capacity to act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to act" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing an individual's or organization's ability to take action or make decisions. Example: "The committee's capacity to act swiftly was crucial in addressing the emergency situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Without the capacity to act, a people cannot rule itself.

Harvard University

"NRG never during that period challenged Goldman's capacity to act for Mirant during that period".

The New York Times

The currency union must gain the capacity to act at the supra-national level.

The Guardian - Business

But few analysts think that the oil-producing cartel has much capacity to act.

The New York Times

But there are limits to Mr. Obama's capacity to act in the short term.

The New York Times

The government's capacity to act is a resource as much for conservative as for liberal purposes.

Princeton University

With very few exceptions, she had no legal capacity to act.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Besides providing opportunities for innovation, clusters also provide the flexibility and capacity to act rapidly (Porter, 1998).

Journal of Organization Design

Their relevance resides in their capacity to act as targets for new therapies [ 23].

BioMed Research International

It further helps to build their capacity to act as agents of change.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Research by Nomura shows that gold has the capacity to act both as a risky and a safe-haven asset.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity to act" to emphasize inherent or developed potential for action, whether by an individual, group, or system.

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to act" when you actually mean willingness or motivation. Capacity refers to the ability or means to act, while willingness refers to the inclination or desire. For example, instead of saying 'They have the capacity to act, but lack the will', clarify it as 'They have the ability to act, but lack the willingness'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to act" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the inherent or acquired ability or power to perform an action or exert influence, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capacity to act" is a versatile and frequently used expression denoting the ability or power to take effective action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse fields, including news, science, academia, and business. When using this phrase, ensure you're emphasizing actual ability rather than mere willingness. Related phrases, such as "ability to take action" or "potential to act", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. With its broad applicability and clear meaning, "capacity to act" remains a valuable asset in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to take action

Replaces "capacity" with "ability", focusing on the general capability to initiate action.

capability to perform

Substitutes "capacity" with "capability", highlighting the competence to execute specific tasks.

potential to act

Emphasizes the inherent possibility or latent power to take action.

power to influence

Shifts the focus to the ability to affect or sway others' actions or decisions.

competence to intervene

Suggests a specific aptitude and authority to step in and take action, especially in challenging situations.

authority to decide

Highlights the authorized right or power to make decisions and take consequential actions.

means to accomplish

Focuses on having the resources or methods necessary to achieve a desired outcome.

room to maneuver

Implies having the flexibility and space for strategic action and decision-making.

latitude to operate

Emphasizes the freedom and permission granted to act independently within certain boundaries.

scope for initiative

Highlights the opportunity and available space to show proactiveness and start projects.

FAQs

How can I use "capacity to act" in a sentence?

You can use "capacity to act" to describe someone's ability or power to influence events or make decisions. For instance, "The new law significantly enhances the government's "capacity to act" in emergencies."

What phrases are similar to "capacity to act"?

Alternatives include "ability to take action", "capability to perform", or "potential to act". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capacity to act" formal or informal?

"Capacity to act" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles. However, in very informal settings, simpler alternatives like "ability to do something" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "capacity to act" and "willingness to act"?

"Capacity to act" refers to the ability or means to take action, while "willingness to act" describes the readiness or motivation to do so. One can have the "capacity to act" but lack the willingness, or vice versa.