you are capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "you are capable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to affirm someone's abilities or potential in various contexts, such as encouragement or motivation. Example: "I believe in you; you are capable of achieving great things if you put your mind to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It shows you are capable".

The New York Times - Sports

I think you are capable of extraordinary change.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It matters if you are capable of running things well," Mr. Yu said.

The New York Times - Arts

His manner, when questioned, was: "Well, that's all you are capable of – get on with it".

The Guardian - Sport

Roberts also emphasised being realistic in the job-hunt, and knowing what you are capable of.

The Guardian

"It was a moral obligation to do what you are capable of doing.

The Guardian - Books

And then you realise that you are capable, you can be independent.

The Guardian

You are capable of love, and so need not despair of insignificance.

The New York Times

You are capable of checking yourselves!" He glanced at his watch.

The New Yorker

● You are capable of socializing normally but need to monitor what you eat and drink.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

This reminds the faculty that you are capable of getting funded.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow the phrase with the preposition "of" and a gerund (verb ending in -ing) to specify an action, such as "you are capable of winning".

Common error

Avoid following the phrase with an infinitive verb (to + verb). While you can say "you are able to do", it is ungrammatical to say "you are capable to do". Always use "of" followed by the gerund form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "you are capable" functions as a declarative statement where the subject "you" is linked by the copula verb "are" to the predicative adjective "capable". According to Ludwig, this structure serves to attribute a quality of power, skill or potential to the subject. It is often used as the main clause in complex sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "you are capable" is a robust and highly frequent expression in English that affirms an individual's potential or proficiency. Ludwig AI highlights its strong presence in both journalistic and educational writing, proving it to be a reliable choice for various registers. The most critical usage rule identified by Ludwig is its prepositional requirement: it should be followed by "of" and a gerund rather than an infinitive. Whether used in a motivational speech or a job performance review, it remains a powerful tool for defining human capacity and encouraging excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

you're capable

Uses a contraction for a more conversational and informal tone

you have the ability

Shifts the focus to an inherent power or specific skill set

you possess the potential

Focuses on future possibility rather than current state

you are competent

Emphasizes technical adequacy and reliable performance

you are qualified

Suggests having formal credentials or meeting prerequisites

you are proficient

Implies a higher level of mastery or advanced expertise

you are skilled

Attributes the capability to learned techniques and practice

you have what it takes

A more idiomatic and motivational way to express readiness

you are up to the task

Connects the capability directly to a specific challenge

you are equal to the challenge

Formal expression suggesting one's strength matches the difficulty

FAQs

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

You can use synonyms like "you have the ability", "you are competent" or "you are qualified" depending on whether you want to emphasize potential or skill.

Is "you are capable" followed by "to" or "of"?

In standard English, it is always followed by "of". For example, use "you are capable of achieving" rather than "capable to achieve".

When should I use "you're capable" instead?

The contraction "you're capable" is ideal for informal speech, emails and motivational dialogue, whereas the full version is preferred in formal writing.

What is the difference between being capable and being able?

Being "capable" often implies having the underlying potential or power, whereas being "you are able" suggests the immediate physical or situational capacity to do something.