acquires the capacity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acquires the capacity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the process of gaining the ability or potential to do something. Example: "As the project progresses, the team acquires the capacity to handle more complex tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The German Civil Code begins with the proposition that at birth every person acquires the capacity to exercise rights and to fulfill duties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When a stimulus, like an auditory tone, occurs at the same time as a painful or otherwise aversive event, the tone comes to be associated with the pain and thereby acquires the capacity to trigger a protective fear (defense) response on its own.

The New York Times

By acquiring these concepts she acquires the capacity to ask new questions, and to form new (eventually false) hypotheses (e.g. about the appearance of the sky to normal perceivers).

SEP

When NS polypeptide is used in single fusion protein as a linker to display protein G on nanoparticles, the nanoparticle acquires the capacity to specifically bind target cells and to avoid nonspecific adsorption of non-target cells.

Biomaterials

This study shows that a synthetic temporin B analogue (TB-YK), acquires the capacity to act in synergism with temporin A and to exert antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in vivo against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Plosone

In conclusion, the article provides evidence that temporin B, following limited alterations of its primary structure, acquires the capacity to act in synergism with temporin A and to exert antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in vivo against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Around 200,000 years ago, the defining event in modern human evolution occurred when humans acquired the capacity for culture.

The Guardian - Tech

Western intelligence agencies agree that Iran will reach the "point of no return" in acquiring the capacity to produce nuclear weapons in one to four years.

The New York Times

As outsourcing has burgeoned, Whitehall simply has not acquired the capacity to write contracts that stretch contractors, including third-sector providers.

The Guardian

Then, during the new government's first week in office in January, Mr. Amaral caused a furor when he argued that Brazil should acquire the capacity to produce a nuclear weapon.

The New York Times

As David Walker, former director of public reporting at the Audit Commission, wrote recently: "Whitehall simply has not acquired the capacity to write contracts that stretch contractors, including third sector providers… Officials seem to have given up on monitoring performance".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual process, consider using "develops the capability" instead of "acquires the capacity".

Common error

Avoid using "acquires the capacity" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "learns to" or "becomes able to" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acquires the capacity" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of gaining a new ability or potential. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. This phrase often introduces the specific ability gained by a subject.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

54%

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acquires the capacity" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as noted by Ludwig AI. It's generally used in formal and scientific contexts to describe the process of gaining a new ability or potential. While not incorrect in other situations, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal writing. Ludwig's examples illustrate that the phrase is frequently found in scientific articles and news reports, emphasizing significant functional changes or attainments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gains the ability

Focuses on the attainment of a specific skill or power, similar to gaining a capacity.

develops the capability

Implies a gradual process of growth and improvement in ability.

becomes capable of

Highlights the state of being able to perform a certain action.

attains the potential

Emphasizes the achievement of a latent possibility or inherent ability.

secures the means to

Suggests obtaining the resources or opportunities necessary to achieve something.

earns the right to

Indicates that the capacity is acquired as a consequence of some action or condition.

is empowered to

Highlights the act of granting or receiving the ability to do something.

comes to possess the skill

Focuses on the attainment of a specific skill or knowledge.

establishes the power

Implies the creation or enforcement of an ability.

gets the hang of

Informal way to describe learning how to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "acquires the capacity" in a sentence?

You can use "acquires the capacity" to describe the process of gaining a new ability or potential. For example, "The cell "acquires the capacity" to degrade the basement membrane."

What are some alternatives to "acquires the capacity"?

Alternatives include "gains the ability", "develops the capability", or "becomes capable of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "acquires the capacity" instead of "learns to"?

"Acquires the capacity" is more formal and emphasizes the gaining of a potential or inherent ability, while "learns to" is more general and focuses on the process of acquiring a specific skill.

Is "acquires the capacity" considered formal language?

Yes, "acquires the capacity" is generally considered formal language and is often used in scientific, academic, or professional contexts.