a definite capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a definite capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific and clearly defined ability or potential of someone or something. Example: "The new software has a definite capacity to improve productivity in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They are both celebrity candidates and historical figures — Mr. Obama, of Illinois, is seeking to become the first black president, and Mrs. Clinton, of New York, the first woman — and they have shown a definite capacity to draw a crowd.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Ratnavel says: "Cot capacity is a definite problem and it can be hard sometimes to accommodate a newborn baby needing intensive care in a hospital near its home, which means that we need to send some babies further afield because there's no cot available in London".

The Guardian

In addition, travel patterns, i.e. numbers of travellers to a specific region in a definite time period, may affect the capacity of travellers surveillance to create an alert.

BMC Public Health

"There is a definite concern that we're going to lose capacity with older plants shutting down just as we're adding this new capacity, and the demand has kept growing," he said.

The New York Times

As such, there is a definite need to develop techniques capable of increasing capacity and decreasing total costs.

Separation and Purification Technology

The following experiment provides more direct evidence to show that spermatozoa placed in the uterus also require a definite period of time to develop their fertilizing capacity.

Nature

That translates to a "definite need" for 190,000 separative work units (known as SWUs, which are a measure of centrifuge capacity).

The Economist

A, a definite right.

Yale University

That is a definite.

The Guardian

A definite weakness.

The New York Times - Health

It's a definite penalty!

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a definite capacity" when you want to emphasize a clear and unmistakable ability or potential. For instance, when assessing a candidate's qualifications, you might say, "She has "a definite capacity" for leadership."

Common error

Avoid using "a definite capacity" when describing speculative or unproven abilities. Overusing this phrase can make claims sound exaggerated or unsubstantiated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite capacity" functions as a noun phrase, where "definite" modifies the noun "capacity". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a specific and clearly defined ability or potential.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a definite capacity" describes a clear and unmistakable ability or potential. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct. While not exceptionally common, its usage spans across various domains, including news, science and academia. When employing the phrase, ensure that you accurately reflect a demonstrable ability and do not overstate potential. Alternatives like "a clear ability" or "a distinct capability" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances. In summary, use "a definite capacity" to convey clarity and certainty when describing capabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear ability

Substitutes "definite" with "clear", emphasizing unambiguity but slightly reducing intensity.

a distinct capability

Replaces both "definite" and "capacity" with synonyms, maintaining a formal tone.

a marked potential

Focuses on future possibility rather than present ability.

a certain aptitude

Highlights natural skill or talent rather than general capacity.

a specific competence

Emphasizes specialized skill in a particular area.

a defined talent

Highlights natural ability and skill rather than general capacity.

a strong skill

Replaces "capacity" with "skill", shifting the focus to developed ability.

a notable competence

Replaces "definite" with "notable", highlighting something worthy of attention.

a significant talent

Focuses on natural ability and skill of significance rather than general capacity.

a real knack

Informal expression emphasizing a natural talent or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "a definite capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "a definite capacity" to describe someone or something that has a clear and unmistakable ability or potential. For example, "The new system has "a definite capacity" to improve efficiency".

What are some alternatives to "a definite capacity"?

Some alternatives to "a definite capacity" include "a clear ability", "a distinct capability", or "a marked potential", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "a definite capacity" or "a specific capacity"?

"A definite capacity" emphasizes clarity and certainty, while "a specific capacity" highlights a particular ability. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the clarity or the specificity of the ability.

What's the difference between "a definite capacity" and "a potential capacity"?

"A definite capacity" suggests an existing and demonstrable ability, whereas "a potential capacity" refers to an ability that could be developed or realized in the future.