'Capable of Doing' or 'Capable to Do'? Which One Is Correct? | Mastering Grammar

(Last Updated: 6 May 2025)

Capable of Doing or Capable to Do: Which One Is Correct?

The adjective capable is not followed by an infinitive (to + base verb). Instead, we use the pattern capable of doing something:

✅ She is capable of learning multiple languages simultaneously.
❌ She is capable to learn multiple languages simultaneously.

✅ Despite his age, he is still capable of running five kilometres every morning.
❌ Despite his age, he is still capable to run five kilometres every morning.

✅ The new software is capable of processing large amounts of data in seconds.
❌ The new software is capable to process large amounts of data in seconds.

✅ The virus is capable of spreading rapidly in crowded places.
❌ The virus is capable to spread rapidly in crowded places.

The entry for the adjective capable in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

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Examples from the Media

A U.S. submarine capable of launching nuclear ballistic missiles arrived in South Korea on Tuesday for the first time in four decades, the latest effort by Washington to boost South Koreans' trust in its commitment to defending the country against North Korea. —The New York Times (2023)

These are true medical emergencies and it is what I'm trained to do, something that only a very few of us in society are capable of doing. —Toronto Star (2023)

The ultimate goal, according to some researchers, is to create an AI capable of processing information in all the ways a human can. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2023)

The general also said that Britain could only claim to be one of Nato's leaders if it could muster a military capable of fighting anywhere around the world and under any circumstances. —Daily Mail (2023)

Real-World Examples of Misuse

1. The others implies a specific group, whereas others is more general and fits better in this context.
2. The correct expression is be able to, which should be followed by a verb in its base form (motivate). The original phrase be able in motivating is grammatically incorrect.
3. The definite article the suggests that the characteristics are specific, predefined traits. Omitting it allows the sentence to refer to characteristics in a more general sense.
4. Removing the generalises the statement to any leaders. This change helps maintain consistency with the earlier, non-specific reference to leaders.
5. The correct expression is capable of, which should be followed by a gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun). The original phrase capable in providing is grammatically incorrect.
6. Providing directions can suggest giving specific instructions or orders, whereas providing direction implies a broader sense of guiding or leading, which is more appropriate in the context of leadership qualities.
7. The original use of the is not grammatically incorrect, but omitting it here does not change the meaning and makes the sentence slightly more concise. This is because decision-making powers can be considered a general concept rather than specific powers that have been previously mentioned or defined.
(Source: Annabelle Mak, Sing Tao Daily)
(Also by the Same Tutor: 1/2/3/4)