capacity for speech

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity for speech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the ability or potential to communicate verbally, often in discussions about language development or cognitive abilities. Example: "The child's capacity for speech was evident as he began forming complete sentences at an early age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Researchers believe they have found a gene intimately involved in wiring the human brain's capacity for speech and language.

The New York Times

With our big brains, capacity for speech, and upright stance, humans have long assumed that our species must have hit the genetic jackpot.

MIT Technology Review

He stops making sculpture, loses his capacity for speech and becomes so afraid of expressing himself that he basically ceases to be human.

The New York Times - Magazine

The pain came daily and could spike into magnitudes that caused me to black out, hallucinate or lose capacity for speech.

The Washington Post

Let me suggest that no teaching would be possible--that we could not learn to use a word or toss a ball--without an intrinsic capacity for speech and dexterity.

Yale University

At the time of his death, he was a member of the Presbytery of New York City in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).. Due to blockage of his carotid artery in May 1994, he lost the capacity for speech and began a gradual decline in health.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Another problem with portraying language in the film is that different ape species and different individuals will have different capacities for speech.

The Guardian

The second type of human cough reflex is adapted as the capacities for speech and cognition evolve and Homo species fashion stronger social connections.

Cough

Despite the brain's capacity for language, perceiving speech in high levels of noise can be very difficult even for younger adults with normal hearing abilities.

Plosone

Some scientists see this as evidence that Neanderthals may have had some capacity for articulate speech.

The New York Times - Science

That I should possess the capacity for fluent speech but not be able to speak fluently all the time baffled him greatly, but it baffled me more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In debates about evolution, use "capacity for speech" to highlight uniquely human traits.

Common error

Avoid conflating "capacity for speech", which refers to the biological and cognitive ability to speak, with "freedom of speech", which is a legal and political right.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity for speech" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting the inherent or developed ability to articulate and produce spoken language. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where the phrase describes human potential and evolutionary traits.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity for speech" refers to the ability or potential to communicate verbally. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and usable, appearing in diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. While synonyms like "ability to speak" exist, "capacity for speech" often emphasizes inherent potential or neurological aspects. Remember not to confuse it with the legal term "freedom of speech". Using "capacity for speech" correctly enhances precision when discussing language development, evolution, or cognitive functions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to speak

Focuses on the general ability to articulate words.

speech production ability

Highlights the ability to generate spoken language.

verbal communication skills

Emphasizes the skills involved in communicating through spoken language.

potential for verbal expression

Emphasizes the possibility of expressing oneself through speech.

facility with spoken language

Indicates ease and fluency in using spoken language.

linguistic aptitude

Highlights the innate talent or potential for language use.

vocal expression capability

Highlights the ability to express oneself through vocal means.

oral communication proficiency

Stresses the level of skill in oral communication.

language faculty

Refers to the cognitive ability to acquire and use language.

articulatory competence

Focuses on the physical ability to produce speech sounds clearly.

FAQs

How is "capacity for speech" different from "freedom of speech"?

"Capacity for speech" refers to the biological and cognitive ability to speak, while "freedom of speech" is a legal right to express oneself without censorship.

What factors influence a person's "capacity for speech"?

A person's "capacity for speech" can be influenced by genetics, neurological development, and environmental factors.

In what contexts might I use the phrase "capacity for speech"?

You might use "capacity for speech" in discussions about language acquisition, evolutionary biology, or neurological disorders.

What are some alternative ways to express the idea of "capacity for speech"?

Alternatives include "ability to speak", "verbal communication skills", or "linguistic aptitude".