capacity to contribute

USAGE SUMMARY

"capacity to contribute" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when discussing an individual's potential to help advance a goal or project, such as, "The candidate had a great capacity to contribute to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor should the contribution of "soft" ethical norms be underestimated for their capacity to contribute to the creation of "hard" binding legal rules on global health.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Researchers are realising their capacity to contribute to science policy in Australia.

The Guardian

But do religious leaders and faith communities in the developing world have the capacity to contribute effectively to national development plans?

The Guardian - Opinion

I tried to show that he has the potential to be an extraordinarily successful person with the capacity to contribute a lot to the world".

The New Yorker

Hedging because of Bresnan's capacity to contribute with the bat was not a good idea despite the inexperience of England's latest middle order.

The Guardian - Sport

However, tensions may arise as China has the capacity to contribute $50bn on its own while $10bn from South Africa is substantial.

The Guardian

Power and authority still exist, but they stem from a genuine capacity to contribute and the strength of relationships rather than a hierarchical assignment.

The New York Times

The foundation, in a news release, states that the fellowships are given in recognition of a recipient's "originality, self-direction and capacity to contribute importantly to society".

The New York Times - Arts

The illiberal idea is the notion that your identity let alone your capacity to contribute to university life is decided by your race.

The Economist

SOCOMD has a lot to offer in Defence's regional engagement strategy... Augmentation of its capacity to contribute to regional and (limited) global defence engagement would be a valuable investment.

The Guardian

Also, candidates are expected to demonstrate a capacity to contribute to collective defense, but there is no assessment to determine whether aspiring NATO members have made steps to adjust their intelligence, diplomacy, finance and militaries to contribute to counterterrorism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity to contribute" when you want to highlight the potential for a positive impact, emphasizing the ability rather than the act itself.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating someone's "capacity to contribute" without concrete examples or a clear understanding of their skills and experience. Ground your assessment in observable qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to contribute" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples confirms its role in expressing the potential or ability to make a positive impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capacity to contribute" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express the potential for making a positive impact. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including science, news, and business. When using this phrase, it's important to provide concrete examples or clear criteria to support your assessment of someone's potential. Consider alternatives like "ability to assist" or "potential to improve" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to assist

Focuses on providing help or support, a more direct form of contribution.

potential to improve

Highlights the possibility of making things better, emphasizing positive change.

capability to influence

Emphasizes the power to have an effect on something, often subtly.

power to shape

Suggests a stronger role in determining the form or nature of something.

opportunity to participate

Highlights the availability of a chance to be involved and contribute.

resources to support

Emphasizes the availability of means to contribute effectively.

facility to enhance

Highlights ease of improvement or augmentation.

scope to promote

Suggests a defined area within which contribution can occur.

room to expand

Indicates that there is potential for further contribution.

means to advance

Focuses on the tools or methods by which contribution is made.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate my "capacity to contribute" in a job interview?

Provide specific examples of past achievements where you utilized your skills to make a positive impact. Quantify your contributions whenever possible and align them with the company's goals.

What's the difference between "ability to contribute" and "capacity to contribute"?

"Ability to contribute" generally refers to a current skill set, while "capacity to contribute" suggests a potential for future impact and growth. They are often interchangeable but "capacity" implies more undeveloped potential.

How do you assess an organization's "capacity to contribute" to a social cause?

Evaluate their resources, expertise, track record, and commitment to the cause. Consider their long-term sustainability and ability to create meaningful change.

What are some alternatives to "capacity to contribute"?

You can use alternatives like "potential to improve", "ability to assist", or "capability to influence" depending on the context.