within his capabilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within his capabilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tasks or actions that someone is able to perform based on their skills or abilities. Example: "The project was challenging, but it was well within his capabilities to complete it successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Though he fell short once again, he reinforced that the feat was well within his capabilities.

The New York Times - Sports

Ackroyd recently said that he works on history in the mornings, biography in the afternoons and fiction at night, and while this book is suffused with his intelligence and learning, it's comfortably within his capabilities.

The Guardian - Books

This most basic gesture is well within his capabilities – the Green family recently acquired a private jet and another luxurious yacht for a cool £146m – and would restore a sense of justice for those 20,000 workers whose pensions are at risk.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Just about anything in the game is within his capabilities.

BBC

Sutton already rates the Cardiff-born rider as "one of Wales' greatest sportsmen of all time" and believes a Tour de France victory is well within his capabilities.

BBC

His defining characteristics as a coach - relentless hard work, sensational man-management, an attention to critical detail on a par with Sir Dave Brailsford  in cycling or Sir Clive Woodward  in rugby union - make that both an alluringly novel challenge for him and within his capabilities.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

And this task is within his capability.

The New York Times - Arts

Sam Groth's serve, Thanasi Kokkinakis's raw talent and Lleyton Hewitt's vast experience make all of those players potentially more dangerous than their rankings suggest, but Smith knows a place in the final is within his team's capabilities.

BBC

With the advent of electronic satellite navigation systems and such conveyances as bow and stern thrusters, which enhance close-quarters handling, Leishman said that his boats were within the capabilities of most anyone to operate.

The New York Times - Sports

On 3 June 1971 he outlined his vision of a limited war: I want us to plan [the offensive] within our capabilities, nothing more.

Wikipedia

1. Maximizing current output within existing capabilities.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "within his capabilities" to clearly communicate that a task aligns with someone's skills or resources. This phrasing avoids ambiguity and sets realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something is "within his capabilities" without a clear understanding of his actual skill set and available resources. Overestimation can lead to project failure and frustration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within his capabilities" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe the extent of someone's abilities or resources. As noted by Ludwig AI, it correctly indicates that a particular action or task aligns with a person's skills and potential.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within his capabilities" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating that a task or action is achievable based on someone's skills or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread acceptance. While more formal options like "within his capacity" or "within his skill set" exist, "within his capabilities" remains a versatile and widely understood choice. Remember to use it when assessing whether a task realistically aligns with an individual's potential, avoiding overestimation and ensuring clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within his capacity

Replaces 'capabilities' with 'capacity', focusing on the amount someone can handle.

within his skill set

Emphasizes skills as the defining factor of what someone can do.

he is capable of

Rephrases the sentence to focus on his inherent ability.

within his power

Highlights the ability to influence or control a situation.

he has the ability to

Highlights the possession of a specific ability.

within his reach

Focuses on achievability and accessibility.

he is equipped to

Suggests having the necessary tools or training.

within his means

Relates to resources available to someone.

something he is able to do

A more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

he can handle

Focuses on the ability to manage or deal with something.

FAQs

How can I use "within his capabilities" in a sentence?

You can use "within his capabilities" to describe tasks or actions that someone is able to perform because they have the necessary skills, resources, or power. For example, "Completing the project on time was well "within his capabilities"."

What's a good alternative to "within his capabilities"?

Alternatives include "within his capacity", "within his skill set", or "within his reach", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "within his capabilities" or "he can do it"?

"Within his capabilities" is generally more formal and professional than "he can do it". The former is suitable for business or academic contexts, while the latter is more appropriate for informal conversations.

Can "within his capabilities" be used for inanimate objects or systems?

While primarily used for people, "within its capabilities" can describe what a system or object is designed or able to do. For instance, "The software upgrade is "within its capabilities", enhancing its performance."