remain capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "remain capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of continuing to have the ability or capacity to do something. Example: "Despite the challenges, the team will remain capable of meeting the project deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

WASHINGTON A new National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq cites significant security improvements and progress toward healing sectarian political rifts, but concludes that security remains fragile and terrorist groups remain capable of initiating large attacks, several American government officials said this week.

The New York Times

Royal de Luxe operate on the grandest scale, yet remain capable of intimate detail.

The Guardian

Some of those units remain capable of carrying out a military operation, the officer said.

The Washington Post

"The conclusion of tunnel boring reminds us that New Yorkers remain capable of great achievements".

The New York Times

"America's armed forces remain capable" of achieving the military goals of the Clinton administration, the report stated.

The New York Times

They suffer without voices, and, thankfully, despite everything that's happened to me, I remain capable of telling their stories.

The Guardian - Arts

Whatever the actual number, the latest attacks suggest that the guerrillas, though scattered, remain capable of disruptive actions.

The New York Times

Their favourites are still the good old petrol and diesel engines, which remain capable of further improvement.

The Economist

None of these three people are particularly likable, but they all seem worthy of sympathy, in part because they remain capable of showing it.

The New York Times

It is clear, however, that the militants remain capable of bloodshed.The army has promised an unforgiving offensive now that the amnesty has expired.

The Economist

For drivers with short commutes, these plug-in hybrids can go months between visits to a gas station, yet remain capable of long-distance travel when needed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remain capable" to emphasize the continuation of an ability despite potential challenges or changes.

Common error

Avoid combining "remain capable" with past tense verbs that contradict its meaning. For instance, "they remained were capable" is incorrect; use "they remained capable" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remain capable" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's ongoing state of having a particular ability or capacity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies the continuation of a specific skill or potential. Examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "remain capable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, meaning to continue possessing an ability or capacity. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. It is particularly common in News & Media and Science, and its function is to emphasize the ongoing nature of a skill or potential. While alternatives like "stay competent" or "continue to be able" exist, "remain capable" is useful for emphasizing resilience over time. It’s important to avoid misusing the phrase with contradictory past tense verbs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay competent

Emphasizes maintaining a satisfactory level of skill or knowledge.

continue to be able

Highlights the ongoing nature of possessing the ability to do something.

retain the capacity

Focuses on keeping the inherent ability or power to perform a task.

maintain the potential

Stresses the preservation of future possibility or aptitude.

hold onto the skill

Highlights the effort to not lose a specific expertise.

keep up the talent

Emphasizes maintaining a natural aptitude or gift.

preserve the faculty

Focuses on safeguarding an inherent mental or physical power.

sustain the proficiency

Highlights the act of keeping a high degree of competence or expertise active.

stay effective

Emphasizes the continuous ability to produce a desired or intended result.

endure in competence

Highlights the ability to last or remain in a state of competence.

FAQs

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

You can use "remain capable" to indicate that someone or something continues to possess a particular ability or capacity. For example, "Despite the budget cuts, the department will "remain capable" of providing essential services".

What are some alternatives to "remain capable"?

Alternatives to "remain capable" include "stay competent", "continue to be able", or "retain the capacity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "remain capable" or "still capable"?

Both "remain capable" and "still capable" are acceptable, but "remain capable" often implies a continuation of ability despite circumstances that might suggest otherwise. "Still capable" simply indicates that the ability persists to the present time. Consider using "remain capable" when emphasizing resilience or endurance.

What does "remain capable of" mean?

"Remain capable of" means to continue having the ability or capacity to do something. It suggests that this ability has been present for some time and persists. For instance, "The old engine may "remain capable" of short bursts of speed, but it is no longer reliable for long journeys."