they are capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's ability or potential to do something. Example: "The team has shown that they are capable of achieving great results under pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And they are capable.

The New York Times

"And they are capable of enormous mobilizations".

The New York Times

They are capable of owning their futures.

The New York Times

They are capable of doing it".

The Guardian - Sport

But they are capable of violence.

The New York Times

"They are capable of moving on".

The Guardian - Sport

They are capable of voting, and they own their decisions.

The Guardian

"They are capable of replicating the Iraqi code," he said.

The Guardian

They have to show now what they are capable of".

The Guardian - Sport

And yet they are capable of extraordinary skill and dexterity.

The Guardian - Music

"You see in their eyes what they are capable of.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they are capable" when you want to express that a group or individuals possess the necessary skills, qualities, or resources to achieve a specific outcome. Ensure the context clearly defines what they are capable of doing.

Common error

Avoid using "they are capable" without specifying what the subject is capable of. For example, instead of just saying "they are capable", specify "they are capable of handling complex projects" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are capable" functions as an adjective phrase indicating the subject's inherent ability or potential. Ludwig's examples show that it is used to express that individuals or groups possess the necessary qualities, skills, or resources to achieve a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are capable" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that a group or individual possesses the necessary abilities, skills, or resources to achieve a specific outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, it's important to specify what the subject is capable of. Alternatives such as "they are able to" or "they possess the ability" offer similar meanings, but slightly different nuances. With a neutral register, "they are capable" fits well in professional and general discourse, marking it as a versatile and reliable phrase in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are able to

A more direct and simple synonym for capability.

they possess the ability

Replaces the adjective with a noun phrase, emphasizing the inherent ability.

they are competent

Emphasizes the required skills and abilities.

they have the potential

Focuses on unrealized possibility rather than current ability.

they are qualified

Stresses the fulfillment of necessary conditions or criteria.

they are equipped to

Highlights preparedness and resources for a task.

they are proficient

Focuses on advanced skill and expertise.

they are up to the task

Idiomatic expression indicating readiness and ability to handle a challenge.

they are equal to

Suggests the group being spoken of meets the requirements for a certain task.

they are ingenious

Highlights innovation and ability.

FAQs

What does "they are capable" mean?

The phrase "they are capable" means that a group or individuals have the ability, skill, or potential to do something. It suggests competence and the possession of necessary qualities or resources.

How can I use "they are capable" in a sentence?

You can use "they are capable" to describe someone's ability to perform a specific task or achieve a certain outcome. For example, "The team has shown that "they are capable" of achieving great results under pressure."

What can I say instead of "they are capable"?

You can use alternatives like "they are able to", "they possess the ability", or "they are competent" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "they are capable to" instead of "they are capable of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "capable" is "of". Therefore, the correct phrase is "they are capable of". Saying "they are capable to" is grammatically incorrect.