capacity for

USAGE SUMMARY

'capacity for' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the potential capability or ability one has to do something. Example: He has a great capacity for learning new languages.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All capacity for pleasure disappears.

The New York Times

Capacity for violence?

The Guardian - Opinion

Capacity for showing affection?

The New York Times

His capacity for solving problems was diminishing".

The New York Times - Books

What suppressed capacity for cruelty may surface?

The New York Times - Books

"He has this childlike capacity for intimacy.

The New Yorker

He knew the Nazi capacity for violence.

The New York Times

And Greece retains its capacity for trouble.

The Economist

His capacity for work is legendary.

The New York Times - Sports

His capacity for work was huge.

The New Yorker

A capacity for happiness is another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity for" when referring to the inherent ability or potential to do something, rather than just the act of doing it. For example, use "capacity for understanding" to describe someone's potential to understand, rather than just saying "understanding".

Common error

Avoid using "capacity" and "capability" interchangeably without considering the nuances. While similar, "capacity" often refers to potential or the ability to hold or contain, whereas "capability" highlights demonstrated skill or competence. Using the wrong term can subtly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, modifying another noun or acting as a subject complement. It expresses the inherent ability or potential of something or someone, aligning with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the potential or inherent ability to do something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various domains. This analysis shows that the phrase is most often found in news and media, science and formal business contexts. When writing, consider synonyms such as "potential for" or "ability to", but be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning. Avoid confusing "capacity" with "capability". With its versatility and correctness, "capacity for" remains a reliable choice in academic, professional and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potential for

Replaces "capacity" with "potential", emphasizing unrealized ability.

ability to

Substitutes "capacity for" with a more direct expression of ability.

capability for

Uses "capability" as a synonym for "capacity", indicating inherent skill.

aptitude for

Emphasizes a natural inclination or talent.

talent for

Highlights a specific, often innate, skill.

room for

Indicates available space or opportunity, shifting the context slightly.

space for

Similar to "room for", suggesting available resources or scope.

scope for

Suggests the possibility or extent of something.

facility with

Highlights ease and skill in handling something.

preparedness for

Focuses on readiness and anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "capacity for" to describe someone's ability or potential to do something. For instance, "She has a remarkable "capacity for" empathy" or "The stadium has the "capacity for" 50,000 spectators".

What are some alternatives to "capacity for"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "potential for", "ability to", or "aptitude for".

Is there a difference between "capacity for" and "capability for"?

"Capacity for" generally refers to the potential or inherent ability, while "capability for" often implies demonstrated skill or competence. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate term.

When is it appropriate to use "room for" instead of "capacity for"?

Use "room for" when you mean there is space or opportunity for something. For instance, "There's always "room for" improvement" suggests there's an opportunity to improve, whereas "capacity for" focuses on the inherent ability to improve.