly adept

Stresses expertise and dexterity in a particular area, denoting greater skill than being "quite capable".

demonstrably capable

Implies that someone's capability has been proven or is easily seen.

remarkably talented

Highlights a notable natural ability, focusing on innate skill more than acquired competence.

FAQs

How can I use "quite capable" in a sentence?

You can use "quite capable" to describe someone or something that possesses the necessary skills or abilities to perform a task adequately. For example, "She is "quite capable" of handling this project on her own."

What are some alternatives to saying "quite capable"?

Alternatives include "fully able", "highly competent", or "perfectly competent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "quite capable enough"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "enough" after "quite capable" is often redundant. "Quite capable" already implies a sufficient level of ability.

What is the difference between "quite capable" and "very capable"?

"Quite capable" suggests a moderate level of competence, whereas "very capable" implies a higher degree of skill and ability. The choice depends on the specific context and the level of proficiency you want to emphasize.