capacity to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capacity to do" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone's ability to engage in an action or activity. For example, "John's capacity to do complex mathematical equations was truly remarkable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Did she have capacity to do that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You have the creative capacity to do a lot better".

The New York Times

Only a true monster has the capacity to do that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We have the capacity to do much better.

The New York Times

I suspect that technology has the capacity to do this.

The New York Times

Our capacity to do more projects is limited.

The Guardian

But you haven't created the capacity to do freedom too.

The Guardian

And neither do they have the capacity to do it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It affects your capacity to do so much.

The Guardian

"We don't have the capacity to do so".

The New York Times

"Everyone knows women have the capacity to do this.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capacity to do" to emphasize a person's inherent abilities or skills, rather than just their current performance.

Common error

Avoid overstating someone's "capacity to do" something without clear evidence. It's best to use this phrase when you have concrete examples or data to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capacity to do" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, acting as a descriptor of someone or something's inherent or potential ability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses the potential to engage in an action or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "capacity to do" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's ability or potential to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, highlighting its utility in assessing the capabilities of individuals and organizations. While alternatives like "ability to perform" and "potential to achieve" exist, "capacity to do" often implies an untapped or inherent skill. When using this phrase, ensure your claims are supported by evidence and avoid overstating the scope of someone's abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ability to perform

Focuses on the general ability to carry out an action, similar to having the "capacity to do" something.

capability to execute

Emphasizes the potential for carrying out a plan or task effectively, akin to having the "capacity to do" something successfully.

potential to achieve

Highlights the possibility of reaching a specific goal, similar to having the inherent "capacity to do" what is necessary to succeed.

power to accomplish

Indicates having the strength or authority to complete a task, mirroring the "capacity to do" something with influence or force.

resources to undertake

Stresses the availability of necessary materials or support to begin and carry out a project, comparable to having the "capacity to do" it efficiently.

aptitude for handling

Implies a natural talent or skill for managing something, suggesting an innate "capacity to do" it well.

means to implement

Highlights the possession of necessary tools or strategies to put a plan into action, reflecting the "capacity to do" something concretely.

facility for managing

Suggests ease and skill in dealing with something, implying a developed "capacity to do" it effectively.

talent for conducting

Emphasizes a natural gift for leading or managing something, similar to having the inherent "capacity to do" it proficiently.

room to maneuver

Indicates flexibility and scope for action, similar to having the "capacity to do" things creatively and adaptively.

FAQs

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

You can use "capacity to do" to describe someone's ability or potential to perform a certain action. For example, "The organization has the "capacity to do" much more with additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "capacity to do"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "ability to perform", "capability to execute", or "potential to achieve".

Is it more appropriate to use "ability to do" or "capacity to do"?

"Ability to do" generally refers to a current skill or competence, while ""capacity to do"" often implies a potential or inherent capability that may not yet be fully realized.

How does "capacity to do" differ from "potential to do"?

"Potential to do" suggests an unrealized possibility, whereas ""capacity to do"" indicates an existing but possibly untapped ability or resource.