to be capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be capable of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something's ability or capacity to do something. Example: Sarah's hard work and determination allowed her to be capable of achieving her dream of becoming a doctor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is he going to be capable of offering any more?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They are supposed to be capable of 125 an hour.

The New York Times

I was known to be capable of being outspoken.

The Guardian

They're not designed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

The New Yorker

The fictionalist has to be capable of tsimtsum.

The New Yorker

Only two women are thought to be capable of it.

The New Yorker

We should help people to be capable of being healthy.

Independent

I seem to be capable of doing it myself.

The New York Times - Magazine

As we're no longer supposed to be capable of authentically altruistic feelings, we're not supposed to be capable of writing about anyone but ourselves.

The New York Times - Books

In future, the assessment framework will need to be capable of greater sophistication.

The Guardian

A team has to be constructed to be capable of winning games that are low scoring.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be capable of" when you want to emphasize an inherent or demonstrated ability. For instance, "The software is capable of handling large datasets" conveys a specific feature of the software.

Common error

Avoid using "to be capable of" when a more active voice would be clearer and more direct. Instead of "Mistakes are capable of being made", try "Anyone can make mistakes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be capable of" functions as an adjective phrase describing the ability or potential of a subject to perform an action or possess a quality. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing skills, characteristics, or functionalities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

37%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be capable of" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for expressing ability or potential. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical structure is correct, and it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news & media and scientific writing. When using this phrase, remember to consider the level of formality appropriate for your audience and context, and avoid passive constructions for clearer communication. By understanding its nuances and potential alternatives, you can enhance your writing and convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be able to

A direct synonym focusing on the inherent ability to perform an action.

to have the ability to

Emphasizes the possession of a skill or inherent capacity.

to be equipped to

Highlights that someone or something has the necessary resources or qualifications.

to be competent to

Focuses on the required level of skill or knowledge.

to be in a position to

Indicates the right circumstances or situation that enables an action.

to have what it takes to

Implies possession of the necessary qualities or characteristics.

to be qualified to

Highlights the formal requirements or certifications needed.

to be equal to

Focuses on being adequate or sufficient for a particular task.

to be up to

Indicates that someone or something is suitable or adequate for the task.

to be apt to

Suggests a natural tendency or inclination towards a particular action.

FAQs

How can I use "to be capable of" in a sentence?

Use "to be capable of" to indicate that someone or something has the ability or capacity to do something. For example, "She is "to be capable of" handling complex tasks".

What are some alternatives to "to be capable of"?

You can use alternatives such as "to be able to", "to have the ability to", or "to be equipped to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "to be capable of" and "to be able to"?

While both phrases express ability, "to be capable of" often suggests a higher degree of skill or inherent capacity, whereas "to be able to" simply indicates the possibility of doing something.

Which is more formal, "to be capable of" or "to be able to"?

"To be capable of" generally sounds more formal and professional than "to be able to". Choose the phrase that best suits the tone and context of your writing.