a capital for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a capital for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a city that serves as the seat of government or a financial center for a specific purpose. Example: "Paris is often considered a capital for art and culture in Europe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Primarily, the company plans to use the Series A capital for hiring, product development, international expansion, and to help its clients deliver corporate learning to their employees that is perfectly tailored to their needs.

TechCrunch

Norway is, in fact, a capital for many good, slow things.

The New Yorker

Partly as a result, Austin has become a capital for independent cinema.

The New Yorker

It is all part of a larger effort to establish not just a seat of government, but a capital for a new nation.

The New York Times

Israel's relations with Washington have deteriorated over the last year, with America's anger peaking over the continued building of Jewish homes in East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians want as a capital for a future state.

The New York Times

And in Harlem, now as ever a capital for urban style, connoisseurs of streetwear travel to Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 134th Street to distinguish themselves from the blare of the concrete jungle.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The cathedral already struggles to pay for conservation, and has planned a capital campaign for next year.

The New York Times

But — a capital case for $900!

The New York Times - Books

*Listing an item as a capital improvement for a home.

The New York Times

Now they're talking about launching a capital fund for entrepreneurs.

The New York Times

How will investing in a capital asset for your children generate an income?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a capital for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the location is the capital of or for. For example, "London is a capital for finance" specifies the domain in which London holds a leading position.

Common error

Avoid using "a capital for" without specifying what the location is a capital for. Saying "This city is a capital" is vague; clarify the specific area of dominance, such as "This city is a capital for innovation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a capital for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, typically a city or region. It indicates that the specified location serves as a prominent center or hub for a particular activity, industry, or concept. As Ludwig AI describes, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Tech

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a capital for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a prominent center for a specific activity or industry. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and can be used across a variety of contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals that it's commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and technology-related articles, signifying its role in highlighting the importance of specific locations within those fields. When using "a capital for", it's important to specify the domain in which the location excels to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases include "a hub for" or "a center for", offering slightly different nuances depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hub for

Focuses on the idea of a central point for activity or commerce, rather than governance or symbolic status.

a center for

Emphasizes a concentration of specific activities or resources in a particular location.

the heart of

Implies a central and vital part of something, often associated with emotion or core values.

a focal point for

Highlights a place that attracts attention or serves as a key location for specific events.

a leading city for

Focuses on prominence and influence within a particular field or industry.

a nexus for

Suggests a critical point of connection or intersection for various elements.

a hotbed of

Indicates a place where something, often intense activity or innovation, originates and develops.

a stronghold of

Emphasizes a place where a particular idea, belief, or group is strongly supported and defended.

a cradle of

Indicates a place where something originated or was nurtured in its early stages.

a mecca for

Highlights a place that attracts many people who are especially interested in a particular activity or subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a capital for" in a sentence?

Use "a capital for" to describe a city or location that is a center of a particular activity or industry. For example, "New York is a capital for finance" or "Silicon Valley is a capital for technology".

What are some alternatives to saying "a capital for"?

Alternatives include using "a hub for", "a center for", or "a leading city for" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the capital of" instead of "a capital for"?

While "the capital of" typically refers to the official seat of government, "a capital for" describes a more general sense of being a leading center for a specific activity or industry. Both are correct, but they have different meanings.

What does it mean when a city is described as "a capital for" something?

It means that the city is a prominent or leading center for that particular activity, industry, or field. For example, if a city is called "a capital for fashion", it indicates that it's a major center for fashion design, trends, and business.