a unique capacity for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a unique capacity for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's special ability or talent in a particular area or field. Example: "She has a unique capacity for understanding complex mathematical concepts that others find challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It has a unique capacity for retaining water, and helps give skin a plump appearance.

The Guardian

Second, and this is probably more important, many Russians have a unique capacity for not trusting.

The New York Times

SI ROMP coatings have a unique capacity for post-functionalization through reaction of the unsaturated site on the polymer backbone.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

Rather than thinking they have "seen this before," or "know that already," the luckiest folks tend to have a unique capacity for both confidence and humility.

Harvard Business Review

Brain science tells us that children are developmentally different from adults and have a unique capacity for change.

Huffington Post

It has a unique capacity for intimate and epic drama simultaneously, so you can do big plays and the audience feels really close to you but it still has size and dimension.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Hypothesis 1b: Future migrants have higher aspirations than non-migrantsbecause of a unique capacity or disposition for'super-aspirations'.

IZA Journal of Migration

The beverage alcohol industry has a vested interest in ensuring that alcohol misuse is substantially reduced, and has a unique capacity to access those responsible for promoting and selling alcohol as well as to those who consume their products'[ 1– 4].

Addiction

Back when we had to hunt down our calories, and sugar was a scarcity (a few bitter berries and beehives here and there), it made sense to have a unique capacity to binge on it because, wait for it, sugar is the best source of fat on the planet.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Khalilzad, Brahimi said, "has a unique capacity to listen.

The New Yorker

They have a unique capacity to maintain homeostatic mechanisms.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skills or abilities, use “a unique capacity for” to emphasize a distinctive and uncommon talent.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of the capacity. Clearly define the specific area where the unique capacity applies to maintain credibility and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a unique capacity for" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a noun and a preposition, modifying a subject by attributing a special ability or characteristic. Ludwig provides real-world examples, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a unique capacity for" is grammatically correct and serves to highlight a distinctive ability or talent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides examples across various contexts. It appears most frequently in scientific and news media sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the scope of the capacity is clearly defined. Alternatives like "an exceptional capability for" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This phrase is valuable for emphasizing special and uncommon skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extraordinary capacity to

Emphasizes the notable extent or degree of the capacity.

a unique talent in

A slight shift in preposition from "for" to "in".

an exceptional capability for

Focuses on the high level of competence.

a distinctive aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural talent or inclination.

a distinctive skill in

Focuses on the developed expertise in something.

a remarkable talent for

Highlights the exceptional quality of the ability.

a specialized ability to

Highlights the targeted and specific nature of the ability.

a singular gift for

Suggests a rare and special ability.

a special knack for

Implies an inherent skill or ease in doing something.

a particular flair for

Highlights a stylish or elegant approach to the ability.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a unique capacity for" in a sentence?

Use "a unique capacity for" to highlight someone or something's distinctive and uncommon ability in a specific area. For example, "She has "a unique capacity for" understanding complex mathematical concepts".

What are some alternatives to using "a unique capacity for"?

Alternatives include "a distinctive aptitude for", "a remarkable talent for", or "an exceptional capability for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a unique capacity for"?

Yes, "a unique capacity for" is grammatically correct. It's used to describe a particular skill or ability that is not commonly found or easily replicated.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a unique capacity for"?

Use "a unique capacity for" when you want to emphasize that someone or something has a very special and uncommon ability or talent. It's suitable when highlighting a rare or exceptional skill.