The spelling of the phrase "were capable of" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "were," is pronounced /wɜr/ using the schwa sound for the vowel in the first syllable and ending with the /r/ consonant. The second word, "capable," is pronounced /ˈkeɪpəbəl/ with the stress on the second syllable and ending with the /l/ consonant. The final word, "of," is pronounced /əv/ with the schwa sound for the vowel and the /v/ consonant. Together, the phrase is pronounced /wɜr ˈkeɪpəbəl əv/.
"were capable of" refers to the ability or proficiency of someone or something to perform a specific task or exhibit a particular trait. The phrase highlights the potential or skill possessed by an individual or an entity to accomplish or demonstrate a certain action or quality.
When used to describe people, "were capable of" suggests that they possessed the necessary aptitude, knowledge, or expertise to successfully complete a task. It emphasizes their competence and ability to effectively handle certain responsibilities or challenges. For instance, if someone says, "They were capable of solving complex mathematical equations," it implies that those individuals had the intellectual capacity and skills to solve intricate math problems.
In the context of objects or entities, "were capable of" suggests that they had the necessary features or functions to achieve a specific outcome. For example, if we say, "The machine was capable of high-speed printing," it highlights the machine's ability to produce rapid and efficient printing operations.
Overall, "were capable of" sheds light on the inherent capacity or potential possessed by individuals or entities to achieve a desired result or exhibit a particular attribute. It underlines the skill, competence, or functionality demonstrated by the subject being described.