Capable of or Capable to? Which Is Correct?
Quick Answer
"Capable of" is correct. "Capable to" is a common preposition error. Always use "capable of doing something," never "capable to do something."
The Rule
capable + of + noun/gerund
Example: capable of solving problems / capable of great work
"Capable" is an adjective that forms a fixed collocation with the preposition "of." This is one of many English adjectives with fixed prepositions learners must memorise.
The confusion often arises because similar words take infinitives, for example, "able to do." But "capable" follows a different pattern and takes "of" plus a gerund.
โ Correct pattern
capable of + gerund/noun
She is capable of running the whole project.
โ Incorrect pattern
capable to + infinitive
She is capable to run the whole project.
Examples
Capable of vs Able to
"Capable of" and "able to" both express ability, but they follow different grammatical patterns:
CAPABLE OF + gerund
"She is capable of managing the team."
Often used to highlight potential or inherent ability.
ABLE TO + infinitive
"She is able to manage the team."
Used for general or situational ability.
Tip: Don't mix the patterns. Never say "capable to manage" or "able of managing."
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: He is capable to solve any problem.
Correct: He is capable of solving any problem.
Incorrect: Children are capable to learn very quickly.
Correct: Children are capable of learning very quickly.
Practice
Choose the correct form:
"I believe this team is capable _____ winning the championship." (of winning / to win)