the most capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the most capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that possesses the highest level of ability or competence in a particular area. Example: "Among all the candidates, she proved to be the most capable of leading the project to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ADF has probably the most capable air and naval capabilities in the South-East Asia region.

Wikipedia

Who seems the most capable?

The New Yorker

But the commercial hackers aren't necessarily the most capable.

The Guardian - Tech

Seek out the most capable competitors as motivators.

Harvard Business Review

The most capable troops to hand are those of NATO.

The Economist

After finding the "most capable" GPU, ignore FLOPS in deciding what GPUs are equivalent to it.

University of California, Berkeley

They lead a crew that is the most capable and innovative we have ever had.

Cornell University

If set, use GPUs even if they're not equivalent to the most capable one.

University of California, Berkeley

In reality, Mr. Ahmadinejad may be the most capable of standing up to Tehran's hard-liners.

The New York Times

"It's a sign that we haven't got the most capable people at work on this".

The Guardian

Ground forces are necessary to win this fight and ours are the most capable".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the most capable" when you want to emphasize the highest degree of ability or competence in a particular field or situation. Ensure the context clearly defines what 'capable' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "the most capable" in purely subjective situations where capability cannot be objectively measured. Instead, opt for phrases that reflect personal opinions or preferences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the most capable" functions as a superlative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses the highest degree of capability compared to others. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe individuals, teams, or entities with exceptional abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the most capable" is a versatile phrase used to denote the highest level of competence or ability. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse domains, from news and media to academia and science. While alternatives like "the most skilled" or "the most competent" offer similar meanings, "the most capable" provides a specific emphasis on inherent ability and potential. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the scope of capability being referenced and avoid overuse in subjective contexts. The source authority is reasonably high and it appears very often.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most skilled

Focuses on acquired proficiency, rather than inherent ability.

the most competent

Highlights the possession of necessary skills and knowledge.

the most proficient

Emphasizes expertise in a specific area.

the most adept

Suggests a high level of skill and dexterity.

the most qualified

Stresses formal qualifications or certifications.

the most talented

Implies a natural aptitude or gift.

the most accomplished

Highlights achievements and successes.

the best equipped

Focuses on possessing the necessary tools or resources.

the top performer

Emphasizes superior performance in a specific context.

the leading expert

Highlights specialized knowledge and authority.

FAQs

How can I use "the most capable" in a sentence?

You can use "the most capable" to describe someone or something that possesses the highest degree of ability or competence. For example, "She is "the most capable" engineer on the team."

What are some alternatives to "the most capable"?

Alternatives include "the most skilled", "the most competent", or "the most qualified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When should I use "the most capable" versus "the best"?

"The most capable" emphasizes ability and competence, while "the best" is a more general term for overall superiority. Use "the most capable" when you want to specifically highlight someone's skill or expertise in a particular area.

Is it redundant to say "the most capable person"?

While "capable" inherently refers to people, specifying "person" can add emphasis or clarity in certain contexts. However, in many cases, ""the most capable"" alone is sufficient.