Various capacities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Various capacities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to different roles, functions, or abilities that someone or something may have. Example: "The organization operates in various capacities, including education, advocacy, and community service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Slaves in the Ottoman Empire served in various capacities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And she's loved Fred, her primary partner, for 15 years in various capacities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

From 1976 to 1993, he worked in various capacities in the newspaper industry.

The New York Times

Stanley also spent the last thirty years working in various capacities at Marwit Capital.

The New York Times

Imagined in poignant if not unexpected ways, Lincoln appears throughout the book in various capacities.

The New York Times - Books

The agency has worked for Hallmark Cards in various capacities for about 25 years.

The New York Times

Also cited were the Internet Research Agency, and twelve people working for it in various capacities.

The New Yorker

He has worked in various capacities at the Mail for much of his career.

The New Yorker

About 100 scientists are involved in the project in various capacities.

The Washington Post

He has worked for Montreal in various capacities for 24 years.

The New York Times - Sports

By 2012 he had won 15 Filmfare Awards in various capacities, mainly for best actor.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's experience, use "various capacities" to concisely indicate a range of roles or responsibilities held, avoiding a lengthy list of specific duties.

Common error

Avoid using "various capacities" as a vague placeholder. Always ensure the context provides some understanding of what these capacities entail, either directly or through implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various capacities" functions as an adverbial modifier, often describing how someone or something operates or has been involved in different roles or abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is standard in English. Examples show its use across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "various capacities" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate multiple roles or functions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is standard English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it serves to efficiently summarize diverse experiences or functionalities, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While versatile, it's important to provide context and avoid overuse without specific details. Alternative phrases like "multiple roles" or "diverse functions" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple roles

Focuses on the number of roles rather than the nature of them.

diverse functions

Emphasizes the different functions performed.

varied responsibilities

Highlights the range of responsibilities held.

several positions

Indicates different job positions or ranks.

assorted duties

Focuses on the different types of duties undertaken.

different capabilities

Highlights the range of abilities and skills applied.

various guises

Implies a change in appearance or form while performing roles.

multiple avenues

Focuses on different paths or methods used.

different hats

An idiomatic expression meaning different roles or functions.

varied skills

Emphasizes the range of skills possessed or utilized.

FAQs

How can I use "various capacities" in a sentence?

You can use "various capacities" to indicate that someone or something has served in or performed multiple roles, functions, or abilities. For example, "She worked at the company in "various capacities", from marketing to sales."

What's a good alternative to "various capacities"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "multiple roles", "diverse functions", or "varied responsibilities" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to list specific roles instead of saying "various capacities"?

Listing specific roles provides more detail and clarity. However, if the exact roles are numerous or less important than the breadth of experience, ""various capacities"" can be a more concise and effective choice.

Can "various capacities" refer to inanimate objects or systems?

Yes, it can. For example, "The software is used in "various capacities", including data analysis, reporting, and process automation."