capacity of discerning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity of discerning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability to perceive or recognize differences, often in a context related to judgment or understanding. Example: "Her capacity of discerning subtle nuances in the artwork made her an exceptional critic."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Shortcomings of the STI test included lack of capacity to discern severity or levels of sperm DNA damage, differentiating between sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF), and detecting epigenetic imprinting abnormalities and the requirement of fresh reagents, particularly DTT [ 50].

BioMed Research International

Nonetheless, the RDQ displayed a great capacity for discerning these groups when the GSRS was used as the standard.

BMC Gastroenterology

One of those actors appears to be the approximate number system, or the intuitive capacity to discern between groups of objects of varying magnitudes.

Science Magazine

That loss diminishes therapists' capacity to discern the roots of patients' conflicts and provide effective help.

Huffington Post

(3) As was mentioned earlier, he believes that human beings' capacities for discerning the truth are very limited and that it is through, and only through, an ongoing contest between opposing viewpoints that the cause of truth gets advanced.

SEP

A majority of persons in our nation, white and those who are not, have in their DNA a sense of fairness and the capacity to discern leadership qualities in those who seek to lead the nation.

The New York Times

Patients may not have the cognitive capacity to discern the risks and benefits of surgery and may lack the motivation to comply with needed postoperative regimens.

BMC Anesthesiology

The special value of history as a discipline lies in its capacity to discern what did happen, not what could have or should have happened.

BBC

But for Fell, the ability to hearken to that light implicitly requires that women possess a natural capacity to discern the truth for themselves, to exercise strength of will, and to exhibit moral virtue or excellence of character.

SEP

A third option, akin to the forms of rationalism that Kant opposed, is to see reason as an individual capacity to discern or intuit normative truths (cf. moral non-naturalism, §3).

SEP

He meant the capacity to discern the living world in all its aspects.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's ability to understand subtle differences, using "ability to discern" or "skill in discerning" may sound more natural than "capacity of discerning".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "capacity of discerning" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "ability to see" or "skill in understanding" for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity of discerning" functions as a noun phrase that describes the ability or power to perceive or recognize differences. Based on the provided context from Ludwig AI, it highlights the inherent capability to understand nuances.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capacity of discerning" refers to the ability to perceive or recognize subtle differences. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct but may sound overly formal in some contexts. Alternatives like "ability to discern" or "skill in discerning" might be more appropriate depending on the situation. While technically sound, the phrase's frequency is low, suggesting it's not as commonly used as its alternatives. It's essential to consider the formality of the context when choosing this phrase over simpler options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to discern

Replaces "capacity of" with the more common "ability to", maintaining the core meaning.

skill in discerning

Substitutes "capacity of" with "skill in", focusing on the proficiency aspect.

power to discern

Replaces "capacity of" with "power to", suggesting an inherent capability.

aptitude for discerning

Uses "aptitude for" instead of "capacity of", highlighting a natural inclination.

knack for discerning

Employs "knack for" to indicate a specific talent or inherent ability.

facility in discerning

Replaces "capacity of" with "facility in", emphasizing ease and fluency.

potential for discernment

Shifts from action to a potential state, using the noun "discernment".

capability to differentiate

Substitutes "discerning" with "differentiate", stressing the ability to distinguish between things.

talent for distinguishing

Uses "talent for distinguishing" focusing on the ability to identify differences effectively.

acumen for perceiving

Replaces both "capacity" and "discerning" with "acumen" and "perceiving", indicating sharp insight.

FAQs

What does "capacity of discerning" mean?

The phrase "capacity of discerning" refers to the ability to perceive, recognize, or understand subtle differences or nuances.

What can I say instead of "capacity of discerning"?

You can use alternatives like "ability to discern", "skill in discerning", or "power to discern" depending on the specific context.

How can I improve my "capacity of discerning"?

Enhance your "capacity of discerning" by practicing mindfulness, engaging in critical thinking, and exposing yourself to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Is "capacity of discerning" formal or informal language?

The phrase "capacity of discerning" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "ability to see" or "skill in understanding" might be more appropriate.