capacity to communicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to communicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's ability or potential to convey information or express thoughts effectively. Example: "Her capacity to communicate complex ideas clearly makes her an excellent teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children have the capacity to communicate effectively to the wider community and their involvement in DRR would ensure their safety (Plan International 2010).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

If communities in struggle seek to survive and build movements for justice we must win two essential communicative capacities: the capacity to communicate with each other and the capacity to communicate our perspectives across society.

Huffington Post

Children have the capacity to communicate effectively on risk and risk reduction to the wider community but do not fully participate in DRR activities.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

On this view, the control condition for moral responsibility would have to fit the capacity to communicate morally through word and deed with members of the moral community.

SEP

Humans have an amazing capacity to communicate.

Stanford University

Your capacity to communicate ideas is your hammer and chisel".

The New Yorker

Real teens often lose the capacity to communicate; Oliver turns his own life into a screenplay.

The Guardian - Film

"But if I hadn't had the minimum capacity to communicate, I wouldn't be sitting there".

The New York Times

"Our capacity to communicate the ideas is because of the clarity of the ideas," he said.

The New Yorker

He has a magnetic personality and an exceptional capacity to communicate.

The New Yorker

Literacy, capacity to communicate using inscribed, printed, or electronic signs or symbols for representing language.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing potential rather than demonstrated skill, use "capacity to communicate". When highlighting demonstrated skill, consider alternatives like "skill in communication" or "proficiency in communication".

Common error

Avoid using "capacity to communicate" when you actually mean "opportunity to communicate". "Capacity" refers to the inherent ability, while "opportunity" refers to the availability of circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to communicate" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the potential or inherent ability to convey information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

37%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity to communicate" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the potential or inherent ability to convey information. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness is validated by a multitude of real-world examples. The phrase is applicable across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. While "ability to communicate" serves as a direct synonym, other related phrases like "skill in communication" may better suit contexts emphasizing demonstrated proficiency. When using this phrase, remember that "capacity" relates to potential while "opportunity" relates to available circumstances. Overall, this phrase is a versatile and useful tool for expressing the potential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to communicate

Replaces "capacity" with "ability", a direct synonym, keeping the rest of the phrase unchanged.

communicative skill

Combines "communicative" as an adjective with "skill", emphasizing the skill related to communication.

skill in communication

Shifts from a general capacity to a specific skill, emphasizing proficiency.

competence in communicating

Substitutes "capacity" with "competence" and changes "to communicate" into "in communicating", indicating a qualified ability.

adeptness at conveying information

Highlights skill and expertise in delivering information.

proficiency in communication

Focuses on the level of expertise in communication.

effectiveness in conveying ideas

Highlights the outcome of communication, focusing on how well ideas are transmitted.

articulateness

A single-word alternative that emphasizes the quality of being clear and effective in speech.

facility in expressing oneself

Emphasizes ease and fluency in self-expression.

power of expression

Focuses on the strength and impact of one's communication.

FAQs

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

You can use "capacity to communicate" to describe someone's inherent ability to convey information, for example: "Her capacity to communicate effectively makes her a great leader."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to communicate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "ability to communicate", "skill in communication", or "competence in communicating".

Is it better to say "capacity to communicate" or "ability to communicate"?

Both "capacity to communicate" and "ability to communicate" are correct. "Capacity" often implies potential, while "ability" can suggest a demonstrated skill. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean to have a "capacity to communicate"?

Having a "capacity to communicate" means possessing the inherent potential or capability to effectively convey information, ideas, or feelings to others. This doesn't necessarily mean that someone is already a skilled communicator, but rather that they have the aptitude to become one.