was capable of creating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was capable of creating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's ability or potential to produce or generate something in the past. Example: "The scientist was capable of creating groundbreaking research that changed the field of medicine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

But this year's extended Oscar race was capable of creating drama under its own momentum, thank you very much.

The New York Times

Speaking at an exhibition of his work in Berlin five months ago, Mr. Kempowski said he never could have imagined that life "was capable of creating such magnificence".

The New York Times - Arts

Although Macbeth showed that Nunn was capable of creating up-close psychological intensity – something also demonstrated by his 1987 version of Othello, with McKellen opposite Willard White – it was at the RSC that he began to search for broader canvases.

The Guardian

The creator of the Vitruvian Man was one of the last great visionaries for whom the distinction between "art" and "science" was meaningless, and so he was capable of creating one of the last great bestiaries in the medieval tradition.

The Guardian - Books

The development of the Linux operating system proved that a community of like-minded peers was capable of creating a better product than a corporate behemoth such as Microsoft.

Independent

The Earl of Onslow agreed, noting: "If Jesus Christ exists, and if Jesus Christ in his Godlike form was capable of creating the universe, then he could quite easily hack the bit of leftwing obscurantism and b-mindedness that writes things such as Jerry Springer: The Opera.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Active models are capable of creating deeper, louder bass tones.

The New York Times - Tech

If we play like this we are capable of creating chances against any team".

Independent

Every player on the court for Baylor is capable of creating offense and scoring.

The New York Times

It converts this isotope into fissionable uranium-233, which is capable of creating a chain reaction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tourist attractions and sports facilities, many of which are capable of creating lots of new jobs, could stay open later to boost their business.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was capable of creating", ensure that the context clearly indicates what was being created and the specific abilities or resources that enabled the creation.

Common error

Avoid overstating the capability. "Was capable of creating" implies a potential or past ability, not necessarily a guarantee of successful creation or ongoing competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was capable of creating" functions as a descriptive element within a sentence, highlighting a subject's inherent or developed ability to produce something. Ludwig examples show how this phrase is used to express the potential or demonstrated skill in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was capable of creating" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe past abilities or potential for creation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from diverse sources like news outlets and scientific journals, indicating its versatility. While relatively common, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the context clearly defines what was being created and avoiding overstatements of capability. Alternatives like "had the ability to create" or "possessed the power to create" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had the ability to create

Replaces "capable" with "ability", emphasizing the inherent skill or talent.

possessed the power to create

Substitutes "capable" with "power", suggesting influence or authority in the creation process.

was equipped to create

Focuses on having the necessary tools or resources for creation.

had what it takes to create

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing the required qualities or skills for creation.

was equal to the task of creating

Highlights competence and suitability for the creative challenge.

was in a position to create

Indicates having the opportunity or circumstances to create.

was able to bring into existence

Emphasizes the act of causing something to exist.

could bring about the creation of

Highlights the potential to initiate or cause the creation of something.

was instrumental in creating

Suggests a key role or influence in the creative process.

managed to create

Emphasizes accomplishment or success in creation, possibly overcoming obstacles.

FAQs

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

Use "was capable of creating" to describe someone or something's ability or potential to produce or generate something in the past. For example: "The artist "was capable of creating" stunning masterpieces."

What are some alternatives to "was capable of creating"?

You can use alternatives like "had the ability to create", "possessed the power to create", or "was equipped to create" depending on the specific context.

Is "was capable of creating" formal or informal?

"Was capable of creating" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What's the difference between "was capable of creating" and "created"?

"Was capable of creating" implies a potential or ability, while "created" indicates that the action of creating actually occurred. For instance, "The inventor "was capable of creating" a new device" suggests they had the skill, but "The inventor created a new device" means they actually did it.