capacity for action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity for action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's ability or potential to take action or make decisions in a given context. Example: "The team's capacity for action was evident during the crisis, as they quickly implemented effective solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"When they come back, they have certain ideas and certainly a technical capacity for action," the French official said.

The New York Times

Simon argues forcefully that it's the US Congress which smothers the body politic and destroys its capacity for action.

The Guardian

I tell them to stop worrying about theories of theatre, and just think about Brecht's belief that drama can arouse and enhance an audience's capacity for action.

The Guardian

Later, over dinner, Mendel quotes Turgenev, saying that while he is fascinated by radicals he could never be one: "I have no capacity for action.

The New York Times - Books

But Mr. Reid has to know how silly this looks and what it really says about the Senate's capacity for action.

The New York Times

All these approaches must allow France to guarantee its independence and its capacity for action in a new world and at a time when we are facing strong budget constraints.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

For Hegel, modern selfhood is an implicitly poetic, normative capacity for actions that could not be empirically explained.

Johns Hopkins University

"It is something we do". In Action in Perception, Noë argues that perception and perceptual consciousness depend on capacities for action and thought that perception is a kind of thoughtful activity.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

People who express the same opinion become aware of the similarity of their views, and this gives them capacities for action that would not have been available had they kept that opinion to themselves.

SEP

In such cultures, critique substitutes for cultivating capacities for action.

Huffington Post

"With almost 5 billion people belonging to religious communities, your capacities for action are substantial," she said.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity for action" when you want to emphasize the inherent potential or ability of an individual, group, or system to initiate activity or exert influence. Be sure the context clearly indicates what actions are being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity for action" when you actually mean intent or willingness to act. Capacity refers to the ability, not necessarily the desire or motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity for action" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the inherent or developed ability to undertake actions, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity for action" is a noun phrase denoting the ability or potential to act. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in written English, although its frequency is rare. It is primarily found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. While alternatives like "ability to act" and "potential for action" exist, "capacity for action" emphasizes an inherent ability. Understanding its appropriate use ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to act

Focuses on the inherent ability rather than the potential.

potential for action

Emphasizes the possibility of action, rather than the current capability.

capability to act

Highlights the competence and resources needed for action.

power to act

Stresses the authority or strength to initiate action.

readiness to act

Indicates a state of preparedness and willingness to take action.

preparedness for action

Focuses on the state of being ready and equipped to act.

agency

A more concise term referring to the ability to take action or exert power.

effectiveness

Highlights the ability to produce a desired result or effect through action.

influence

Emphasizes the power to affect or shape actions and outcomes.

ability to implement

Focuses specifically on the capacity to put plans or decisions into effect.

FAQs

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

Use "capacity for action" to denote the potential or ability to act effectively. For example, "The organization needs to increase its "capacity for action" in emergency situations".

What are some alternatives to "capacity for action"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "ability to act", "potential for action", or "capability to act".

Is there a subtle difference between "capacity for action" and "potential for action"?

"Capacity for action" suggests an inherent ability that is present, while "potential for action" highlights a possibility that is yet to be realized. Capacity implies existing resources or skills, whereas potential suggests future development.

In what contexts is "capacity for action" most appropriate?

The phrase "capacity for action" is suitable in contexts discussing strategic planning, organizational development, political analysis, or any situation where assessing the ability to initiate activity is crucial.