a real capability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real capability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a genuine skill or ability that someone or something possesses. Example: "The new software demonstrates a real capability to analyze large datasets quickly and accurately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And we can remove an existing threat with a real capability to hit the United States and do so without visibility".

The New Yorker

And we can remove an existing threat with a real capability to hit the United States — and do so without visibility".

The New Yorker

"The idea of a nuclear event is a low-probability event, but we have taken it seriously, to the extent that we have developed a real capability," he told me.

The New Yorker

This effort will provide a real capability to determine risk.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

He's a striker who has a real capability and it's up to us as staff and him as a player to get the very best from him".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Lacking any real capability for change, he says, we're left to 'enjoy the spectacle.'" Have Mercy on Us All by Fred Vargas (2001).

The Guardian - Books

This would have happened if an individual's real capability changed but that individual did not self-report change in well-being, quality of life or health.

Health Economics

This article suggests the use of human capability data in a virtual environment to explore the level of acceptability of a working strategy based on real capability data (joint mobility in this case) of older workers.

Procedia Manufacturing

To me this is the winning combination, a healthy dose of bluff combined with real capability.

Huffington Post

Google's acquisition of robotics companies is "closer to our interests in making practical robots that can move around and demonstrate real capability", Davison said.

The Guardian - Tech

The evaluation of the response in terms of real capability (P pk), as stop/start criteria.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the strength of an organization or individual, use "a real capability" to emphasize a tangible and effective skill or resource.

Common error

Avoid using "a real capability" when you actually mean "potential capability". "A real capability" implies that the ability already exists and is demonstrable, not just a possibility for the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a real capability" functions as a noun phrase, where "real" modifies the noun "capability". It describes a tangible and demonstrable skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a real capability" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that highlights a tangible and demonstrable skill or capacity. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts and less commonly in wikis or encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that you are describing an existing and proven skill, not just a potential one. Alternatives include "a genuine ability" or "an actual capacity".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an actual capacity

Replaces "real" with "actual" and "capability" with "capacity", slightly altering the tone while maintaining the core meaning.

a genuine ability

Substitutes "real" with "genuine" and "capability" with "ability", emphasizing authenticity and inherent skill.

a true potential

Replaces "real capability" with a focus on underlying potential, suggesting future development.

a practical aptitude

Focuses on practical application of the skill or ability, suggesting a hands-on approach.

a demonstrable competence

Emphasizes the provable nature of the ability, suggesting it has been shown in practice.

a confirmed skill

Highlights the verified nature of the skill, implying validation or testing.

a significant strength

Frames the capability as a noteworthy advantage or asset.

a notable talent

Emphasizes the inherent and exceptional nature of the capability.

a substantial power

Conveys a sense of significant force or influence derived from the capability.

a solid expertise

Highlights the depth of knowledge and experience associated with the capability.

FAQs

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

Use "a real capability" to highlight a tangible and demonstrable skill or capacity that someone or something possesses. For example, "The company has "a real capability" in data analysis."

What can I say instead of "a real capability"?

You can use alternatives like "a genuine ability", "an actual capacity", or "a demonstrable competence" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "real capability" or "actual capability"?

Both "real capability" and "actual capability" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Real" emphasizes authenticity, while "actual" emphasizes existence. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a real capability" and "a potential capability"?

"A real capability" refers to an existing and demonstrable skill or capacity. "A potential capability", on the other hand, refers to a skill or capacity that could be developed in the future but does not currently exist.