capability to act

USAGE SUMMARY

"capability to act" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means the ability or power someone has to take action or make decisions. Example sentence: As the CEO of the company, John has the capability to act swiftly and make difficult decisions when faced with challenges.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

There is no other way to program them because computers do not have the capability to act randomly.

The New York Times

Their capability to act as initiator or coinitiator for the cationic polymerization of oxiranes and vinyl ethers was examined.

Polymer

Business has the capability to act quickly on a large scale and to motivate and empower consumers by, for example, making sustainability fun and aspirational.

The Guardian

The capability to act quickly depends on the bureaucratic capacity to process intelligence, decentralized decision-making for targeting, and rapid-strike capabilities like armed drones.

Stanford University

It means reforming the United Nations so its Security Council represents 21st century reality; and giving the UN the capability to act effectively as well as debate.

The Guardian

The results obtained pointed out NLC capability to act as an effective drug reservoir, thus prolonging the anesthetic effect of BENZO and LIDO.

Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Europe needs to retain a global perspective and the capabilities to act globally when required.

The New York Times

Robonaut 2 already has some capabilities to act by itself in various tasks.

BBC

It appears that the extracts from the C. pallida stem process hydrogen donating capabilities to act as antioxidant.

Clinical Phytoscience

Huang and Yore (2003) suggested that prior knowledge as well as values, beliefs, attitudes, concerns, and emotional dispositions of learners might influence their understanding about and capabilities to act toward the environment.

International Journal of STEM Education

Recognizing Europe's interests, responsibilities, and capabilities to act in Libya points the way for a more intelligent and sustainable future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capability to act", ensure that the context clearly defines what actions are being referred to and the scope of that capability.

Common error

Avoid assuming that having the "capability to act" automatically implies the intention or willingness to act. Clarify whether both the ability and the will are present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capability to act" functions as a noun phrase describing the ability or capacity to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI shows, it is often used to describe an entity's readiness or resources for taking action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

34%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capability to act" signifies the power, skill, or resources enabling an entity to take action. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct phrase. It commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts, denoting a neutral to formal register. Consider alternatives like "capacity to act" or "ability to take action" for nuanced expression, and be mindful of distinguishing capability from intent. Using "capability to act" precisely strengthens clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to act

Interchangeable; emphasizes the inherent ability or power to perform an action.

ability to take action

Focuses on the practical ability to initiate and carry out actions.

power to act

Highlights the authority or strength to influence events.

means to act

Emphasizes the resources or methods available for taking action.

potential to act

Focuses on the unrealized possibility or future ability to take action.

competence to act

Highlights the skill and knowledge needed to act effectively.

preparedness to act

Focuses on the state of being ready and equipped for action.

authority to act

Emphasizes the official permission or right to take action.

freedom to act

Highlights the absence of constraints or restrictions on taking action.

opportunity to act

Focuses on the favorable circumstances that allow action to be taken.

FAQs

What does "capability to act" mean?

The phrase "capability to act" refers to the power, skill, or resources that allow someone or something to take action or make decisions. It implies having the necessary means and authority to influence a situation or outcome.

How can I use "capability to act" in a sentence?

You might say, "The organization developed the "capability to act" swiftly in response to emergencies" or "The new software gives the user the "capability to act" more efficiently".

What is a synonym for "capability to act"?

Synonyms include "capacity to act", "ability to take action", or "power to act" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "capability to act" and "willingness to act"?

"Capability to act" refers to having the means or power to do something, while "willingness to act" indicates a desire or readiness to take action. Someone may have the capability but lack the willingness, or vice versa.