capacities for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacities for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the abilities or potential someone or something has in relation to a specific function or task. Example: "The training program aims to enhance the participants' capacities for critical thinking and problem-solving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They come in 2 and 4GB capacities for $11 and $19, respectively.

TechCrunch

Learning through the liberal arts energizes capacities for innovation and for judgment.

Huffington Post

Cognitive capacities for cooking in chimpanzees.

Harvard University

"But we need to build our capacities for crisis management".

The Guardian

potential and our academic capacities for business development," he said.

The New York Times

We toy recklessly with brand-new capacities for ruination.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Burrell and Mr. Roberts eloquently convey their characters' capacities for being wounded.

The New York Times

He served as an officer of the congregation in numerous capacities for multiple terms.

The New York Times

Derbyshire was an all-rounder with capacities for advocacy and management combined with an intellectual streak.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Leavitt urged leaders to increase their own capacities for making vaccines.

The New York Times

How does it grind down the human capacities for hope, trust and wellbeing?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capacities for", ensure the noun following 'for' is specific and clearly defines the area of ability or resource being described. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "capacities for" in overly broad contexts. Instead of saying "the company has capacities for growth", specify areas like "capacities for market expansion" or "capacities for product development".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacities for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, indicating an aptitude, potential, or available resources directed towards a specific purpose or action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capacities for" is a grammatically sound way to describe the inherent abilities, potential, or available resources for specific actions or outcomes. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "abilities to", it is suitable for professional and neutral contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, "capacities for" is used across various domains, including news, science, and academia, often to assess strengths and areas for development. To enhance clarity, ensure the noun following "for" is specific and well-defined, avoiding overgeneralizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capabilities for

Emphasizes the power or ability to do something.

abilities to

Focuses specifically on the inherent skills or talents.

skills in

Directly references learned or developed abilities.

potential for

Highlights the possibility of future development or achievement.

competencies in

Refers to demonstrated abilities or expertise.

aptitude for

Highlights an innate talent or inclination.

talents for

Emphasizes natural gifts or abilities.

resources for

Refers to the available means to accomplish a task.

wherewithal for

Indicates the necessary means or resources.

proclivity for

Suggests a natural inclination or tendency.

FAQs

How can I use "capacities for" in a sentence?

Use "capacities for" to describe potential or inherent abilities. For example: "The training program enhances the team's "capacities for problem-solving"".

What are some alternatives to "capacities for"?

Alternatives include "abilities to", "potential for", or "capabilities for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capacities for" formal or informal?

"Capacities for" is generally considered suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, particularly in professional, academic, or news reporting. However, simpler alternatives might be preferred in informal conversation.

What's the difference between "capacities for" and "skills in"?

"Capacities for" often refers to inherent or potential abilities, while "skills in" typically indicates learned or developed abilities. For example, you might have "capacities for leadership" but need to develop "skills in delegation".