a key capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a key capability" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an important skill or feature that is essential for success in a particular context. Example: "In today's competitive market, adaptability is a key capability for any successful business."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"To the extent that Yahoo outsources such a key capability to its principal competitor, it puts itself in a catch-up position for the rest of time," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"Payments is a key capability of the user's Google account,"  Pali Bhat, Vice President of Payments at Google, told TechCrunch.

TechCrunch

Resilience has been identified as a key capability to thrive in the complex changing work environment of the 21st century.

Nurse Education Today

Onboard Jason-2 for instance, the DORIS tracking component is the French contribution to the precise orbit determination capability, a key capability for altimetry product scientific result accuracy.

Advances in Space Research

A key capability that distinguishes humans from intelligent agents is the ability to generate and select new goals in an unexpected situation, while re-prioritizing existing goals.

Biologically Inspired Cognitive Architectures

A key capability in synthetic and systems biology is the ability to read fluorescent reporters.

ACS Synthetic Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The researchers argue that the key capability of the brain is a probabilistic model: The brain learns a model that allows it to predict a suitable motor command for a button.

TechCrunch

An organization's ability to learn is a key strategic capability to compete in modern markets.

Journal of Business Research

"This funding demonstrates our commitment not only to a key Royal Navy capability, but also to the submarine industry in Barrow, which will play a vital role in Britain's defence for decades to come".

BBC

"This funding demonstrates our commitment not only to a key Royal Navy capability, but also to the submarine industry in Barrow, which will play a vital role in Britain's defence for decades to come," he said.

BBC

LOW: viewed as consistent with goal of building buyer's presence in the fashion industry value chain and gaining a key design capability to compete in the growing Chinese market.

Journal of Organization Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a key capability", clearly define what that capability enables the subject to achieve. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a key capability" for trivial or easily acquired skills. Reserve it for abilities that genuinely provide a significant advantage or differentiation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a key capability" functions as a noun phrase, where "key" modifies "capability", emphasizing its importance. According to Ludwig AI, it highlights an important skill or feature essential for success. Examples show it used in various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a key capability" is a noun phrase used to emphasize the importance of a particular skill or feature. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and functions to highlight essential qualities. While examples show it is most frequently used in science, news, and formal business contexts, it’s important to use this phrase only when referring to skills that provide a genuinely significant advantage. Alternatives like "a crucial capability" or "an essential skill" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crucial capability

Replaces "key" with "crucial", emphasizing the critical importance of the capability.

a fundamental capability

Substitutes "key" with "fundamental", highlighting that the capability is foundational.

an essential skill

Replaces "capability" with "skill", focusing on the learned aspect rather than the inherent potential.

a core competence

Uses "core competence" instead of "key capability", a more business-oriented term.

a vital attribute

Changes the noun to "attribute", suggesting an inherent quality that is essential.

a primary strength

Highlights the capability as a major strength or advantage.

a significant asset

Presents the capability as a valuable resource or advantage.

a notable ability

Focuses on "ability" rather than "capability", indicating a demonstrated skill.

an important feature

Shifts the focus to a characteristic or aspect that is significant.

a critical element

Emphasizes that the capability is a necessary part of a larger whole.

FAQs

How can I use "a key capability" in a sentence?

Use "a key capability" to highlight an essential skill or feature for success in a specific context. For example, "Adaptability is "a key capability" for any successful business in today's market".

What are some alternatives to "a key capability"?

Alternatives include "a crucial capability", "a fundamental capability", or "an essential skill", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "key capability" or "essential capability"?

"Key capability" and "essential capability" are similar, but "key" often implies importance within a specific strategy or plan, while "essential" suggests it's fundamentally necessary. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What's the difference between "a key capability" and "a core competence"?

"A key capability" is a general term for an important ability. "A core competence", on the other hand, is specifically a strategic capability that allows a company to outperform its rivals. It is more specific and often used in business contexts.