was capable of

USAGE SUMMARY

"was capable of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain someone's ability to do something. For example: "The doctor was capable of performing the surgery with minimal risk to the patient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I felt he was capable of it".

Independent

He was capable of grand jokes.

The New York Times - Arts

She was capable of warmth and joy.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I knew what I was capable of.

The New York Times - Sports

She was capable of surreal distinctions.

The New York Times - Books

He was capable of anything.

The Guardian

He was capable of dancing on pianos.

The Guardian - Music

More than I was capable of.

The New York Times - Arts

"She was capable of standing up.

The Guardian

Mr. Naipaul was capable of racism.

The New York Times - Books

And she actually was capable of magic.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was capable of" to clearly express someone's or something's inherent or demonstrated ability to perform a specific action or function. Ensure that the context provides a clear understanding of what they were able to do.

Common error

Avoid using "was capable of" in overly passive constructions that obscure who or what is performing the action. Reframe the sentence to highlight the active agent, making the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was capable of" functions as a predicate adjective modifying a subject. It asserts the subject's ability, competence, or potential to perform a specific action or exhibit a certain quality. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was capable of" is a versatile phrase used to denote past ability or potential, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a predicate adjective, commonly found in News & Media, Academic, and Wiki contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's essential to avoid passive voice overuse. Alternatives such as "was able to" or "had the ability to" can provide nuanced variations. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "was capable of" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was able to

Simple and direct synonym emphasizing ability.

was competent to

Highlights the adequacy and capability to perform a duty.

had the ability to

Emphasizes the inherent ability or skill possessed.

possessed the skill to

Emphasizes the specific skill required for a task.

was equipped to

Focuses on being properly prepared or outfitted to do something.

was equal to

Focuses on the equivalence in ability or strength.

was qualified for

Indicates the possession of necessary qualifications.

could handle

Highlights the capacity to manage or deal with something.

had what it takes to

Emphasizes possessing the necessary attributes or qualities.

was up to

Suggests being qualified or suitable for a task.

FAQs

How can I use "was capable of" in a sentence?

Use "was capable of" to indicate someone or something possessed the ability or potential to do something. For example, "The athlete "was capable of" winning the race".

What are some alternatives to "was capable of"?

Alternatives include "was able to", "had the ability to", or "could handle" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "was capable of" or "could"?

Both "was capable of" and "could" can express ability, but "was capable of" often implies a proven ability or potential demonstrated at a specific time. "Could" is more general. For example, "She "was capable of" solving the problem" suggests she demonstrated that ability, while "She could solve the problem" indicates a general potential.

What does "was capable of" imply about past ability?

"Was capable of" implies that at a certain time in the past, someone or something possessed the necessary qualities or skills to achieve a specific outcome. It highlights a past potential or demonstrated ability.